INTERVIEWS
Interview was prepared by David Déniz Plaza (Necromance)
1) To start with, who are RED HILLS and what type of music do you play?
It’s that simple. The red mine spoil piles i.e. hills (hence the name “Red Hills”) are the main feature of the Donetsk Region landscape. They are scattered around this coal mining area. I think that the Old School Melodic Death Metal is the correct name of our music style.
2) Do you have any goals as to what you all want to achieve as a band?
As the majority of the young players we want to gain recognition. We would like the whole world to know that the Ukrainian players can also create good MDM.
3) With the songs you’re writing now, how are they different to the songs you write back for your first releases, the Demo single and digital EP?
There is a great difference between our early and current works. First of all, this is a technical aspect. We became more technical than we used to be. Secondly, the record quality. We have previously paid little attention to this aspect. Nowadays much prominence is given to it because we want to be recognized throughout the world. The approach is in the third place. We work extensively at each song, chisel each note thus working at the awareness of our songs.
4) Do you prefer writing when it is more collaborative? Or do you prefer being able to work on your own thing and present that idea fully formed?
The first stage of the song creation is a creation of its concept, idea, muse and melody. There are times when the melody takes into our head earlier than the lyrics but the reverse may be also true. Then we have to match the lyrics. After the keynotes were expressed in the song our team starts to analyze it in order to decide what should be left, deleted or rewritten. During such analysis the release version of the song is taking shape.
5) How does the writing process for RED HILLS work in 2014?
This year is turning out to be very difficult but in spite of all that we managed to release our first album. One of the advantages is that we recorded the album last autumn (at TA Production Studio). Therefore, at the beginning of this year we have already had the result. We only had to work at the cover artwork and sign the Contract with the label (Metal Scrap Records). Today due to some forced measures we are not able to work to the full extent (repetitions, concerts) that is why we’ve hurled all our efforts into the development of the new materials.
6) How do you know when a song is finished and ready to be recorded? is a song ever really finished?
The song is deemed to be finished when all amendments, both in the lyrics and music, have been taken into consideration, when the song has been thought out to the last detail from concept to idea, when all members of the band enjoy the song from the first to the last note, when the tune haunts day and night. In such case the song is ready to be recorded.
7) So “pleasure of destruction” is out now, how has the response to the material been so far?
There are many reviews about our album, both positive and negative. We are always glad to the constructive criticism because it highlights all those aspects which will be revised in future and will make the material improved and practically perfect. We keep receiving the reviews. People like our music. It’s a pleasure for us to be duly appreciated and sometimes be even compared to the MDM grandparents.
8) How do you feel about this debut full length album?
It’s a new round of our band development. It’s a fresh chapter in achieving the long-cherished goals. It’s a very long and winding road which cannot be turned aside.
9) How was working with producer Anton Vorozhtsov at TA Production Studios?
The recording proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. The work was done to a good quality, we worked as one team. We were surprised at the obtained results. Anton is not just a good but one of the best sound producers in Ukraine. Yes, he can rightly wear such title. He has a good grasp of the metallic field; he is quick to understand the artist’s intention. There is no need for hours and hours to explain him your intentions and expectations of the composition, effects and arrangements you prefer. We’re going to let you in on a little secret about the next album. We will record it again with Anton. But don’t say a word to him! He doesn’t know about it yet! (Laughing).
10) “Pleasure of destruction” was released on Total Metal Records (a sub-label of Metal Scrap Records), how did that come about and how do you feel to be involved with such an important label?
When we got in the studio we have already known that this album should be involved with the label and should hit the shelves all over the world. We’ve been heartily satisfied with the performed work and highly pleased with being included into the list of the bands released by Metal Scrap.
11) It has been three years between your digital EP and the new album “Pleasure of destruction”, so it would be fair to say that RED HILLS are different people now to what they were in 2011, how have you changed as people?
I would say that at the time it was “young” and unconsciously. We haven’t known our own mind yet and had no well-defined goals and targets. We just have been following our inclinations without elaborating on the small details such as quality, presentation, label etc. Now we have the defined goals. During the last three years the membership of the band has been completely formed. Now Red Hills are as a single family being steady in their cherished goals. These three years went too quickly in the long-hour repetitions, sharpening of the technique, creation of the new and high-power material. This time period made us stronger and more sustainable. We have grown up in terms of the technique and our demands have been increased respectively (Laughing).
12) What does the rest of 2014 hold for RED HILLS? Any plans in mind?
We would like this year to be summarized by the mini-tour, at least in Ukraine. But it is hardly possible in the current situation. Therefore, all that is left to do is working at the new material.
