Interviews: WIZARDS OF WIZNAN

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Blackened Sludge Metal band WIZARDS OF WIZNAN from Switzerland. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The name of our band comes from a village in our valley. The latter was totally wiped out by the great Black Death in 1346. We wanted to allude to our region without falling into the cliché and this group name came out during a brainstorming.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all started jamming together on a stoner rock basis. We're all big fans of the style, so logically that's where we started. As we go from one composition to the next, we mix all our influences, as some band members also listen to a lot of metal. So, it's only natural that we're currently trying to blend stoner rock, black metal, sludge metal, post-rock, post-metal, etc.

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

Some of the musicians in the band already knew each other, having worked on various projects together in their youth.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Ludovic (drums): Kyuss

Adrien (guitar): Amenra

Marc (guitar and vocals): Children of Bodom

Kévin (guitar and synth): Dissection

Robin (bass and vocals): System of a Down

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The two main inspirations are our native region and our personal torments. Several of us write the lyrics. Marc is a history buff, so he likes to write about our beautiful region and its tales and legends. Adrien and Robin write about their emotions and what's going on around them.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played on 10.08.2023 at the Cabane de Brunet with Brutus, as part of the PALP Festival Rocklette. It was the most beautiful concert of our lives, perched at 2300m altitude. The Rocklette is a renowned festival, which has seen some of the biggest names in stoner and rock; Stöner, The Black Angels, SLIFT, Kikagaku Moyo, Kadavar, Brant Bjork, 1000Mods, Naxatras, The Young Gods, to name a few. It was an incredible experience.

7. Where would you like to act?

We have a few goals/dreams, like the Roadburn Festival, or the Dunajam. Of course, we're always open to suggestions. We've done concerts in the forest, in the mountains, we like unusual places and prefer intimate, emotionally-charged concerts.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

The great Amenra would be a dream. We also love the Danes from Konvent. Wiegedood would make great concert companions, as would Cult of Luna or Russian Circle.

9. Whom not?

Any band that speaks and promotes hatred of its fellow man.

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

Not really stage fright, but when we have new equipment or a new setup, that's when we ask ourselves a lot of questions before going on stage. The advice I can give you is to rehearse again and again so that all the variables in your power are mastered to perfection.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Amenra, OM, Konvent, Kalmah, Bathory, Children of Bodom, Dissection, MGLA, Gaeara, DVNE, Dopelord, Russian Circle, Oathbreaker, Alcest, etc

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

After an illegal concert organized by some punks, one of the happy guests came to ask us if he could take the candle we use as decoration on our microphone stands. His camper van's battery had failed, it was his last resort to be able to roll his last cigarette before going to bed.

13. What do you think of your fans?

It's the people who keep our concerts alive, who keep the band alive by listening to and buying our music. Without them, the band wouldn't get very far. We're lucky to have loyal friends who follow us everywhere and support us. At every concert, we like to meet our new fans and chat with them - these are precious moments!

14. What do you think of our site?

I didn't know about your site, but after spending several minutes on it, I can't help but like it! The choice of free or paid music, the sorting by country, the sorting by alphabetical order, it's simple and intuitive! I'll definitely be going back to discover new treasures!

15. Something to add?

Thank you for the interview, thanks to Grand Sounds PR and thanks to Gero from Argonauta Records for signing us! Take care.