Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Koal: The name of the band symbolizes our wish to tell stories that are basically sad: we venture in a post-apocalyptic world to talk about what was and what could be! We started the band in 2016 and recorded demos, then an EP and a single in 2019. We took our time for our first album (thanks covid!) that was released in december 2021. We have now Seditius (voice – loves Black Metal), Groly (fretless bass – loves Tech Death), Tentrom (drums – loves Pagan Metal), Loerk (lead guitar – loves Prog Metal) and myself (rhythm guitar – loves Groove Metal).
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Loerk: We are all scattered around Paris and its neighbouring suburbs. Tentrom and I are about a 2 minute walk away from each other which is fun!
Koal: The band was founded by people who didn’t know each other but were looking for a band of their own after failing to fit into existing bands. Really we were just a bunch of young musicians trying to have fun! We started as a trio (2 guitars and drums) but soon found a singer, and a bassist months after (we played our first show without bass!).
Who are your favourite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
Loerk: My first big influence was Pink Floyd, specifically the 1970-1977 era. I then got into metal in my teenage years and quickly grew fond of bands like Gorgoroth, Mastodon, Strapping Young Lad and At The Gates. Nowadays I’m a fan of Prog and how bands can incorporate prog elements in various genres (<code>, Enslaved, Orakle). This is why most of the songs I write for OUtE are a blend of black, death and prog metal.
Koal: I started Metal with the popular bands of early 2000’s like Slipknot or Linkin Park… I still love them today but now I explored more depths of the genre I tend to prefer bands that mix various energies like Avatar or Zeal & Ardor or Nevermore. Brutality, melodies and groove!
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
Loerk: I’ve been playing for about 19 years, but only for the last 5-6 have I been playing in bands. I had written countless songs on my own and intended to keep it that way until I realised I wanted to play live. I guess you need other people for that.
Koal: I always wanted to be in a band since I started playing guitar but was kinda waiting to find friends to do so. When I came to Paris and started really working on the instrument I chose to search actively for a band until I finally founded my own! I love to have other musicians have their way with my ideas.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Loerk: Meshuggah – Immutable, Cog – Sharing Space, Car Bomb – Metal, Black Midi – Hellfire
Koal: Zeal & Ardor’s self-titled album and Avatar’s Black Waltz because I saw them this summer, Jinjer’s Macro because I want to see them and Sum 41’s All Killer No Filler because I will soon see them live!
Do you sing in the shower?
Loerk: No place is safe from me practicing my growls.
Koal: The best place to try to sing!
Do you have any plans for the band for this year and into next year?
Loerk: We’re writing a lot of new music for the future, but we’re also planning on releasing some video content to bring our universe to life.
Do you currently have any new songs/albums ready to be released?
Loerk : Nothing’s ready to be released yet but there’s an album’s worth of songs we’re currently testing out. We plan on recording some of that as soon as possible.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Loerk: I’d kill to play at Pompei for reasons any Pink Floyd fan will understand.
Koal: Playing Hellfest would be a consecration.
Do you have a favourite album? If so, what is it?
Loerk: Kauan’s Sorni Nai (2015) is probably the only record that can get my stubborn eyes to shed a tear or two. It’s a single long experience with many twists and turns and a constant sense of grandiosity.
Koal: Mezmerize of System of a Down, the only album I can sing entirely in my head to pass the time if I have 30 minutes to waste.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Loerk: I’m secretly a fan of German rap (SSIO – Nulkommaneun) and French Synth Pop (Météo Mirage – Ton Nom). I can also say that Paris Hilton’s 2006 album has some bangers. Don’t judge.
Koal: There’s nothing guilty with my tastes now that Paris Hilton has been mentioned!
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Loerk: I’d try to get every band that never plays live to actually play live. Just this once.
Koal: I agree with Loerk but with a bit of necromancy to bring back those we miss!
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
Loerk: I don’t remember, but it’s probably a Pink Floyd record.
Koal: I think it’s Take a Look in the Mirror by Korn.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Loerk: Music’s cool, keep listening to it.
Koal: There are cool ways to listen to music like Bandcamp or Qobuz (even libraries!) that do not involve artists working for free nor using too much network and electricity for some convenience.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Koal: You can find our music on Bandcamp (https://onceupontheend.bandcamp.com/) and Qobuz (https://www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/album/the-next-chapter-once-upon-the-end/e3vtybqjdd4mb) and of course Spotify, Deezer and so on. Watch our videos on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjzaCwRKZ4mnDSch_CSjQSw) and follow our news on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/onceupontheend_metalband/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Onceupontheend.Metalband/).
We, at The Metal Asylum, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Koal: Thank you all for keeping Metal alive!
This interview is purely the property of The Metal Asylum