Halberd Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before? Halberd band was created in July 2012 in St. Petersburg , as a remake of “Brain's Damage” from Omsk, which was participated by guitarist Denis Ivanov. The musical direction was not discussed because from the very beginning it was decided to play Thrash Metal in its most classical manifestations . For rather short period of time the material was written and musicians started to record their debut EP. The recording was completed in January of 2013 , and in March of the same year another track “The time of temptation” was recorded, with another guitarist from the same “Brain's Damage” Ruslan Tebenkov , who is in the band “Metropolis” ( Omsk) at the present moment . For the year of existence the composition of members in the group changed not once , and eventually the right people were found, and now everybody wants to do our common work , and not to stop at what we’ve already achieved. The group took part in many concerts both local and out gigs . At the moment, the musicians prepare new material and plan to record it soon . What would it be , EP or full-length album, it has not been decided yet , but surely something will come ! New records will be more energetic and powerful, but in general, the group will continue to work in the same direction which was chosen initially . Group structure: Denis Ivanov - guitar Vladimir Govoruhin - guitar Dmitry Zubov - bass Roman Bobrov - vocals Albert Chizhov - drums Daria Erastova – Lyrics 2.How would you describe your musical sound? The first album was created in the style of classic thrash metal. That's why you can feel the influence of the early work of Metallica, Slayer and Kreator. The album includes one instrumental composition and four songs about human sins and injustice in our world. Powerful riffs in harmony with melodic solos , give to the listeners the opportunity to imagine that they are in America of the early nineties . Generally the album could attract the attention of both lovers of classic heavy and slam fans during concerts 3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music? There are themes which must be always reminded. Despite the styles which are close to thrash, the theme of songs can vary and there is a possibility that some of us will have radical new ideas. 4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Halberd? The meaning is a double-edged axe (halberd) and it means not wounds and pain but a powerfull tool for destruction of mind walls which block a way to light, life and freedom from our contradiction and fobias. 5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? Our band now becomes getting popular so first concerts were visited by people which were interested in thrash before. Performance in Petrozavodsk was well remembered because of young public who were, by the first glance, not familiar to thrash. Their presense was especially pleasant because it shows an interest to style. 6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? We have plans to attend to metal-festival in Belarus in august so we hope to meet new people who could show us new possibilities for touring. Also we plan travels to Europe next autumn, we hope, with our own concert. 7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of thrash metal? We have just started to bring our music abroad and we wait for awesome results. 8.Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up? Denis Ivanov has another project called “Kronwerk” who position themselves as Russian Crossover Kill Machine. 9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases? We will save an atmosphere of 80-s with sound but themes of songs will yell about another problems which can't be ignored. 10.What are some bands or musical styles

that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? All of us are insane from Big Four, Teutonic Three and, of course, Pantera. These bands are a basis and a target which inspires us. 11.Outside of music what are some of your interests? Playing and listening to music are our only interests. We inspire from other bands songs to create our. 12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview? All are welcome at our concerts, also you can buy our EP "Ruthless game" athttp://metalscraprecords.com   . And listen to to metal!!!