PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Progressive metal trio, Snowblind, are ready to maim the crowd at this year’s Metal 2 The Masses Ireland final. We caught up with drummer extraordinaire Jake McCarthy in the run up to the main event to see what he had to say.
For people hearing about Snowblind for the first time. Tell us about yourselves?
Jake: Well we are a three piece band from Dublin who play progressive old school heavy metal with a sprinkle of thrash. We were once described as the lovechild of Megadeth and Rush, and I suppose that’s the kind of sound that we’re going for. We released an EP last year called “Existence Is Futile” and since then we have been gigging as much a possible. We’re currently very busy writing the follow up to “Existence” with the hope of a release sometime in this year. In the meantime we will be playing some of the new material at our upcoming gigs.
Congratulations on reaching the Final of Metal 2 The Masses. Personally, I feel that everyone in the final is a winner but if you were to be chosen to represent Ireland at Bloodstock, what would it mean to Snowblind.
Jake: Thanks a million Steve, and you’re dead right about that. We couldn’t be happier to be playing the final. The atmosphere at these gigs is nothing short of incredible and it’s been getting more and more intense as the stages go on, May 9th will undoubtedly rip people’s nose’s ears and eyes clean off if they have any left at this point. It will also be an absolute pleasure to share the stage with some of our good friends and some of the best metal bands in the country too. All of that in itself is enough reason to have a shit eating grin on one’s face at all times.
But if we won, it would be a huge thing for the three of us. The Irish metal community is small enough, but the talent and pure determination within it is a force to be reckoned with. To be given the chance to represent heavy music from our country would mean a great deal to us. We love to play music and we will always play music, no matter how small the venue or “fun size” the crowd is. But to get on stage alongside your two best mates and play one of the top metal festivals in the world, that’s something very fucking special. I try not to think of any of that before the gigs though, or I’ll end up with a little golden trickle down my leg halfway through the set.
How has the overall M2TM experience been this year for your band?
Jake: So far it’s been fantastic. We’ve been locked away for the last few months writing new material for the next release and we haven’t played as many gigs as we would like, so when we played these shows it was a big reminder of why we absolutely love to play live. The energy and support from the crowds was there right from the start. It’s great that people are making the effort to turn up and support the bands, it really makes the difference.
What would you say to bands thinking about applying for next year’s competition?
Jake: Think about your set list. Write it down on the nearest piece of paper, jax roll will do as a temporary solution but try to think of something more permanent for the gigs as sweat and beer will wash your organised tune schedule into nothingness. Write new shtuff. Playing something you’ve written recently as opposed to just material from two years ago will give people an idea of where you are at this moment in time. I find we enjoy playing newer stuff a lot more too, and I think that’s reflected in a bands performance. Oh and don’t get pissed before you play, too many jelly shots will turn your muscles to jelly and your dreams to vomit induced nightmares.
Has there been a memorable moment that stands out in your mind at the shows to date?
Jake: Hands down for me the most memorable moment was seeing my mammy in the front row, moshers left right and centre and lunatics stage diving three feet from her head. We got to provide the soundtrack to that madness.
In 5 words, describe what we can expect from you at the final.
Jake: Aural massage with happy ending.
If you could pick one song from your arsenal to let the uninitiated hear what your band is all about, what would it be?
Jake: Our newest song “Inside Empty”, but you’ll have to come to the gigs to hear it because we haven’t recorded it yet. Soon though…..soon!! Until then you can listen to our last EP “Existence Is Futile” on bandcamp.
See Snowblind at the Metal 2 The Masses Final on May 9th – Check Event Page for details below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/687440701353369/?ref=ts&fref=ts
Jake McCarthy
Ian McKeown
Sean Boland
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