INTERVIEW WITH SMOULDERING IN FORGOTTEN [BAHRAIN]


In anticipation of their show with Insomnium in Dubai's Music Room on January 15th, Metality's Habib T interviewed Bahrain's extreme metal band Smouldering in Forgotten. Omar Zainal (Voidhanger), the guitarist and backing vocalist of the band, answered the questions before the show, which is organized by Metal East Records. 

Habib: You’re going to open for Insomnium in Dubai! How does it feel? What can the fans expect onstage?

Omar: It feels great! We always enjoy playing shows in Dubai. This is going to be the 5th time we play here. Since the first show until now, we haven't done an exact same setlist, and we always keep it that way for those loyal fans to expect a different show every time.




Speaking of Insomnium, do you have any favorite Insomnium songs or albums? Have they influenced your music? If so, how?

I'll be honest, I haven't heard much of Insomnium and I don't consider myself a fan but that can change right? Looking forward to seeing them perform!



We hear that your third album is in the works. Any updates on that? How does it differ from your previous two?


That's correct, the album is still in the writing phase with a handful of songs ready. The sound will be a little different. "I Devourer" being very intense and full of blast beats until the end, but the next one is going a little more old school death metal sounding. We recently released a single "Siren of Truth". That should give fans a hint of the album's direction.


You’re also going to perform in Egypt next month with Nader Sadek, Perversion, and the mighty Inquisition? What do you expect and do you think this is a huge leap forward for the Arab metal scene?

We are really looking forward for the Egypt show; it's definitely going to be special since this is going to be our first performance there. Definitely a huge leap forward and hopefully for other Middle Eastern countries as well.


Do you guys have any pre-show rituals that you rely on before hitting the stage?

Rituals? Ain't nobody got time for that.


What’s the state of the Middle Eastern metal scene at the moment? Where do you think it is heading?

It's definitely on the rise. Despite all the problems we have, I think we're actually doing pretty good with our metal scene.


As an artist in the Middle Eastern metal scene, what advice can you give to up-and-coming metal artists in the region?

Yeah I have a couple of things I'd like to list down:
- You'll never make money out of it. It's a fact.
- Learn from the older bands in your area. They've been through it and would always be open to help out newer bands.
- Seriously dedicate time for the band.
- Start small and work your way up.
- Practice, practice and practice.
- Support your local scene.


So what have you been listening to lately? Do you listen to things other than metal?

I haven't been very updated with the latest metal albums (besides Slayer of course) but I've been listening to some Evil Army, Ranger, Grand Magus and Bolt Thrower the last few weeks. Other than metal, I rarely listen to other genres, but when I do, they are either classical music or blues.

If you could choose only 5 artists or bands to listen to for the rest of your life, who would they be?

Personally, I'd choose Slayer, Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Judas Priest and King Diamond.


Any final words for Metality's readers? 
Stay tuned for new material and we'll see you all in the mosh pit today!

Thank you, Omar! We wish you and the rest of the band the best of luck on your endeavors, and we are looking forward to seeing you tonight with Insomnium! 




You can find Smouldering in Forgotten on Facebook here.



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