-Greetings, this is Luka, the vocalist of Khazaddum. These days, we're just busy finishing up the writing process on our first full length album. We are also playing some one off shows here and there and just enjoying the creative process.
2.In November you released your first ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
-In Dwarven Halls was a good glimpse into what is in the works for Khazaddum. But it's hard to convey exactly what we're trying to do in just three tracks. That being said we're quite proud of it. I would describe the EP's sound as death metal that utilizes heavy brutal riffing, alternating between fast shredding and slower grinding parts. We also incorporate melodies that lend an epic feeling to parts. This is accentuated by thundering double bass, blast beats, and sweeping solos, as well as mid-late 90's era style death growls and high pitched shrieks vocally.
3.The band name and lyrics come from the writings of Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his writings and also are there any other authors that you have an interest in?
-Khazad-dum was the Dwarven underground city beneath the Misty Mountains later called Moria. J.R.R. Tolkien's works has been a very fundamental influence on me personally since my earliest memories. From the 1978 Lord of the Rings Ralph Bakshi film that I loved as a youngster, to my Middle Earth bed time stories, I was hooked from the very beginning. Growing up, this universe was very formative to my appreciation of fantasy and mythology. To this day, I find myself often going back to these inexhaustible texts. I have dabbled in other fantasy a bit, but I find that it lacks the complexity and richness that I'm accustom to with Tolkien. There are many authors that that I enjoy, but honestly very few other works of fantasy interest me. I do on the other like lots of non fiction works. Khazaddum will always be about the world of middle earth.
4.The band is from Wisconsin, how would you describe the modern extreme metal scene out there?
-Milwaukee used to be a pillar in the world as far as extreme metal goes. At one point during it's heyday and during the infamous era of the Jack Koshick Milwaukee Metal Fest, we were all spoiled by the bands we got to see here every year. There was also a well celebrated local scene at the time. This was a long time ago in a galaxy far away. That being said, there are some bands still holding down the fort and making relevant quality music in Milwaukee and the surrounding area. As well as a couple promoters that are doing their best to draw good bands and tours to this market.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
-Well, Khazaddum was first conceptualized as a recording project, In 2014 we wrote and recorded In Dwarven Halls. It is only in 2015 that we decided to be a live band, start jamming, and release the EP. Our first show was in Milwaukee in Feb 2016, we've also played since in Chicago. So we are quite new to playing out. I believe our stage performance is good. We're intense and focused on delivering the best performance we can.
6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
-We have several one off shows that we are scheduled to play in the immediate future. We'll be opening up for Desaster, the iconic German black thrash band on their only Midwest show. We're honored to open up for this band here in Milwaukee on May 26th, one of only four dates in the U.S.. There's also a show we're doing with a band that I've worshiped since my teens that I am not at liberty to divulge yet, but I assure you, it will be immense. A couple of other gigs are also scheduled. After finishing the writing process, and then recording, we're hoping to do some touring in early 2017.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
-We would certainly welcome label support. We'll be shopping the full length to labels. So far, the reaction to the EP and press has been very positive. So we'll see what the future brings.
8.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
-Actually the only person who's currently playing in an active band other than Khazaddum is Pete our drummer. His band Burial Ritual released a killer death metal record in August of 2015 called Genocidal Theory.
9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
-We'll be recording in late fall / early summer. Then we'll see what the best course of action is for it's release. Musically the sky is the limit the way I see it. This worlds allows for an inexhaustible number of themes and stories. But one can expect to always hear our signiture melding of brutality and melody.
10.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?
-Sonically and stylistically we're influenced by bands like Nile, Behemoth and Morbid Angel. 2015 albums that I personally thought were some of the strongest were Nechochwen - Heart Of Akamon / Perdition Temple - The Tempter's Victorious / Nile - What Should Not Be Unearthed / Batushka - Litourgiya / FIN - The Furrows of Tradition / and Sulphur Aeon's - Gateway To The Antisphere... amongst others.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
-I have a wide range of interests other than music. Art and drawing being chief among them. My brother, Kosta Djordjevic who does most of Khazaddum's art has always been a great artist and sparked my interest in this medium at an early age. We collaborate on the art work for this band. Other than that, history, films, philosophy, and mythology are all things that I am passionate about.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
-We are almost done writing a full length, and if you liked our EP, In Dwarven Halls, you ain't seen nothing yet. The writings of J.R.R. Tolkien are so massive and comprehensive that no matter how hard we try, we can never run out of material to inspire us. This new album will paint a much larger picture and express more of our musical vision. We're just getting started, and very excited to share our music with the world.
Thank you for your interest, and hails from Dwarven Halls!
http://khazaddumband.bandcamp.com/
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