EMQs with BLOOD OF ANGELS
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Tampa, Florida based Extreme Metal band, Blood of Angels. Huge thanks to guitarist, Aaron Robinson, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Aaron Robinson, I am the guitarist for Blood of Angels. I formed the band in October of 2015. Our debut EP, entitled “Rise of the Fallen Gods”, did well and won a few awards.
How did you come up with your band name?
Blood of Angels was a name that I had in mind for a couple of years before I formed the band. The name really suits us. As far as a business sense, it’s a name that works with metal music that does not pigeonhole us into a single sub-genre. It is easy to remember. From a personal side, we are a band that does not subscribe to any form of organized religion. Since most religions have this mythological idea of angels, spilling of their blood is a metaphorical statement to abandon organized faiths.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from Tampa, Florida USA. Our Tampa metal scene is resurging. You can see the building blocks being put back into place. We have a great studio in town that loves punk and metal music. The venues that started in the 80’s, that are still around, are getting great attendance for the scene. It is fantastic to see the Tampa metal scene make a comeback.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We released our debut EP “Rise of the Fallen Gods” in 2017. We’ve recently completed our new album “Failure of Faith.” We hope to have a release date soon.
Who have been your greatest influences?
We are influenced by Slayer, Cradle of Filth, System of a Down, and Dark Tranquillity.
What first got you into music?
My dad was a fan of the early metal bands. Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Blue Oyster Cult, among others. Listening to heavy rock was something we bonded on. When I was ten my dad picked up the Ozzy Osbourne “Randy Rhodes Tribute Album.” I became obsessed with that album. I just fell in love with Randy’s guitar playing. I wanted to be able to do it as well.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
They are really is not one musician that I would love to collaborate over any other. I am always open to create new songs with different artists. Recently we did a collaboration with hip-hop artist Amiss Omega. We did a killer track with hip-hop blended with black metal influenced riffs and drums.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken Festival for sure. That is the grand-daddy of all metal festivals!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing weird, I got some cool friendship bracelets. Also, a Viking style drinking horn.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
We cannot wait to get on the road and see everyone. Hopefully, our tour with Laang in August will be able to go on.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
That is a tough question. Besides Randy Rhodes, probably Jim Morrison. He really understood philosophy and I am sure the conversations we would have would be transformative. I would be interested in what he would say about the current situation.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love connecting with people who love music as much as we do. I do not like having to buy-on to tours and festivals.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
As I stated in my last answer. I do not like having to buy-on to tours and festivals. I do not see the reason behind charging bands $2,500 to play a festival.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Dark Tranquillity – “Where Death Is Most Alive.”
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Since I am a 90’s kid, I really love the polished sound of CD’s.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
The Tampa Death Fest last October. It had an awesome and very receptive crowd. We had a great show.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I would have pursued a career in academia. I would have done research and published books on ancient societies.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Kerry King, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Daniel Tosh, Steve Harris, and Johnny Depp. It would be one eclectic dinner party.
What’s next for the band?
To release our new album “Failure of Faith” and tour as much as possible.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
www.bloodofangels.net
www.facebook.com/bloodofangels1
www.twitter.com/bloodofangels1
www.instagram.com/bloodofangels
www.youtube.com/bloodofangels
www.numberonemusic.com/bloodofangels
www.reverbnation.com/bloodofangels1
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Both, it’s hard to decide!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with your audience. We hope to see everyone as soon as Covid-19 passes.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.