Interview with War Gods of the Deep | Vintage Pop-Culture Meets Metal Music
War Gods of the Deep, a band from Astro Dragon Records, have made a significant impact on the heavy metal scene with their unique blend of rock and metal influences. Drawing inspiration from legendary bands like KISS, Queen, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and Metallica, they’ve crafted a distinctive sound that appeals to fans of both classic and modern metal. Their latest single, “Breaker of Worlds,” showcases this fusion, combining epic and diverse influences into a powerful track. The band’s music is known for its experimental and adventurous approach, reflecting their commitment to pushing the creative boundaries of heavy music.
Introduction: Who is behind the release “Breaker of Worlds”?
Their latest releases, including the EP Robots, Rockets & Rampage and the LP Action Space Battle, have each built upon the last, refining their style and thematic content. In this case, “Breaker of Worlds” returns to the experimental spirit of their debut, and it is a great addition to the avant-garde and heavy metal scene.
"Of course, most people now know that WGOTD it is also the American name of a European film titled "City Under the Sea" starring Tab Hunter and Vincent Price, from the 60s."
Full Interview
In this interview with War Gods of the Deep, we explore the depths of their heavy metal universe with Rikk, the leader of this project. He will provide insights into their creative process, discuss the evolution of their music, and share their experiences navigating the metal scene. Let’s kick off our conversation with War Gods of the Deep!
Formation and Origins
How did War Gods of the Deep come together, and what inspired the formation of the band?
The project is really just a combination of my love of all things rock and heavy music related and the culture, lifestyle and mythology that contributes to it’s ever growing and ever evolving presence and influence in society.
Your music draws from various styles of rock and metal. Which bands have been the most significant influences on your sound and songwriting?
When it comes to songwriting, I would say the top five influences would be KISS, Queen, Van Halen, Def Leppard, and Metallica.
Breaker of the Worlds Single
Your latest single “Breaker of the Worlds” has generated a lot of buzz. Can you tell us about the inspiration and creative process behind this track?
I could, that would be a little self aggrandizing and really boring to read for anyone paying attention. The song is just a kaleidoscope of influences that when assembled correctly, worked very well together. The intentional epic feel and sensibility of the track is designed to help people get out of the song whatever they need or want to, every time they listen to it.
How does “Breaker of the Worlds” reflect the current direction of the band’s music?
Breaker certainly takes WGOTD back to the approach exhibited on the debut EP in 2016 which was very experimental and adventurous with regard to having no rules or preconceived ideas of how or what our version of heavy music should be.
Songwriting Process
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do the lyrics or music come first?
There really is no hard and fast rule here. Sometimes the lyrical content or the narrative comes first, and other times the music and sonic compositions come first. It really just depends on that point in time. Sometimes I even just open a session in my DAW and record various guitar riffs and structures for hours at a time so that I can then go back a piece them together or expand on them later in life. Sometimes it starts with a piano, or even a vocal run… Again there is no moral ethos, or code to songwriting, it doesn’t matter how you get there, just get there.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs? Are there specific themes or experiences that frequently influence your music?
The same place as every other songwriter. Everything. Everything influences the songwriting process for every songwriter that has ever existed, since the awareness of songwriting. Personally, some of the areas that seem to creep in influentially come from two specific decades in time, the 70s in the 80s, as to me, world some of the best music, pop culture, movies and continents the world has yet to know.
Creative Dynamics
How do you manage the creative dynamics within the band? Do you have any specific processes or guidelines that help in your collaboration?
Since I am the creative dynamics in the band, the one simple rule I adhere to is to try to not do the same thing twice if it can be helped. Keep moving forward, even if it’s uncomfortable. I’m of the mindsets and opinion that great music lives within the collective imperfections of those who make it. Musical perfection is highly overrated, incredibly underwhelming, and never stands the test of time. Imperfection, whether obvious or subtle, is what gives the life force to music that it needs in order to be none only interesting, but long lasting.
Your music and style seem to draw heavily from classic pop culture, including comics, movies, and vintage art. How do these elements influence your creative process and final sound?
I think the vintage pop-culture components that you speak of play a huge role in cementing the feeling of our music being both timeless and very rooted in the traditions of the 70s in the 80s. Again, I could speak endlessly about the relentless onslaught of amazingly cool music, comics, movies, magazines, toys and television shows that serve as endless inspiration for WGOTD and still not really be able to get to the heart of why it’s also important. It just is. WGOTD is designed to be an immersive experience, and all of those components contribute to that.
