Eternal Voyager has gone through a several line-up changes over the span of their music careers. But after releasing their debut album, with a follow-up album in progress currently, this band plans to move forward, doing what they love by creating music and playing shows, touring, doing whatever it takes. They will make it through, and that is how guitarist Brian Blake discloses, the matters in question, about the band's form, namesake, plans with music, and the future too.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Brian: Well it's a bit complicated, but we have had several line up changes throughout the bands history too many to go through. In terms of our history, we started in 2003 or 2004 , I guess that's when I started to call the band Eternal Voyager. But the music goes back to around 97/98. I always wanted to do a power metal band, and take it more towards what was going on sound wise in Europe's metal scene. We as I have said had to struggle with finding the right people, but this last line up stuck around long enough to make our new album which is much more the direction I intended to take it musically. There's alot more to the story but that's the gist of things.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Brian: I struggled to find a name I liked and that fit the band. I finally came up with Eternal Voyager, and it has sort of a double meaning. The Eternal part means never giving up and always moving forward, in the music and in life. The Voyager part represents the journey that we all face. The name basically means an ever moving musical journey always staying true to your music and who you are, but still rising to new goals and pushing the boundaries of your craft. It also has a concept and story behind the character on the covers, as well as an entire back story. Which is a lot to get into.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Brian: We are currently based out of the twin cities area in Minnesota. Our music scene has had its ups and downs here. It's not the strongest but, and we are a minority in this style of metal, but overall there are a few good bands left here. We have bands such as Malice, Hollowstone, Impaler, and right now there seems to be a few new bands popping up that seem promising. We also have some good tribute bands, but over all its been tough for bands to get a good break here, it's not an easy scene. You sort of have to just try to survive.
4. How would you describe your style?
Brian: I consider us heavy power metal, for the most part but there's a lot of different influences that creep in. Some folk elements and thrash. We have our own style, but we are very close to a mix of Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, and Hammerfall.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Brian: We had a couple of demos in the beginning and then in 2014 we released our debut album "The Battle of Eternity". We are now releasing our new 2nd album "Darkened Times", which is just about done and ready for mixing. It's a step forward as far as sound and production for sure, as it's a bit more evolved but still has the classic Voyager sound.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?Brian: As I said in the previous question, the new album "Darkened Times", will be out before the end of the fall. We plan for some music videos as well.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Brian: We were very busy last year and played a lot of shows but we took most of the summer off to finish the album, as its taken longer than we anticipated. But we have two festivals coming up, one with the classic 80's band Thor, on their current U.S. tour and then we play a festival called Sword Metal Fest in November. So for now that about it until the album is released.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Brian : Right now we have been auditioning some new members, which I will not disclose who they are at the moment, but I can tell you it will be good. No present/past members have made any public statements, but as always we will move on. As I said before, right now our focus is on getting this album out and and keeping our current live plans and seeing what is to come.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Brian: We have our first album available for purchase as well as merchandise at out website www.eternalvoyager.com and you can also listen to us on Spotify and YouTube. We have a ton of live videos up on YouTube so feel free to check that out as well.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Brian: Well, first off that the first album is not our best and to wait for the new one, ha ha. No but we want the listener to make their own interpretation of the songs and story behind the music. But I'd say to keep in mind it's raw true heavy metal and that we will always move forward, and progress, but keep our style and not disappoint our fans. We believe in who we are and always will. I thank you for your time and making this interview happen. Metal on voyagers!
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