13) Anything you would like to add to end the interview?
We would like to conclude this interview with the Dio words: “Metal Will Never Die”. In spite of all difficulties and misfortunes suffered by our band we will overcome them with the support of our fair listeners. You will hear the Red Hills growl voice time and time again!
Interview was prepared by David Déniz Plaza (Necromance)
1) To start with, who are RED HILLS and what type of music do you play?
It’s that simple. The red mine spoil piles i.e. hills (hence the name “Red Hills”) are the main feature of the Donetsk Region landscape. They are scattered around this coal mining area. I think that the Old School Melodic Death Metal is the correct name of our music style.
2) Do you have any goals as to what you all want to achieve as a band?
As the majority of the young players we want to gain recognition. We would like the whole world to know that the Ukrainian players can also create good MDM.
3) With the songs you’re writing now, how are they different to the songs you write back for your first releases, the Demo single and digital EP?
There is a great difference between our early and current works. First of all, this is a technical aspect. We became more technical than we used to be. Secondly, the record quality. We have previously paid little attention to this aspect. Nowadays much prominence is given to it because we want to be recognized throughout the world. The approach is in the third place. We work extensively at each song, chisel each note thus working at the awareness of our songs.
4) Do you prefer writing when it is more collaborative? Or do you prefer being able to work on your own thing and present that idea fully formed?
The first stage of the song creation is a creation of its concept, idea, muse and melody. There are times when the melody takes into our head earlier than the lyrics but the reverse may be also true. Then we have to match the lyrics. After the keynotes were expressed in the song our team starts to analyze it in order to decide what should be left, deleted or rewritten. During such analysis the release version of the song is taking shape.
5) How does the writing process for RED HILLS work in 2014?
This year is turning out to be very difficult but in spite of all that we managed to release our first album. One of the advantages is that we recorded the album last autumn (at TA Production Studio). Therefore, at the beginning of this year we have already had the result. We only had to work at the cover artwork and sign the Contract with the label (Metal Scrap Records). Today due to some forced measures we are not able to work to the full extent (repetitions, concerts) that is why we’ve hurled all our efforts into the development of the new materials.
6) How do you know when a song is finished and ready to be recorded? is a song ever really finished?
The song is deemed to be finished when all amendments, both in the lyrics and music, have been taken into consideration, when the song has been thought out to the last detail from concept to idea, when all members of the band enjoy the song from the first to the last note, when the tune haunts day and night. In such case the song is ready to be recorded.
7) So “pleasure of destruction” is out now, how has the response to the material been so far?
There are many reviews about our album, both positive and negative. We are always glad to the constructive criticism because it highlights all those aspects which will be revised in future and will make the material improved and practically perfect. We keep receiving the reviews. People like our music. It’s a pleasure for us to be duly appreciated and sometimes be even compared to the MDM grandparents.
8) How do you feel about this debut full length album?
It’s a new round of our band development. It’s a fresh chapter in achieving the long-cherished goals. It’s a very long and winding road which cannot be turned aside.
9) How was working with producer Anton Vorozhtsov at TA Production Studios?
The recording proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. The work was done to a good quality, we worked as one team. We were surprised at the obtained results. Anton is not just a good but one of the best sound producers in Ukraine. Yes, he can rightly wear such title. He has a good grasp of the metallic field; he is quick to understand the artist’s intention. There is no need for hours and hours to explain him your intentions and expectations of the composition, effects and arrangements you prefer. We’re going to let you in on a little secret about the next album. We will record it again with Anton. But don’t say a word to him! He doesn’t know about it yet! (Laughing).
10) “Pleasure of destruction” was released on Total Metal Records (a sub-label of Metal Scrap Records), how did that come about and how do you feel to be involved with such an important label?
When we got in the studio we have already known that this album should be involved with the label and should hit the shelves all over the world. We’ve been heartily satisfied with the performed work and highly pleased with being included into the list of the bands released by Metal Scrap.
11) It has been three years between your digital EP and the new album “Pleasure of destruction”, so it would be fair to say that RED HILLS are different people now to what they were in 2011, how have you changed as people?
I would say that at the time it was “young” and unconsciously. We haven’t known our own mind yet and had no well-defined goals and targets. We just have been following our inclinations without elaborating on the small details such as quality, presentation, label etc. Now we have the defined goals. During the last three years the membership of the band has been completely formed. Now Red Hills are as a single family being steady in their cherished goals. These three years went too quickly in the long-hour repetitions, sharpening of the technique, creation of the new and high-power material. This time period made us stronger and more sustainable. We have grown up in terms of the technique and our demands have been increased respectively (Laughing).
