10 Quick Ones with HADES of GODZ – April 2018

According to a recent press release: “GODZ have come to save the human race with their distinct brand of hard rock/symphonic metal and their various mythological influences. A few of the Greek gods have left Mount Olympus and taken human vessels to form a new powerful pantheon on Earth in order to bring humanity something that equals the value of Prometheus’ stolen fire. With APOLLO (God of Music, Poetry & Plague) on vocals, HADES (God of the Underworld, Ruler of the Dead) on lead guitar/backup vocals, ARES (God of War & Violence) on drums/percussion & DIONYSUS (God of Madness, Ecstasy & Wine) on rhythm guitar they have brought a new revival to the rock music genre.”  We get Hades to discuss new music, influences, and more in our 10 Quick Ones…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

There is actually a lot of melody lines and little parts that you will miss on the 1st listen! The bridge of the song has Vocoder on the vocals which is rarely used in Rock/Metal and we used it quite a bit on the Album. Also the beginning of the song has a chant (we have been asked about quite a bit) it’s actually a vocal part that’s reversed! As a whole we really took our time in pre-production to really layer the songs and try to ad as much Ear Candy as possible. I always like to work on an album in my own home studio as much as possible before going to a Producer. It gives the band time to really form a sound without time & money as a factor like when you hit the studio with a big producer. Our Debut Album Cultum was produced by Logan Mader (Machine head, 5fdp, Gojira, Starset.) I’ve worked with Logan before and it’s always a great experience and we work together well!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

When I was a kid my parents both played in bands so there were always instruments around. I was 12 when I got serious about guitar and primarily bands like Metallica, Machine head, Pantera, Megadeth & Ozzy got me interested in really pursuing music. I’ve been lucky to jam with members of most of the those bands over the years!

3. Who would be your main five musical influences?

See, above question haha! I don’t think it’s possible to have 5 major influences. When I was young the artists I mentioned are what shaped my formative playing years. As I’ve gotten older I mean you name it! I try to listen to every genre, even though It might not be my favorite.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be?

That’s a hard question as I pulled in quite a few! Growing up on Machine Head, hiring Logan was a no brainer as he was a member of the band. I also had Matt Snell (ex Five Finger Death Punch) play bass on the entire record and I’m waiting for the release of our 2nd single to name the guest lead guitarist. Suffice it to say it’s someone from one of the biggest metal bands!

5. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before?

Although it sounds like an odd pairing Korn, Bring me the Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, NIN, Rammstein, Depeche Mode. I don’t think we sound directly like any one of those bands but we’ve used similar tones and melody lines etc!

6. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

As an Artist you get a real feeling of gratitude to see others appreciate your Art. Unlike a 9 to 5 job that you work at until you retire, music can be something your apart of for life, or as what happens with many acts they have a song or 2 and die out. I’ve been lucky, in that I’ve been touring in signed acts for 15 years and I’ve always managed to stay a float, which in itself is an achievement!

7. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I am a bit of a chef so I always cook! I also usually make the drinks but I’d say our singer who is quite an accomplished guitarist and writer usually wants to play acoustic and sing!

8. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Hugh Hefner’s job of course R.I.P! The word Job implies work and I never feel like I’m working when I’m playing music or painting. I think rather than a dream job, the “dream” would be doing exactly what I’m doing with the money to, never stop!

9. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”?

Absolutely not! No Regerts haha! I’ve studied some of the richest people in history (watch the men who built America or the secret) and almost all of them had very little education (very few went to college.) You will also find that most only tried one thing and became the most successful ever at it! The lesson to learn is that if you believe in yourself and you have some talent, you will succeed it’s just a matter of time. Regrets and 2nd guessing yourself will have no positive outcome. All you can do is learn from mistakes and try not to repeat!

10. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Metallica St. Anger! I would tell Lars I hate the snare! Joking I love Metallica and I’ll always be a fan! That’s actually a really hard question & I will get a lot of hatred for this answer but honestly just because of the approach of the record, where they recorded and the amazing layer of sound U2 on The Joshua Tree. Although I’m not much of a fan of anything besides that album and “New Years Day”. I feel that album creatively was so different and had such a heart felt inspiration of songs of love and actual brutal deaths like “Sunday Bloody Sunday”.

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Category: Interviews