Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Halberd was formed in the summer of 2013. Casey got the idea for the name from an old Playstation game “Dynasty Warriors.” There was a character who was known as the ultimate badass, who’s weapon of choice was a Halberd, an axe on a pole for maximum reach for decapitation. Originally starting in 2013, we played our first gig in a small pub under a train bridge, where the audience consisted of our parents and a few friends who came to support us. As time went on we found a sound that we felt suited us and felt right to play. Then in 2018, we decided to call it quits, as general life had gotten in the way. We were all of working age and had bills to pay. Then just before covid hit, we decided to meet up for one more time to jam over the old songs. This made us realise how much we missed playing music. From then we ditched the majority of our old material and wrote a new album that had our matured sound. Since then we have been playing shows and have started to gain a dedicated following.
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Before the band was formed, we all knew of each other, but had never spoke a word to each other. Finding other metalheads of a similar age was a difficult mission. Especially on the gritty streets of South East London. This changed when Casey found out Bret owned a bass and also listened to metal. Originally Brett wasn’t interested. After asking a good few times, Bret agreed to “give it a go”. He’s still knocking about with us. Steve and Jack joined shortly after. Casey knew of Steve from school and Jack is his cousin. After trying out a few different drummers we finally felt we found the perfect fit with Zack and thus Halberd was in full power. It wasn’t long before we became not just a band, but a band of brothers.
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
We all have our own individual tastes and favourite genres. Casey and Bret are straight up thrash fans. Steve is death, Jack is traditional metal and Zack loves anything that sounds angry. We never tried to base our sound around any bands in particular. But our favourite bands have certainly influenced us a smusicians. Exodus, Crisix, Warbringer, Death, Iron Maidem, Manowar, Motorhead
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
We all had that love for the music, but never felt we had the talent to be in a band that actually writes and releases music. When I was a teenager I went to every local show (as I couldn’t afford to go to any big gigs) One band that unfortunately isn’t about anymore “Kremated” really took my fancy and it’s because of them I made the decision to start a band of my own – Casey
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
As a whole, we all listen to different music to each other. Some of us will be listening to the latest Crisix album. Whereas others may be spinning some old Johnny Cash records. We all find extremely common ground when it comes to Slayer (who doesn’t love Slayer right?!)
Do you sing in the shower?
I wouldn’t call it singing as such, but definitely make noises to music in the shower.
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
We have just released our first full length album and already have a lot ready to be released for the future. Each song becoming more ‘in your face’ and energetic than the last.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Our first album has just been releases and we plan to release an EP towards the end of the year.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Wacken and Bloodstock Festival would be the dream. O2 Brixton would be amazing too!
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
An album we can all agree on is “Weapons Of Tomorrow” by Warbringer.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Other than metal, we all have those tunes that will get our feet tapping or nodding our heads. Casey loves a bit of country and old school pop punk. Whereas Jack would happily listen to some 90’s boyband tracks.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Too many to choose from to be completely honest. A random mashup but we would love, would be: Warbringer, Slayer, Exodus and Dio.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
The first album I bought was so stereotypical – Iron Maiden’s The Number Of The Beast – Casey. But still one of the greatest albums ever made.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Since we have made our return to the stage, everyone has been so supportive. Fans, bands, friends, venues and promoters have given us the chance to show them what we’re about and we appreciate it all so much. We plan to get the fans involved in some future projects we have in mind as a thank you for being so supportive.
If you find yourself at one of our shows, please don’t hesitate to come party with us. we’re always happy to get to know everyone.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Facebook – facebook/halberdbanduk
Instagram – Halberd_Official
YouTube – Halberd Official
We are also on most streaming platforms eg Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
A massive thank you from all of us for taking the time to interview us and for reviewing our album. We hope you and everyone else enjoys everything we work so hard to achieve. METAL
This interview is solely the property of The Metal Asylum.