12) What does the rest of 2014 hold for RED HILLS? Any plans in mind?
We would like this year to be summarized by the mini-tour, at least in Ukraine. But it is hardly possible in the current situation. Therefore, all that is left to do is working at the new material.
13) Anything you would like to add to end the interview?
We would like to conclude this interview with the Dio words: “Metal Will Never Die”. In spite of all difficulties and misfortunes suffered by our band we will overcome them with the support of our fair listeners. You will hear the Red Hills growl voice time and time again!
Interview was prepared by OccultBlackMetal (Variety Of Death Zine)
1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Red Hills has existed since 2009, playing in the style of melodic death metal. During the existence played a lot of gigs, published a Pleasure Of Destruction album with support from label Metal Scrap Records (http://metalscraprecords.com). Currently, a team site and will soon be launched, but now you can get acquainted with our group photo on the pages:
https://www.facebook.com/redhillsmdm
http://instagram.com/redhillsofficialcommunity
Members:
Kirill Boyko – guitar
Dmitriy Vinogradov – guitar
Anatoliy Kolumba – vocals
Sergey Mits – drums
Artyom Adamenko – bass
2. Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
Old School melodic death metal, I think it will be the correct name of our sound.
3. The band has been around since 2009 but this is the first album, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time?
The band’s road was long and challenging. The frequent change of the band’s composition gave no chance to work to the full extent. But it is a thing of the past. In spring 2013 Red Hills became a fully enlarged band.
4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Lyrics based on the story of the social problems of our society and the problems of a specific person in our society.
5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Red Hills’?
It’s that simple. The red mine spoil piles i.e. hills (hence the name “Red Hills”) are the main feature of the Donetsk Region landscape. They are scattered around this coal mining area of Ukraine.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We have not played at big festivals, concerts of those that played the best was at the club kunderbunt. Our stage performance can be described as an explosion of positive emotions with the public
7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?
Yes there is, we plan to tour in the fall.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?
Difficult to say, I think will be satisfied with our music, but we’ll see time will tell.
9. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
It will be skillful and promising group invariably plays melodic death metal and popular in the world.
10. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Great influence on the style group had Dark Tranquillity, At the Gates, In Flames, Kalmah, Insomnium, Children of Bodom, Norther. We listened and wanted to play as cool as these teams.Now listen to the Finnish melodic death school and old school thrash metal.
11. What are some of your non musical interests?
Many of them, we diversified our interests people besides music – motorcycles, books, girls, computer games, sports, nature generally do not like to sit in one place.
12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We’re working hard to make the dream began to run, anything is possible, most importantly – a wish! Thank you to everyone who supports us, and the meeting at concerts.
1) Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Red Hills were formed in 2009. They play in the melodic death metal style. The band’s road was long and challenging. The frequent change of the band’s composition gave no chance to work to the full extent. But it is a thing of the past. In spring 2013 Red Hills became a fully enlarged band.
The Red Hills website will be soon launched. But now you can get acquainted with the photo of our band on the following web pages:
https://www.facebook.com/redhillsmdm
http://instagram.com/redhillsofficialcommunity
Members:
Состав:
Kirill Boyko – guitar
Dmitriy Vinogradov – guitar
Anatoliy Kolumba – vocals
Sergey Mits – drums
Artyom Adamenko – bass
2) How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Old School Melodic Death Metal. I think this is the correct name of our music style. We were influenced by such bands as Death, Children of Bodom, Dark Tranquility, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Kalmah and In Flames.
3) Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Buying our album a metalhead gives support to us. How can you appreciate our band without listening to its material? Buy, listen and draw your conclusions should they be positive or negative. In any case it will further contribute to our musical evolution and promotion.
4) What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
We have released the debut album called “Pleasure of Destruction”. Our material has become available to the public due to signing of the Contract for release of the album with the largest Eastern European label Metal Scrap Records.
5) Do you play live as well? How’s your live activity so far?
Of course, we play live. And it sounds as cool and original as prerecorded! Now we plan to organize a tour in favour of the released album.
6) What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
Red Hills are a promising band aiming first and foremost at development and dominance in the musical industry. Based on the reviews received after the release there are people who are interested in our art.
7) What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
We are working at our own website which will be launched in the near future. We also plan to do a music clip in support of our album. You can head over to our Facebook page and watch all the news of the band.
https://www.facebook.com/redhillsmdm.
8) Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Our stuff can be ordered on the Metal Scrap Records site http://metalscraprecords.com/shop/ru/shop/product/view/1/4251
or in the distribution network. You can find the list of distributors on the Metal Scrap Records site in the “Distributors” section.
