We recently released the cassette version of Iron Kingdom's "Curse of the Voodoo Queen" and "Gates of Eternity". As we've been blown away by the band's awesome sound, we decided to get front man Chris Osterman to tell us about their albums and the band itself.
First, can you give a brief history of the band?
Iron Kingdom is a Traditional / Power Metal band which started when my previous band wanted a name change and a new mind set, in June of 2011 Iron Kingdom was born. Amanda, Leighton and I started the band and we recorded our debut album 'Curse of the Voodoo Queen' using the tracks from our previous band (which no longer exists). We found Kenny shortly after recording the debut album, and he's been with us ever since. Iron Kingdom did some touring and a music video for the song 'Voodoo Queen' and then went right back to the studio for 'Gates of Eternity' which we released in April of 2013. We've toured parts of the USA, and most of Canada is in support of it so far, and with us being confirmed for KEEP IT TRUE Festival 2014 in Germany, Europe is just around the corner.
We just released both of your albums on cassette-What are your thoughts on the format? Do you feel it's superior to other formats and if so why or why not?
Yes you have! We thank you for it! I think there is a certain element of the 80's that would be missed without Cassettes. We already have CD's and have been wanting to release on another format for quite some time now. Unfortunately our albums are too long for printing Vinyl at an affordable price so at this time Cassettes seemed appropriate for the band.
What inspired you to play traditional metal?
Just the fact that it's awesome! I mean it's fun, heavy and there are so many directions you can take it. It is my personal favourite sub-genre, along with power metal. It also has an element of a theatrical stage show unlike many other genre's that make traditional metal exciting and over the top. My first real metal show was watching the Scorpions perform, and I could only dream of giving someone else a performance like they did, so here's one step toward that dream.
How's the music scene in Vancouver? Any local bands you'd like to mention for the readers to check out?
The local scene in Vancouver can be somewhat rough, there aren't too many metal heads in the area that appreciate power / traditional metal, but the ones that are around are very supportive and make it all worth it. I would say check out Unleash the Archers or West of Hell, and if you like prog metal then OmnisighT. There are definitely some killer bands in the area, it's just too bad there aren't more old school metal heads to enjoy the ride!
Anything else you would like to say?
Thank you for having this interview with me and for helping us spread the word of Iron Kingdom! United we can show the world that metal rules the land! \m/
You can find out more about Iron Kingdom at: www.facebook.com/
