Interviews: Lords Of Ruin

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Alternative Metal band Lords Of Ruin from the UK. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The name doesn’t have any deep sort of meaning behind it, we just thought it sounded pretty cool. We considered ‘’Kings Of Ruin’’ as a passing thought but ‘’Lords Of Ruin’’ just seemed to have a better ring to it. Another consideration was ‘’Against The Empire,’’ but it sounded a bit too political and angsty. We tend not to portray any kind of political themes or influence since we don’t want it to become a barrier to enjoying our music. There are some bands that have that, and that’s okay, it’s just not a part of our identity.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We just started writing music that came naturally to us and the result is a band that has elements of all our different inspirations. We aren’t even exactly sure what genre we are since we have quite varied songs. What’s good is we can tailor our live shows to suit the event we’re playing. Sometimes it’s all our heavier stuff, other times some softer songs take the limelight.

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

Some of us did, some of us didn’t. Most of us have been in bands before and were “on the scene” for a few years so it was sort of like a network where one person knew the next person, and then they knew another person, and so on. I suppose that’s how most bands are formed.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Stones: Dire Straits! I grew up listening to them because of my Dad, he’d play them non-stop and they just grew on me. Mark Knopfler is the reason I wanted to learn guitar. I still listen to them every day on my commute to and from work, I don't think I’d ever get bored of them.

Steveo: Blink 182, or most things American emo pop punk. It was among the main reasons I pursued drums…. And wanting to lug a shit ton of gear around! 

Liam: My tastes tend to change over time, but for the past few years it’s been Monuments. When I discovered them it was unlike anything I’d heard before and it opened up a whole new world of music.

Kev: Testament for me. Everyone goes on about the big 4 of thrash, but I think Testament just has something extra. I love Skolnick as a player - he’s a big inspiration for me. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Initially, it was all of our favorite bands and artists who inspired us to learn instruments and form bands in the first place. These days we are probably more inspired by our peers and other bands on the circuit who we see growing bigger and bigger every day. To see them working at their craft and reaping the benefits gives us motivation to do the same.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was RockWich festival in Northwich back in August. It was an event we had been wanting to play for a while and this year we finally got to. It certainly didn’t disappoint. It was in a great location and the staff were very informative and looked after us. The crowd was incredible and I think we earned a few new fans as well.

7. Where would you like to play?

Either Bloodstock, or Download, or Bloodstock or Download but probably Download or Bloodstock.

8. Who would you like to support?

Deadflight, Until 9, South of Salem

9. Who not?

Haha, errrm, I don’t think we’ve got any names to drop, but maybe bands that like to hide and keep themselves to their dressing rooms, or anyone with big ego’s.

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

Stones definitely suffered at the beginning, he was so bad at our debut show he couldn’t even play his guitar because his hands were shaking so much. I think the way around that was just to get up and do it again and again until it became second nature.

Steveo: of course, but I can hide behind a drum kit, which helps.

As far as advice goes, everybody behaves differently, but firstly have a beer or two before show time to calm the nerves, but not too many. Understand that mistakes are inevitable, no matter how much you practice they can and will happen, whether it’s hitting a wrong note or gear malfunctioning. The important thing is how you bounce back from it, so be sure to know your songs and your gear inside out.

Remember, if you do mess up a part of a song: 80% of the crowd won’t notice, 15% will notice, but not care, and the final 5% will notice and care about it, but they aren’t people you want to interact with anyway. If people want a note-perfect rendition of songs they would listen to the recording. If they’ve come to watch you, they’ve come to WATCH you, so loosen up a bit and just have fun.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Steveo: Gojira, Tool, Machine Head, all fierce drummers who are leagues above most, but keep us on my toes know. She Burns Red, South of Salem. To see them improve year on year is incredible. They’re going to be huge

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

Steve-O: My sweaty shirt after a gig… ask and you shall receive!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are the best - we couldn’t ask for better. They’re so passionate and they inspire us to improve. They’re all so keen to support us by traveling to see us and buying every piece of merch we have.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s great. Very extensive. I had no idea there were so many genres of metal. I’ll have to check out some Narnia metal sometime.

15. Something to add?

Thanks for taking the time to check us out. And thanks to your readers and viewers. Be sure to follow Lords of Ruin on the socials! https://www.facebook.com/LordsOfRuinUK