For introduction listening you may visit Bandcamp following the link http://metalscraprecords.bandcamp.com/album/red-hills-pleasure-of-destruction-cd
1. Please tell us a few words about the new release, about the music on it as a whole or a few words on each track in part. How are you happy with the final release?
“Pleasure of Destruction” is the first debut album being the most serious job of our band over the years of its existence. We are pleased with how it sounds. Everything has been made at the highest level. We can say very briefly about the album as a whole: our music has incorporated the best of the Melodic Death Metal style i.e. the high-speed parts of the drums, the melodic, heavy and groove rhythms of the guitars, the attractive combination of scream and growl, the solo pretty tunes.
2. How would you describe/label the music on it? Does it sounds like anything we might have heard before?
As has been said earlier, it is Melodic Death Metal style. Maybe, it’s similar only in terms of the manner of execution of the style technique.
3. Where was it recorded and how much time did it take you to record it? Any interesting stories from the recording/producing the material?
The album was recorded at Zaporozhye Studio TA Production under the supervision of Anton Vorozhtsov (Hell:on and Ungrace guitarist).
The recording proceeded in a friendly atmosphere. Anton takes his work seriously. Thus, it didn’t take much time to record the material. The process was productive at all stages. We have gained a vast and invaluable experience because it was our first serious and extensive work.
4. What can you tell us about the cover artwork? Is there a link between the artwork and the lyrics? What are the topics of your lyrics?
The cover artwork was executed by the Russian Studio “Project Mayhem”. The album artwork is the symbol of our immoral and enervated society. Thus, social problems destroying our society are well narrated in the Red Hills lyrics.
5. What do you expect to gain through this release? What are the band’s aims at the moment?
The album exceeded our expectations. There are many positive reviews since the album was released. Currently, we are working at our own website and a debut clip in support of our album. You will be able to evaluate the fruits of our labours in the near future.
6. Is there a special format the material is released in? Or is it released in multiple formats? How many copies were pressed?
The material was released by the largest Eastern European label Metal Scrap Records in accordance with their standards. The material was released in the multiple formats. 1000 copies were pressed.
7. Where and how will you promote this new release?
The material is being promoted in the Metal Scrap Records distribution network. The release has been made in Ukraine, Russia, Great Britain and it will take place in the USA.
8. Where can we order it from?
You can order on the Metal Scrap Records site
http://metalscraprecords.com/shop/ru/shop/product/view/1/4251 or in the distribution network. You can find the list of distributors on the Metal Scrap Records site in the “Distributors” section.
For introduction listening you may visit Bandcamp following the link http://metalscraprecords.bandcamp.com/album/red-hills-pleasure-of-destruction-cd
– Tell us about the origin of the band.
– Reasons to create the band, inspiration and influences.
– Style description and musical attitude.
– Tell us about the origin of the name’s band.
History of the group dates back as far back as 2009. But the full composition was formed in 2013. All these long 4 years, the group was looking for a musical genre,creating material, gave concerts, and overcome obstacles with no constant composition. When to the group joined the last member of our musical family. We realized that it was time to start a serious decision, it’s time to record their debut album.
It’s time to tell the world that we have. Like all ambitious and young musicians, names and ideas for creativity has been very lot, but for the time we found, what you were looking for. And the decision was unanimous.
-For those who are starting rocking
Which band and / or classic rock band’s song recommend and why?
Today, just a mass of bands, there are promising young guys, but also do not forget about the older generation. The generation that created this music. First of all, we recommend it to listen to them. In their music little commerce and a lot of emotion, as well as in their music there is a soul. Soul that makes this music such an impressive and grand.
-For those who are starting rocking and begin to be known as a band
What song of yours you recommend and why?
That’s a very difficult question. Each of us has different tastes in metal music. The only thing we agree is that the music must be with soul. Each group of the world have their own style and way of playing. So if you want to become a master of the guitar or any other instrument, you need learn at least one song of the world groups of various genres. It is will develop in you technical skills, and you will not be limited to any one genre of metal.
-Which one was or has been the most important moment in your career?
The moments were many. It is first concert, a change of the composition, first record, the first contract with the label. But the most important moments in our musical career was recording their debut album and signing a contract with Metal Scrap Records label.
-Tell us about your achievements, future goals and what are you doing right now?
The most important achievement is perhaps the point that we are still gathered in one group with a common goal.
The group is now experiencing regular problems on the road to glory, but it is only tempers we. And no matter, we are preparing material for a second album. And this time, we plan to give a small mini-tour in support of it.
-As wrestling media, do you know wrestling, right?, What do you want to comment or add about this topic?
