Way back in the mists of time (2014), we featured Haiduk as one of our original format Band of the Day artists. Four years on, and with a new album released, we chucked our interview questions at them (well… him! Haiduk is a one-person project) to see how things have progressed…
Simple things first – where are you from?
Calgary, AB, Canada.
How long have you been playing as a project?
Eight years.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
A ‘hajduk’ is a resistance warrior from the Balkans.
What are your influences?
Thrash, death, and black metal. A lot of 80’s bands like old Megadeth, Sepultura, Slayer… Also bands like Dissection, Old Man’s Child, Nile, old Iced Earth, etc. and anything with fast riffs.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Haiduk has a weird way of playing guitar and writing riffs and layers that pull you in. The songs have winding, unexpected twists and turns. I focus on unusual and dissonant riff combinations. Fast sections that alternate with slower, hypnotic interludes.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Dark fantasy, magic, astral forces, evil manipulation, medieval warfare…
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Haiduk is a solo project live. The PA system runs my drums and bass, while I shred the guitar parts and do vocals. I’ve played quite a few shows in the Calgary area.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
I played in a 115-year old building/barn that looked like it was gonna collapse any second. The place was tilting dangerously when kids started moshing in there!
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I use a dirty grimy old BC Rich warlock with EMG active pickups.
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
At the moment, all the promo is focused on the new album Exomancer!
What are your plans for 2019?
Promoting the new album through shows and online and print media. The album came out pretty late in the year, so I’ll be pushing this one well into 2019.
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!
There are countless bands I could name. Off the top of my head, maybe Behexen opens and gets the crowd going, then a solid death metal band like Drawn and Quartered goes after, while I enjoy a beer.
From previous Band of the Day Backblast: If you had to change your band name and play a different genre, what would your name be, and which genre would that be and why?
I’d probably make soundtrack music for games and movies. Atmospheric, eerie, acoustic tracks in the style of the old Diablo games. Or more industrial, instrumental tracks like the Doom soundtrack.
And from The Grudge: Who would win in a fight… a tiger or a shark?
The shark won, but the tiger went back and told all his friends that he actually won. The shark didn’t even care though.
Exomancer is out now.
Haiduk: official | facebook | bandcamp | youtube | bigcartel
