Horacle is a traditional heavy metal band from Belgium. They are truly flying the metal flag high in Belgium and kicking major ass. Formed by bassist Lord Sabathan in 2007 they just put out their latest album in 2015 after releasing two EP's. Horacle takes influence from Iron Maiden to Attacker which gives them quite a unique sound. Traditional metal isn't dead in Belgium it's alive and kicking and Horacle is at the head of the pack. Here's the interview with Terry the vocalist for Horacle
1. So how did Horacle first come into existence? What was the main motivation behind the creation of the band? How did you join the band?
Terry: Horacle was formed by our bassist L.Sabathan around 2007/2008.
He had just left Enthroned and wanted to form a Heavy Metal band because it was his first love in music. He grew up with Judas Priest, Saxon, Iron Maiden and such bands .Of course, the band grew into something more significant over time.I joined the band in late 2010, thanks to a mutual (very good) friend.Sabathan was struggling to find a good singer, I guess I fitted the job, cause I'm still there 5 years later!
2. Who came up with the naming the band Horacle? It’s a really cool name.
Terry: I think so too! Sabathan did. We molded it into some kind of a concept and came up with this character who prophesy all sorts of dark things such as the end of this world we've come to know it.
3. At times it seems that extreme metal is more appreciated in the underground than traditional/old school metal. However, would you agree that traditional/old school metal is timeless?
Terry: It is, that's for sure! There will always be people wanting to hear that kind of stuff, not everybody can enjoy a dude growling for an hour and a half, right? And there is way too many bands playing that kind of music nowadays.
4. Your first two EP’s are very good. The first one was very limited. Do you think we will get a re-issue of that maybe on cassette or vinyl? The second one was released on Dying Victims productions how did that work? Your new album was independently released?
Terry: In fact the first EP was due to be re-issued on vinyl with a new (very good) artwork done by Velio Josto who also designed the one for “A Wicked Procession”, somehow the deal was lost or fucked up.
Well, shit happens, right? No big deal, we still have the artwork, layout, inner sleeve.We wish to put it out someday in the future.I'm still very unhappy with my vocal delivery on this record, but people seem to still really enjoy it, so what do I know? It is now their music as much as it is ours. “A Wicked Procession” was on “Dying Victims prod.” yeah...But it didn't have any promotion, so it didn't sell as much as we would have liked/needed back then. It now sells more because of the interest for the album!
5. Your new album is very good how was the recording sessions for it? I think you guys really nailed the old school metal atmosphere on it. How were you able to achieve that?Thanks.
Terry: It's in our blood, we love that style so it comes naturally. You can't fake it, leave and breathe Heavy Metal. In terms of production, we knew what we wanted, and what we pretty much hated nowadays CDs production.
1. So how did Horacle first come into existence? What was the main motivation behind the creation of the band? How did you join the band?
Terry: Horacle was formed by our bassist L.Sabathan around 2007/2008.
He had just left Enthroned and wanted to form a Heavy Metal band because it was his first love in music. He grew up with Judas Priest, Saxon, Iron Maiden and such bands .Of course, the band grew into something more significant over time.I joined the band in late 2010, thanks to a mutual (very good) friend.Sabathan was struggling to find a good singer, I guess I fitted the job, cause I'm still there 5 years later!
2. Who came up with the naming the band Horacle? It’s a really cool name.
Terry: I think so too! Sabathan did. We molded it into some kind of a concept and came up with this character who prophesy all sorts of dark things such as the end of this world we've come to know it.
3. At times it seems that extreme metal is more appreciated in the underground than traditional/old school metal. However, would you agree that traditional/old school metal is timeless?
Terry: It is, that's for sure! There will always be people wanting to hear that kind of stuff, not everybody can enjoy a dude growling for an hour and a half, right? And there is way too many bands playing that kind of music nowadays.
4. Your first two EP’s are very good. The first one was very limited. Do you think we will get a re-issue of that maybe on cassette or vinyl? The second one was released on Dying Victims productions how did that work? Your new album was independently released?