At the moment, the media is a very powerful political tool. With each passing day more and more difficult to filter news. For most of the media should be treated with a little skeptical. It is best not to include TV and only look at the world of music, sports and science, there is practically no lie.
-Greetings and message for rock fans and visitors of Rock and Wrestling website
-Hi all metal fans. Hi all fans team Rock&Wrestling.
-We are Red Hills. Melodic death metal band from in Ukraine.
-We create music for you, and We are grateful to all of you for your support
-Stay Metal and listen good Music \m/
After a short creative leave, we continued to work on our new material and returned to rehearsals. We have a lot of plans for the near future, but it’s far too soon to speak of it. Currently, working on maxi-single or EP is of high priority.
When did you decide you wanted to be in a band?
Many people keen on music want to create a band or join an existing one. It is difficult to say when we decided to be in a band. Probably, in childhood, when we took a first interest in music or playing a certain musical instrument. In particular, if we talk about Red Hills, each musician from the original lineup decided to become a part of the band by himself. Just one day we popped up in the right place at the right time, namely, at the Iron Curtain Festival in 2000.
What is different about being a musician than you imagined?
Everything seemed much easier and more profitable . Being a musician is hard work and, unfortunately, it is frequently low-paid.
What gear do you use and why?
As for the gear manufacturers, there are no particular favourites. Generally, we use Marshall tube amps, AKG and Sennheiser microphones. Probably, our musical idols who used the same brands in their professional life predetermined such a choice.
What music do you listen to that would surprise people?
Different music − from old-school death metal or thrash metal to modern rock music. All music is beautiful whatever the style (except for pops).
How do we find your music and merch to buy?
Our album titled Pleasure Of Destruction is sold on popular digital platforms, such as iTunes, GooglePlay or Amazon Music. If you are interested in physical media, then you can find our CD on Ebay, Amazon, or our label’s official store https://metalscraprecords.com/shop/en/store/product/view/1/4251. You can also look for it in the sound stores of your city.
How did you get a record deal? Or do you want a record deal or are you DIY?
No, we are not independent. Frankly speaking, we didn’t look for a label, or rather the label fell into our lap. We have a valid record deal with Total Metal Records, which expires in 2019. After the expiry of this deal, maybe we’ll re-record the album Pleasure Of Destruction. Well, be that as it may, but if it does, we’ll make it only after the EP.
What bands do people compare your music to?
We’ve heard a lot about comparing our music to various bands. Typically, it was compared with early musical compositions of In Flames and Dark Tranquility.
Are you pro Spotify / streaming services ? Or do you think it hurts sales?
Yes, we are pro Spotify. We believe that streaming services can help in reaching out to with a large audience.
What’s the ultimate goal for the band?
Grammy Award, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
Will we see you tour?
Certainly. But we can say nothing concrete about the tour for now. There are some changes in the band lineup as well as major changes in the approach to composing.
Who would you love to tour with?
We’d like to tour with Metallica. But, as a matter of fact, we don’t know how we’ll fit in with our style. Probably, also with Children of Bodom, In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Kalmah, etc.
What is your favorite song of yours and why?
The song Bitch. Read the lyrics and you’ll understand, it is real-life (joke!)
Why should people take the time to listen to your band over the thousands of other bands?
In our opinion, we tried to create something, maybe, unusual, not like everyone else but in the Melodic Death style. Did we manage to do it? More likely yes than no. We are not here to judge. Let the listeners do it.
What are your favorite music websites labels podcast etc?
Our favourite music labels are Nuclear Blast and Metal Blade Records. It’s rather difficult to answer about websites because social media are extremely popular today and that’s where everything takes place.
Is imagery important to you? Do you judge albums by the cover?
Under any circumstances you can’t judge people, music, computer games, meal, etc. by the cover. You should listen to music, and, maybe, more than once. It is music that creates the image of a musician who composes or performs it, and not the other way around.
If you could choose a cover song your band mates would hate what would it be?
It would be any pop song. Because we hate pops (joke!)
Is the record or live show more important?
Of course, live show is more important. You can estimate the skills of both the band and its musicians only during live performance. In addition, the live show atmosphere, nothing can be compared with these emotions.
Name 3 people dead or alive you would want to play your music for.
We’d like to play our music for Chuck Schuldiner, Father of Death Metal. It would also be interesting to hear the views of Ronnie James Dio as well as the musicians of such bands as In Flames, Dark Tranquility, Children of Bodom, Slayer, etc.
Lemmy Ozzy Dio and Rob Halford in a cage match who wins?
It is impossible to mark the distinction between them. They are all cool in their own way. They are all winners!
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