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1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Being our debut album, I would assume we fall into the "never heard of before" category for most! Haha. Drunkelweizen is what we are proud to call "Drunken Folk Metal" and is a blend of metal styles along with classical and folk influences. The name itself was brewed from an inside joke between founding members/life long friends, and our love of beer.
2.You have an album coming out in September, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
We were really inspired by some of the pioneers of folk metal such as Korpiklaani, Trollfest, and Ensiferum, to name only a few, that made us want to play a similar style of music. However, we also wanted to incorporate our backgrounds being classically trained to our black/death metal roots. We really wanted to blend havey metal with big orchestral arrangements, and varying vocal styles to ensure each track stands apart while being cohesive as an album.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
Our debut album is an ode to those in history whose life was ever entwined with the godly nectar, alcohol. From legendary poet to notorious outlaw turned folk hero, spectacular miracles or a death that coined an unfortunate phrase, these songs are an homage to the legacy they brewed. Our opening songs tell the tale of such individuals throughout history, whereas the final songs are offered in tribute to those we did not recount, and fueled by their memory and more than a few drinks of our own.
4.I know that the bands name is related to alcohol, can you tell us a little bit more about the types of alcohol the band members consume?
We are primarily beer connoisseurs, however we appreciate most forms of alcohol. Except for gin. Never gin. Here in Portland Oregon we have quite a few craft breweries offering up a wide selection from hefeweizens (though we are partial for the true German imports), IPAs, or barrel aged stouts. Honorable mention goes out to mead and bourbon!
5.Can you tell us a little bit about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Similar to our music, the artwork is a bit out of the norm for your standard metal album. It depicts our Beer Guarding Gnome - who as you would guess, guards our beer - on his own voyage through the ages as a Pioneer of Alcohol.
6.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?
Drunkelweizen has yet to hit the stage but are open to the possibilities. Currently, we would love to find potential members for live violin, brass, woodwinds, or other unique/interesting instruments we could incorporate with our music both live and on future releases.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Thus far we are enjoying drinking some beers and making whatever we feel like musically. If an opportunity came around, we would certainly be interested in the possibilities.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of folk metal?
Folk metal is interesting here in the states, as it isn't quite as common for the general metal population. For an older folk metal project of ours, it wasn't uncommon for new fans to think we were from some far distant land. As for Drunkelweizen and on a worldwide level, we are still waiting to see how exactly it is received. Here's to hoping listeners will lift up a glass for a toast with us!
9.Do any of the band members have experience playing in other bands or groups?
All the current members have played both together and with other projects in the past. I would say the more interesting tale would be for our upright bassist who is also part of a bagpipe ensemble. I hope to never be in the room while they are performing, but kudos to them and any that endure it.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We are already digging into our sophomore album and want to continue to feature a variety of various metal styles. Some tracks will be the heaviest to date, while others will have even more melodic and orchestral elements. Lyrically we will be venturing into a wide variety of topics where nothing is off limits.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
All forms of metal from black, death, folk, power, and every conceivable sub-genre that exists these days. Between members, there likely isn't a style of music (non-metal) that at least one of us listens to, and we hope to find ways to tie it to our music in future releases.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We have an initial teaser track (Pioneers of Alcohol Medley) live now on most streaming platforms and will be releasing photos, lyrics, songs, and more info as we near the debut album release. We would like to lift our steins to you and your readers for the time and hope everyone enjoys the music! Cheers!
Cheers!
Chris (Lead vocals/guitar for Drunkelweizen)
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https://drunkelweizen.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/62dZbLDdYy8BYzktXD27E1
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