Interviews: Shield Of Wings

We have had the opportunity to interview the Epic Symphonic Metal band Shield Of Wings from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

It is hard to remember the details of the decision, though long before our hiatus, in the origin year of the band 16 years ago, the name was chosen. It may have been a title consideration for an instrumental song that was being written.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Personally, I had a strong attraction to film music I heard as a young kid in the mid 90s. Scores from films such as The Lion King, Braveheart, Titanic, and The Rock, knowing nothing of their composers - James Horner and Hans Zimmer. After a couple years of exposure to metal and an internet connection in my teen years, I stumbled across Nightwish's Dark Chest of Wonders soon after the release of ‘Once’. I fell into infatuation and intrigue by this balanced blend of metal and orchestra and soon hunted the album down at a local Borders Bookstore to purchase my own copy. Around that time I also discovered a number of other bands at the time like Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar, Blind Guardian, and Children of Bodom to light the path at the start of my songwriting journey.

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

I knew the original keyboard player a few years before proposing a metal musical project. As for finding a third member (our current drummer Patrick Eulitz), he was a reference from an acquaintance in the local music scene. We spoke for thirty minutes on the phone before setting up a musical date to meet and jam. The other three members, Lara (lead vocals), Aliyah (keyboard/vocals), and Alex (bass) are all new members to our “post hiatus” rebirth.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

All time favorites:

Lara - Opeth

Alex - Opeth & The Eagles

Aliyah - Kamelot

Patrick - Fleshgod Apocalypse

James - Nightwish

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Over the last 10 years, the music of the band is mostly inspired by personal exploration and the path tred through everyday life. From various trials to sorting out my past present and future, there has thankfully been some healthy growth over the years and much inspiration to write of.

6. Where was your last gig?

A long time ago, prior to the band's hiatus. I believe it was at The Cobra Lounge in Chicago, 2012.

7. Where would you like to act?

Perhaps, Metal Days in Tolmin, Slovenia, or 70000 tons of metal.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Sonata Arctica or Kamelot would be great bands to listen to every night on a tour. 

9. Whom not?

We would be happy to perform with any metal lineup that would welcome us!

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

While I’m sure most of us have had stage fright, I will speak for myself. Yes, I usually do. There are always some nerves and anxiety before performing. Usually one minute into the first song I am able to start enjoying myself though. Well, since it's not something I have completely conquered I can just share what I have tried. Try to control your breathing and adjust your perspective if you are stuck inside of your own head. If you are in a band, remember you are not facing the audience alone, so all the eyes will not just be on you.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Children of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Equilibrium, Epica, Eluveitie, and Rotting Christ to name a few off the top of my head.

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

Probably to hold my hair in a photo, but I suppose that is not so strange.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Well, I am surprised to see the fans who have followed us from our only musical release (Solarium 11 years ago.) After all this time, I am immensely thankful for the few people out there who still care about the band and look forward to this upcoming album release.

14. What do you think of our site?

I appreciate what you are doing for underground metal bands.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for reading! Be sure to give our album a listen upon its release February 11th, 2022. www.shieldofwings.com