Interviews: BLACK HELLEBORE

This is a new interview with the Symphonic Metal/Electronic Metal band BLACK HELLEBORE from France. Check out the interview and follow the band on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

We wanted a name that sounds both poetic and dark. When we came across this black flower, it immediately caught our attention. A black flower is not common! We learned that the hellebore, despite its fragile appearance, only grows in extreme conditions (namely winter). Moreover, it exists in black but also in white. We like this duality very much, we think it reflects well the band, its music, and the messages it wants to convey.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Wow, that goes way back... Anthony (Osché, guitarist and music composer) started listening to metal and playing metal at a very young age, so for him it was always a given. Jelly (Cardarelli, drummer and sound engineer) officiates of long time in metal formations (ex-Adagio member, current Disconnected member). As for me, I fell into metal when I was 18 years old. When I discovered this genre, it was a revelation! I knew immediately that this is what I had to do.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, we have been working together for a little while now. In fact, I had already released a solo track with Jelly in 2018 (Invidia). When we started working on this album project with him, Anthony and Stephan Forté, it was going to be my first solo album. As we worked together, we decided to turn this solo project into a band project. That's how Black Hellebore was officially born a little less than a year ago now.

4. Each band member favourite band?

To name only one is impossible! For me, it would be Metallica, Guns n' Roses, Bring Me the Horizon and Arch Enemy. Anthony is a big fan of instrumental guitar and progressive metal, so for him it's Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Dream Theatre and Symphony X. Jelly on the other hand is a long time Iron Maiden fan, although his favorite metal style is progressive metal, along with bands like Dream Theater.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everyday life. Or more precisely, the difficult moments of life, which one cannot easily express oneself in everyday life. In this case, several songs talk about bullying or mental health issues such as depression. I think it's important to express yourself on all these "taboo" subjects. I hope it can help people who suffer from similar situations and give them courage!

6. Where was your last gig?

With this band, nowhere (laughs)! It was founded so recently and unexpectedly! But that's our next step, we are actively working on preparing our live show!

7. Where would you like to act?

Well, if we allow ourselves to dream a little (considering the youth of the band): the big European metal festivals like Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Download, Graspop... these would be nice goals!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Once again, allowing myself to dream: definitely Bring Me the Horizon! These guys are mind-blowing, they always seem to be one or two decades ahead of everyone else with their music!

9. Whom not?

Mmh, that's a good question that I don't have an answer for...

10. Have Any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I think having stage fright before going on stage is a normal thing, and I think it's even necessary to have the right energy on stage. But at no time did it handicap me, nor my band mates. I always wanted to do this and it’s on stage that I feel the best! As an advice, I would say that the most important thing is to master your instrument and your repertoire thoroughly. From there, it's much easier to let go and to have confidence.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Wow, that's a tough question! We have so many diverse influences! Hence the mix of styles on the album...

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I can't think of anything in particular... You'd have to ask Jelly, maybe with his other bands he's already encountered some weird situations, I don’t know (laugh)!

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are great! We are a very young band, so every single fan means the world to us! We have a small community of hard-core fans who have been with us since the beginning, they are very supportive and caring! We are very grateful to have fans like them!

14. What do you think of our site?

It's great! I especially appreciate the menu you have explicitly developed to highlight new groups! It's so hard to get exposure as newbies, this is a really great initiative!

15. Something to add?

We would like to sincerely thank all the people who have already taken the time to discover our art! We are grateful for all the positive feedback we get! It's hard to be seen when you're just starting out, so if you (the fans or anyone else who appreciates what we do) want to help us: please share as much as you can, stream our songs, and feel free to buy a CD! Every support counts, even if it seems small! Finally, a big thank you to you for this interview, and to Zach from Metal Devastation!