A Chat with Blizzard (12.12.23)
With a history dating back over 30 years, Greek metal band Blizzard has marched across the metal music scene with a foot-stomping ferocity. After a brief hiatus, the band reformed in 2016 merely to continue their stomping but with a grin-inducing way. We speak with Blizzard about their EP Hunters In The Dark, changes in the music industry, future plans and more.
OSR: How did Blizzard come about? What drew all of you to music?
Blizzard: We all grew up with all these great bands from the 70s and 80s. Rock and metal at its best. Let’s say there was a lot of inspiration to motivate us. So we started the band.
OSR: Looking at your history, Blizzard dates back about 30 years; so, you’ve probably seen quite some changes in the music industry as years pass. How do you think metal music today compares to yesterday? Perhaps the way it’s now created or changing concepts?
Blizzard: There are tremendous changes in the music industry, especially nowadays with the new tech available. But despite the differences in the process between today and the past, at the end of the day, it is all music. It has to involve hard work, love for what you are doing and of course, it’s about keeping the flame burning.
OSR: Blizzard began in the 90s, but it was reformed in 2016. What caused the breakup and what led to the reformation?
Blizzard: We broke up back then because we took separate ways in life, we were very young anyway. On the other hand, reforming the band after two decades was something magical, and still is. We are all enjoying it. Having recorded two full-length demos Resurrection (including some old material also) in 2019 and Gates of Hell in 2020 and the Hunters in the Dark EP earlier this year, we keep making music all the time. Also live appearances in local venues. So the journey goes on….
OSR: You released your EP Hunters In The Dark. What can you tell us about it?
Blizzard: It is our first release as a five-piece band, consisting of four classic heavy metal tracks. It is available digitally on all major platforms Spotify, and Amazon Music and it is available via Alcyone records website. And of course, you can hear our music through our You Tube channel Blizzard Metal Band.
OSR: What do you hope people take from your music?
Blizzard: We hope people enjoy our music. After all, that’s all about. We are playing heavy metal and we love people to keep listening to heavy metal music.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Blizzard: We put much energy into it, so it is a kind of power source to us. What mankind would be without music anyway? The answer is, no music, no party….
OSR: Random questions: what is something you own but have never used?
Blizzard: Most likely I do not know I own it!
OSR: Do you enjoy people-watching?
Blizzard: Well, we do enjoy people attending our shows. Music is something to be shared and live appearances are the best way to share what we are doing.
OSR: What song do you sing in the shower?
Blizzard: When it’s cold, ‘Painkiller’ from 1:23…..
OSR: What can we expect from Blizzard in the future?
Blizzard: More music. Songwriting is a process that never stops. We already have material to be arranged and recorded. In addition live appearances as well. Despite the long hiatus, Blizzard is here to stay, so more Blizzard music is about to be released. Thank you very much indeed.
Many thanks to Blizzard for speaking with us. For more from Blizzard, check out their Facebook, Youtube and Spotify.
