1. Helo DEAFHEAVEN, how are you? What are DEAFHEAVEN working on right now?

Doing well. Currently home from our first full US tour that we did with KEN Mode, tinkering with new song ideas, and making plans for future touring.

2. How did this project started and how did you guys formed as a band?

DEAFHEAVEN started as a project between our guitar player Kerry and myself. After being asked to play shows, we formed a full band which went on to write „Roads to Judah“, our newest album.

3. “Roads to Judah” is out and I think you can be proud of this very fresh record full of ideas. Are you satisfied with “Roads to Judah”? How and where were you recording it? If you could change something on it, what will it be?

Thank you, and yes, I am satisfied with it. I don't think I'd change anything on it. It sounds like a memory now. How we were a band in our infancy, how we developed from that, etc. It was very exciting. It reminds me of that excitement.

4. How did you compose material for this album? What is your typical creation process? Were you always been composing like this? What about early works, when you were just two.

Generally, someone will come up with a couple riffs to which we'll practice drums to, and create the skeleton of the song. From there, we start incorporating all the lapping melodies, bass lines, etc, and then the vocal rhythms are last. When it was just me and Kerry, he would write the riffs and from there, we'd both come up with the drum patterns and arrangements. Though, most of the music handling was done by him.

5. What is behind the lyrical concept of “Roads to Judah”?

„Roads to Judah“ is a compilation of thought, arranged not in singular topics, but in overall emotions. Reflections of things that troubled me during the time they were written. Mostly dealing with nostalgia, regret, loss, and addiction.

6. “Roads to Judah“ is quite diverse in comparison with your previous work - “Demo”. Could you compare these two records?

„Roads to Judah“ is bigger. We took certain aspects from the demo that we enjoyed and expanded on them. Having a full band definitely influenced the material in a major way too, as everyone came to the table with different influences and backgrounds.

7. As far as I know, Deathwish isn’t very a black metal label. They’re more into hardcore/punk and similar stuff. How did you impress them and how did your cooperation with Deathwish begin? Are you satisfied with this cooperation?

Though Deathwish is primarily a hardcore/punk record label, those who run it are very open minded musically. They picked up the demo and seemed to have enjoyed it. From there, everything has been working out well. They're great to work with and have been nothing, but supportive.


8. When I first saw photos of you guys, my first thoughts was something like, that this band is surely playing some Smith’s covers, or stuff like that. :) Are your roots more in hardcore/punk scene, or more in metal?

We come from various backgrounds. Some of us grew up listening to early hardcore and skate punk, others metal. We all have an appreciation for a variety of music and that's what's important.

9. Honestly, you don’t look very “black metal”, like typical “true” black metal bands. You know, corpsepaint, spikes, and stuff. What is your opinion about black metal “before” and black metal “now”? What do you think about american “new wave” and bands like Krallice, Liturgy, Wolves in the Throne Room or any other similar band you personally prefer? Would you even categorize you, or above mentioned bands as black metal?

I think black metal is ever evolving and I enjoy the classic style as well as the different directions its been taking in recent years. I'll never understand people who can't appreciate innovation when it's done in an interesting, honest way.

10. What do you like the most, about playing in DEAFHEAVEN? Live shows, or studio works? Basement concerts, or bigger podium?

Basement shows are what I thrive on. Small, intimate settings will always win me over in a live setting. However, I love the writing/recording aspect of DEAFHEAVEN the most. The idea of creation and the challenge of trying to out-do yourself. I can't wait to start writing the new record.

11. Thanks for your time and best wishes. If you would like to say anything, you can say it here.

Thank you for this interview and to those who took the time to read it or appreciate what we're doing. Take care.