Terry: In fact the first EP was due to be re-issued on vinyl with a new (very good) artwork done by Velio Josto who also designed the one for “A Wicked Procession”, somehow the deal was lost or fucked up.
Well, shit happens, right? No big deal, we still have the artwork, layout, inner sleeve.We wish to put it out someday in the future.I'm still very unhappy with my vocal delivery on this record, but people seem to still really enjoy it, so what do I know? It is now their music as much as it is ours. “A Wicked Procession” was on “Dying Victims prod.” yeah...But it didn't have any promotion, so it didn't sell as much as we would have liked/needed back then. It now sells more because of the interest for the album!
5. Your new album is very good how was the recording sessions for it? I think you guys really nailed the old school metal atmosphere on it. How were you able to achieve that?Thanks.
Terry: It's in our blood, we love that style so it comes naturally. You can't fake it, leave and breathe Heavy Metal. In terms of production, we knew what we wanted, and what we pretty much hated nowadays CDs production.
6. With this new album I felt that it opened up a new “chapter” for the band so to speak. I really liked the EP’s but this really took it to the next level to me as you guys as a band. How do you guys feel about it?
Terry: So true, thanks! It took some time for the band to find its niche.
The songs are more ambitious, more worked out without taking anything away from the natural rough edge of the band.We feel very confident about this record, and every feedback we've had has been awesome. I also think our “new” guitar player brings a lot to the vibe of the songs.
7. Is it easy to do gigs and rehearse because I know you guys are geographically kinda spread out at least some members of the band.
Terry: Yeah, I live in France and the others in Belgium. It ain't hard, the band rehearses without me. I drive there for every gig.I also see Sabathan often beside the band's activities because we are friends.
8. What are some of your biggest vocal influences? And general musical influences?
Terry: Man, so many people... I guess Klaus Meine, Robert Plant, R,J Dio and Ian Gillan were the first, because I would hear them all the time as a child. As well as Grace Slick and Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison(laughs)!
A lot of 70's early 80's music, my parents were really into that. As I grew, others came along the way: Freddy Mercury, Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, Michael Kiske, Rick Emmett, Glenn Hugues, Elvis Presley, Steve Perry, Mark Boals, Jeff Scott Soto, Steve Malycoat, Ray Alder, Jon Arch, Jon Oliva, Zakk Stevens, Midnight from Crimson Glory, Sebastian Bach and many others. I am mostly into “belting ”, people using a lot of range and expression. I also get influenced by crooners like Frank Sinatra, and great opera singers male and female.
I love all kinds of good singers even from some traditional music,and of course the “founding fathers” of rock like Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc My musical influences are vast but mostly rooted in Heavy Metal, early Speed/Power (US and german), Prog Rock, all sorts of rock, blues and folk music ,classical composers. As you grow older you expand your influences, so it never stops you know? But the bands from your youth, will always be the best music, to quote Lemmy. (Long live his legacy)
9. Belgium isn’t really known for metal compared to Germany or Sweden for example. Do you feel a band like Horacle would be overlooked because of that?
Terry: We are... In Belgium we really are, even if we get some nice nicknames like “The Belgian Iron Maiden” from our fans. But we are a lot more appreciated outside the borders to be honest. For example we've had a lot of reviews, interviews, and all that for the album. A lot more than we get gig offers. I guess it says it all!
I am a bit tired of people telling me that we should be a lot bigger... I know they are being nice saying it, but there isn’t much I can do about it. We are not in the right Country, maybe we should relocate to Germany, Sweden, or Brazil!(laughs)
10. What does 2016 and beyond hold for Horacle any plans?
Terry: Let's let our fans decide! We're gonna give our best shot to find the best gigs possible.We truly believe in this album, so we need to defend it every possible way, and all the interest it generates, this interview included is very encouraging!
Thank you for your times any last words or shout outs?
Terry: Well, thanks to you and thanks to all the people who believe in us and support us!I f you enjoy our music, please spread the word to every crazy Metal freak, so we can kick some more asses!
You can reach us on our website: www.horacle.be
and facebook : www.facebook.com/horacleofficial