Halberd are a five piece thrash metal band from the South-East of England. I met up with the band at their E.P release show with Pupios, Silas, Wretched Toad and Methidox. Sitting at the back of the venue with drink in hand I got talking to vocalist Casey, bassist Brett, Guitarists Jack and Steven, and drummer Zack.
How did you guys first form?
We formed back in 2013, Casey knew Brett, and we found our drummer online. Casey also knew Steven who could play guitar. Since then we have added a new guitarist and a new drummer.
How did you also come up with the name for your band?
We got the name of our band from a medieval weapon which is an axe blade placed on a pole. It was also used in a game I used to play.
What challenges have you encountered being an unsigned band?
We have not encountered that many because we stick with local gigs, and we met new people who help us out and our vocalist has a lot of connections with people.
What has been the funniest experience for you guys?
There was one time where the amp blew up on stage so Jack’s mum had to come up on stage and hold the lead into the amp through our entire set. We have also had experiences with guitar leads falling out on stage too.
What are your plans for the future?
We are working on another single and a music video, also we are working on our debut album which should be released in summer next year.
What bands have you been influenced by?
There are so many, we are influenced by bands such as Slayer, Exodus, Iron Maiden, Evile, Slipknot, Overkill and Lamb of God.
What difficulties have you found juggling band life with personal life?
We have to balance work and the band, and we have had to deal with personal issues, but at the end of the day we always come through the other side, and we see these challenges as quests.
If you could tour with any band who would it be with?
We would love to tour with Iron Maiden, Evile, Slayer and Dying Fetus.
Any messages to your fans?
Thank you for all of your support, we love you all. Keep tuned as we have an exciting year coming up.
LIVE REVIEW
First on the stage is Pupious who manages to whip up the crowd into a frenzy and even cover the likes of Machine Head and Trivium’s “In Waves”. They are able to engage with the audience and are definitely an enjoyable act to see.
Halberd then come on to the stage starting with “Beastslayer” from their E.P. Thrashy hits whip the crowd into a mass of moshpits. The band is on top form tonight with crowd engagement from the band. This is one band who we will be expecting big things from over the coming years.
E.P. REVIEW
The E.P maybe only 3 tracks long, but it gives a taste of what will come. Each track sounds like a cross between Lamb of God and Slayer. An E.P full of thrashy goodness, heavy drumming and wailing guitars. The song “Tremble” is one to listen to on repeat. We now wait for further music from the band.
Halberd: official | facebook | youtube | reverbnation
