With new album Arson on the horizon with a Feb 16th release date, it seemed to be a fine time to get to know Harakiri For The Sky. “J.J.”, one half of the band, took time out to give us the skinny on who they are and what they do…
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
That’s a very interesting start for the interview. Thanks for that. Me and M.S. were both born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, but from different regions. I grew up in the mountains, he in the City, 65 kilometres north.
How did you meet?
We met, because the first drummer of HFTS, Jules who also played in Karg moved to the mountainside where I lived. M.S. and Jules had the same friends in Salzburg. One-night M.S. visited Jules at his place, where he met me. That’s the story. I was around 18 and he, like, 16.
How long have you been playing as a band?
M.S. was already playing in Karg and Schattenlicht, where I played at the time around 2011. One night we listened to Woods Of Desolation’s Torn Beyond Reason once to often and thought about starting something different, a new band, a new project that goes a different direction than our other bands. In summer 2012 we had a finished album and so we began to search for live members to help us out on stage.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
It’s too late already. But so, one more time: The name was my idea. To me this name should describe a special feeling I get while listening to music. It’s like running straight up to a cliff and just jumping into the sky. Like in the music video of Sigur Ros’ “Glósóli”. But it’s also leant on a song by the Norwegian band Snöras.
What are your influences?
I don’t know. When it comes to the lyrics I’d say life on a daily basis. Emotions like depression and melancholy. Estrangement, broken relationships and the feeling it’s impossible to find something like a place I’d call home. Those are probably the most important. Musically we have like all kinds of influences. Primarily I’d say black metal, post rock, indie and other types of metal and rock.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Boah, I don’t know. It must have been 150-200 at this point. It’s difficult to describe how our show looks like, as I’m the performer and have never seen HFTS from the audience’s eyes. I think it’s very intense and impulsive, depends on the day. Sometimes we freak out, sometimes we stay calm. I think people should check it out themselves if they want to know.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
M.S. plays a Fender Jim Root signature.
What are your plans for 2018?
There are no specific plans. We are playing a lot of concerts and maybe going to Japan and China. And for sure we are waiting for the album to finally be released.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
I think M.S. and my point of view answering this question would be very different. So I can’t speak for him. I personally would love to support maybe Converge, Oathbreaker or Amen Ra and like to be supported by the English band Svalbard or german Ultha. But I think no one other in the band would be with me in this point. The best mates we have toured so far were Fäulnis and Ellende. This both would be my second choice.
From previous Band of the Day King Bison (UK): If you could join any band on stage for 1 song, who would it be and what track would you play?
Hmm, I’d say “Neptune Is Dead” from Altar Of Plagues
From another BotD, Cinders: What is the craziest thing you have had to do on stage to fill time?
I never do anything on stage. I don’t even speak anything. Just screaming and running around.
And from Boobs of DOOM: What would you get paid in, if you couldn’t have money, and why?
Like all bands. Drugs, drinks and bonus flight miles.
Harakiri For The Sky: facebook | soundcloud | youtube
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