We've been staying busy playing shows in the South. Including different areas of FL, GA, SC, NC, and TN. I've also started to arrange some new parts of songs. I don't want to waste any time writing new material. Time goes by so quickly and we are full of new ideas.
2.You have a new album coming out in early 2018, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
"Grotesque offerings" is a much darker feel to it. The songs are slower in feel. We still have the Death Metal elements of course, but we wanted to capture a certain mood about this record.
The songs all intertwine with each other to create this heavy dark mood. The lyrics, vocals, guitars solos, the drum style just works for us. The 'Druid Death Cult" and "Baron Blood" ep's were along those same lines we just continued that feel. Our first album and and split EP had more Death Metal elements and more different tempos. I think for me personally this album flows better that our first album.
3.This is your first album since 2013, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
We just had to reorganize. We wrote a few songs but then our previous drummer Stephen left the band. That's when our current drummer Elden Santos joined in. At this point we started writing the 2nd half of the album. Then our second guitar player Ben left the band for almost a year and Chris Wicklien from Killing Addiction (FL) joined us. Ben did return to DL, but all this was an adjustment period. We still played some great gigs during all these changes. We also took time to record 'Grotesque Offerings', and have had it mixed and mastered by Mikko Saastamoinen in Finland.
4.A lot of the lyrics on the new album are inspired by horror movies and the occult, which movies and forms of occultism do you cover in your song writing?
It's no secret that we enjoy 'B' horror and occult movies and books. Anything about witches, vampires, gothic castles, infamous madmen, and just the dark side of life. The lyrics and music must work together to create a feeling of dread. Paul Naschy's inquisition inspired our song "Last Drop of Blood". We take inspiration from Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci and Edgar Allen Poe (loosely). One of our tracks was also inspired by Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I also listen to a lot of horror soundtrack music for inspiration.
5.I know that the bands name comes from Celtic Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
We are fascinated with the Druids and how they played a part in Celtic history. They were thought of as priests, poets, philosophers, and in folklore many were thought of as magicians or alchemists. I always felt that the Druids were connected with the forces of nature and the world around them. The believed in the powers they invoked into their everyday lives. They celebrated Samhain during the harvest (I’m a huge Halloween freak). So it made sense to bring those ideas into the band.
6.Some of the band members have been playing extreme metal since the mid 80's to early 90's, what is it that motivates you to keep going after all f these decades?
It's the passion for playing heavy music. That stays with us. I'm not satisfied playing any traditional rock at this point. Some of us have been with some other bands that did quite well in the 90's. We still enjoy the whole process of writing music, recording, and most importantly playing for our fans. Most importantly we enjoy what we do. I've always stated if it's not enjoyable anymore then don't do it. I still get that 'high' feeling when I see our final product of our latest album. Doesn't matter if it's a CD, Tape, of LP. These are things that will be around forever. Like I mentioned playing live is also a huge part of the process. Putting all your energy and focus on stage to create a live show that people will remember.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We use a few stage props. Skulls, candles, fog, tombstones..etc. We play loud and our tone must be on point. We create this big/heavy atmosphere. We as guitar players use a variety of guitar pedals to create certain moods of the songs. Some of our most memorable shows were the Day of Death 2 in New York and Swarmfest in Tampa, FL. Playing with bands like Deceased (at that fest mentioned), Acheron (mine and Tony's previous band), Massacre, Obituary (multiple shows), Noctunus AD, Cough, Hollow Leg, Olde Growth, Killing Addiction. we just played with The Obsessed. Getting to meet WINO was fucking awesome! Honestly we've played with so many killer bands it's hard to remember.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We are in those stages right now. Making contacts for a US tour in 2018. I'm also trying to find promoters who'll bring us over to Europe. That's a must for us. It's all about the right people hearing our music and giving us those opportunities.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?
We've been very fortunate to have so many old and new fans. This latest album has really brought us to new levels. The reviews of "Grotesque Offerings" have been great (that I've seen so far). Druid Lord is very pleased we worked out a deal with Hells Headbangers so more people have the opportunity to hear our music.
10.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
I myself am not. I have a few things that are a possibility but nothing definite. I like to keep my focus with Druid Lord. Tony keeps busy with running his Blakk Magic studios. Elden our drummer also plays live with an Iron Maiden and Slayer tribute band.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Keep recording and playing live. I'm already putting together ideas for a new record. Play gigs in cities we've never played. New year, new goals and objectives for the band.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Bands that have always influenced me were Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Possessed, Cirith Ungol, Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Necrovore, and 70's electronic styles like Klaus Schultze. As far as new releases I enjoyed the latest Krypts, Blood Incantation, Phrenelith, Void Meditation Cult, Acid Witch, Hooded Menace, Cultes Des Ghoules, Spectral Voice, and Desolate Shrine albums. It's good to keep up with new bands in the scene. There are so many generic bands out there,but then there are those few that just create their own feeling and sound.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
Collecting and selling rock and roll memorabilia. I have a big collection of 70's/80's rock and metal. Things like posters, magazines, tour books, shirts. Spending time doing outdoor things such as hiking and kayaking. I hate being confined inside all the time so i do as much outside activities as I can.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Hails Doomed To Darkness Zine!!! Thanks for the interview. Keep an eye out for our new CD, LP, and Tapes on all formats available late Jan on Hell Headbangers. Druid Lord is spreading our Doom and Gloom to new areas!. Check our www.druidlord.com for our latest merch. We still have left over 2017 shirts. Cheers
Pete
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