Previous Releases
Your EP Robots, Rockets & Rampage set the stage for your LP Action Space Battle. How do you feel these releases compare to each other in terms of musical style and thematic content?
They may share some DNA, However the full length album is its own universe. The Robots, Rockets & Rampage EP was a continuation of exploration and experimentation with what could be done sonically within the WGOTD project, the Action Space Battle album was recorded and designed to sound specifically like it came out of a 1982 record store cut out bin, or was an old metal record you found in your brother’s closet from when he was a kid that was never really popular and only he liked. The album served a very specific purpose sonically and all of the writing, recording, mixing and mastering want to serve that end.
How does the single “Who Wants to Be Lonely” fit into your discography and musical evolution?
I’m a huge KISS fan. I love every single thing they do. Always have, and always well. When deciding what KISS song to cover, I felt it would be cool stylistically to take one of their better-known 80s hits that was already a little heavier than the stuff they did in the 70s, and play with the arrangement and the cadence of it to make it authentically WGOTD. I’m incredibly happy with the weather turned out, and I’m looking forward to doing more KISS covers in the future.
Musical Evolution
How has your music evolved since you first started the band? Are there any particular moments or achievements that stand out?
I think every time you pick up an instrument as a musician, you evolve. You get better, you think differently, you learn something new. The process of songwriting and recording entails the same growth pattern. The more you do it, the more you change and evolve whether you are aware of it or not. Personally,I choose to not spend a lot of time in the mindset of achievement, I’m grateful for every day and every opportunity that presented self.
The Making Off and the Production Processes
Who produced Action Space Battle, and what was the experience like working on this album?
I produce all of the WGOTD recordings myself. I think long-term it’s better for artists don’t know exactly what they’re looking for or where they want to go to try and get there on their own. I’m certainly not dismissing the value of a producer for a band or artist that needs help knowing exactly where and what they want to do and how to get there. I’m talking about any artist that knows exactly what they want and doesn’t want to compromise in any way, shape or form. As I am the architect of the entire WGOTD universe, I feel at this point in my career there’s no one better to produce and record all of our material than me.
Did the production process for “Breaker of the Worlds” differ from your previous works?
My production process is pretty consistent at this point in time, as I have systems in place that help me execute things in the manner I want for each project so that they always have a unique and interesting, but the findable and authentic sound that is 100% WGOTD.
The Band´s Name
What’s the story behind the band’s name, War Gods of the Deep? Is there a particular meaning or inspiration behind it?
Two of the most popular words in the American English language are “War”, and “God”. The juxtaposition of those two words relative to that observation seemed very interesting to me. I then added “of the Deep” to hint at the thought process of deeper introspection and contemplation regarding all things in life. Then, ironically, like an idiot, I didn’t bother googling that word or name until after I already committed to it for the band and started the trademark process. Of course, most people now know that it is also the American name of a European film titled “City Under the Sea” starring Tab Hunter and Vincent Price, from the 60s. Understandably, most people think the band’s name is a riff on that movie, yet the sad truth is that it’s a coincidence based on lack of preparation and investigation on my part. Either way, it’s a kick ass name and I love it.
Audience Reception
How has the audience reception been to your music, particularly with your latest single “Breaker of the Worlds” and your LP Action Space Battle? Are there any fan interactions or feedback that have particularly resonated with you?
I think it’s like anything else. Some people love it. Some people hate it, and most people don’t care about it or even know it exists… That’s how everything in the creative world functions. At any given point in time 99.9% of the population of the world is not listening to or paying attention to any one particular artist or band… That is the reality of all creative endeavor. I am always grateful when critics and fans give us encouraging words and kudos… Who doesn’t love that?
Live Performances and Future Plans
Do you have any plans to tour in support of your new releases? If so, where and when can fans expect to see you live?
Touring or playing live is not a priority until the fans demand it. If there are groups of fans throughout the globe that band together and request WGOTD come play for them, then I am all ears and interested. However, until the demand is there, the focus is on creating the best recorded music I can.
What’s next for War Gods of the Deep? Are you working on new music, and can fans expect another full-length album anytime soon?
The plan is to do another single or even may be another three song EP before the end of the year, and then record and hopefully release a new full length record in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Is there anything else you want to share with our audience?
Support the music and art you love. If possible, directly with the artist. As long as there are fans, real fans, of any artist, band, movie, story, then the art will always find a way to continue on.
Conclusion
Haven’t you listened to War Gods of the Deep – Breaker of Worlds yet? If not, you can find it in our Avant Garde Metal Playlist.
