Interviews: Silius

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal band Silius from Austria. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Martl: First of all thank you for having us for this interview we really appreciate it and your support :) We were sitting together and thinking about a band name for weeks. Ideas like "Redemption", "incident" and some shit came out. Till Haui came with "Silius". It has no meaning, it's just a name and sounded cool, so a friend drew the Logo for us, and we loved it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Benji: Drawing our inspiration from the 80 s and 90 Old School Thrash (Exodus, Slayer, Testament, etc)– especially from the Bay Area and the Groove Metal Scene (Pantera, Sepultura, Machine Head, etc) the focus of Silius is primarily on preserving this tradition. In times of polished fake mainstream metal culture that wants to please the music industry and masses, the decision for each of us to choose a different way was quite easy Each member’s approach to hard music and especially each member’s musical roots are deeply close connected with the THRASH metal genre. Moreover the technical diversity, the straight-into-your-face attitude, the speed, aggression, and the inherent groove, that is an inherent part of the THRASH genre are the untamable elements that give us the motivating force to realize ourselves in that subgenre- no compromise – no limits- no regrets!

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

Benji: I met Haui and Martl ‘bout 10 years ago when we played a show with my former StonerGroove band TDR. As far as I can remember (laughing) We were hanging out in front of the venue, talking about music in general and about each member's inspiration. I can remember I was the guy offering them a joint or whatever (laughing) and from this day on an invisible strong bond was founded. From the beginning, I knew: “These guys have the heart in the right place and we’re sharing the same attitude and passion. During and After Covid I got a chance to have a music collaboration with Haui...We did Pantera’s Becoming...and from that point on things became more and more concrete. A few months later I was asked to join Silius and it was the best decision I've ever made. I've never met Zolli before although we know exactly each member’s projects before.

Martl: I was looking for a new guitar Player for my old Band, so we invited Haui for a jam. After that, he asks me if I want to start a Metal band with him. And here we are, this dude became my best friend and brother through the years. Manu played a couple support for us and hung out with us on all those drunken nights. He was the only guy we wanted to play the drums when our old drummer left. And I first met Benji when he played the same night with his old Band aß we did. He offered me a joint, so I knew this guy was pretty okay. Haha

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Benji: PANTERA

Martl: METALLICA

Manu: PANTERA

Haui: EXODUS

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Benji: Regarding the world's fucked up constellation (war, politics, failed human creation) I have to claim, that life and reality are the biggest inspirations to write songs. James Hetfield, Phil Anselmo, Lemmy, and Jim Morrison have had a huge impact on how I write /sing songs

Martl: It could be anything, Things that make me sad, angry, happy, whatever. It's like, something bothers me, and I have to write it down.

6. Where was your last gig?

Benji: In August we played at the Summer Music Festival in Lonco de Codroipo (ITA) - a festival that has existed almost for 30 years and that is really worth to go or playing.

7. Where would you like to act?

Benji: I for myself just wanna play. It doesn’t matter to me where I play. generally, I prefer Club Shows, there’s more rural authenticity and people are much more closer to each other- more sweat, more energy, and more fistful of power, heat, and aggression. But playing festivals is also cool cause you reach more people and sometimes you share the stage with your idols/ inspiration bands /artists and that’s the real deal.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Benji: Lemmy and Dimebag – If you don’t like this guy you don’t understand metal or rock n roll in general and you failed the exam. For me, these guys represent so much attitude, for what metal and rock roll stands for. Without doubts and compromise. (you are a fuckin’ poser if you can’t deal with them and Don’t send me hate mails, cause I will send it back to your mother..*laughing)

9. Whom not?

All bands and artists deserve my deepest disrespect who fucked up being racists. Zero tolerance! F.O.A.D !

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

Benji: Honestly I‘ll never get rid of a certain kind of tension before a gig....doesn’t matter if it’s a small birthday gig with my acoustic cover band or a big venue. And to my mind, it’s important not to suffer but to control and face these demons and fears, cause being on stage is like enjoying every single minute in order to deliver your kind of art to the people. You’re practicing, rehearsing and your whole life is focused on being on stage. I for myself need this acceptable tension before gigging. In former days I was more into substances to kill this kind of pain. nowadays I think you succeed it without. (but just before the show.. 😉 gg) Speaking to all young people starting a band and realizing themselves on stage I have to say: Try to be yourself, authentic. People/the crowd will notice that and soon or later they belong to you and accept you, the way to prevail and succeed!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Martl: Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, Exodus, Pantera

Benji: Motörhead, Black Sabbath, Pantera, Slayer, Venom Eye Hate God, Municipal Waste, Down, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, The Misfits, Metallica, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Insanity Alert and Beethoven

Haui: Pantera, Slayer, Exodus, Cannibal Corpse, CCR, Johnny Cash, Black Sabbath, Power Trip and many many more

Manu: Pantera, Sepultura, Black Sabbath, Gojira, Carcass, Megadeth, Crowbar, Down, Slayer,.. there's so much inspiring Music.

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

Benji: Give them my used sweaty holy Motörhead shirt and underwear and sniff pure tomato ketchup from the baldy head of a fan😉 (thx HOOCH)

Martl: A Bj on the toilet.... which was very odd, because her boyfriend was there. I would have refused anyway. Haha

Haui: I was asked if I could change my strings after the show to give a woman my used strings to bondage her husband at home …

Manu: A few years ago I always wore a wrapped bandana on my wrist and a fan wanted to smell that sweaty bandana.Haha 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Martl: We are overwhelmed and thankful for All those people since day one. It really really drives us and gives us even more motivation to become better and harder. We couldn't thank them enough. Without fans, you are nothing.

14. What do you think of our site?

Fuck yeah, it's awesome. Really pushes the Szene and gives bands like us even a bigger stage to get recognized. So Thank you a lot for that.

15. Something to add?

Thank you and all the heavy metal maniacs out there for supporting the scene, stay heavy, let the good Times roll and Booze your Illusion. Cheers