Metal Roots

Apocalypse Orchestra, the medieval folk metal band from Sweden, brings a unique sound to the metal music scene. Blending traditional medieval instruments with modern ones, their music offers a fresh narrative with a historical side - reminding of the bards and troubadours of old - and contributing to the cultural heritage as a form of sustainability. In this interview, I spoke with Erik about the meanings of the band's name, their storytelling approach, sustainability challenges when touring, the nature's importance, for "we are from nature, so nature resonates with us", and much more.

Eldamar, the project Mathias Hemmingby created when inspired by Tolkien's works, is a living testament to the softer side of black metal that honors natural environment in its multiple forms, it's music being both an escape and a connection to nature.

In this interview, we touch on the origins of Eldamar, its evolution, and the meaningful role the music plays in rising awareness about the environmental themes, as "music could help to remember the nature".

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Metal music has a force of rebellion that often questions authority, and Crumble completely adheres to this. As "our planet can't hold on with our current way of life", their debut album, We Will Crumble the System, that comes as a reaction to a world that sits on the edge, is a shout against political system and societal decay.

I spoke with the band about music as a tool for change, the role of lyrics in modern metal, and the band's vision for the future. Let’s dive into the music, resistance, and honesty behind Crumble, one of the boldest voices in Cluj-Napoca’s metal underground.

Hailing from the Bükk Mountains in Northern Hungary, Frost shows an introspective direction in the black metal scene, blending atmospheric sounds with profound explorations of our nature, mysticism, and the darker sides of humanity.

This time, we explore Frost’s creative process, the inspiration behind their lyrics, and their deep connection to nature. From tales of inspiring forests to reflections on humanity’s broken relationship with the Earth, Frost’s story resonates with the themes of the Metal Roots project, specifically the metal music’s connection to nature.

Failed Star, from Germany’s Rhein-Main region, "tired of just watching the world burn", share a powerful message by merging melodic metalcore with sustainability. From their lyrics with environmental themes to their fair-trade merch and eco-conscious initiatives, the band challenges the status quo, using music to confront humanity’s role in environmental destruction.

In this interview, shouter and lyricist Moe shares how Failed Star uses their music to inspire change, proving that metal can be a force for ecological awareness and action.