Haze Meets: The Hyena Kill

We had a chat with Manchester duo, The Hyena Kill and talked about influential albums and a thriving heavy scene in Manchester.

Firstly, how did The Hyena Kill come about?

Steve: We were both playing in different bands on the Manchester music scene, we had a jam and discovered we both had a passion for making really loud noise so decided to get in a rehearsal room to smash it out. It was an awesome connection from the off.

Did you both always know that you wanted to go down the heavier route?

Despite it not always getting perhaps as much attention as, say, the more indie kind of acts?

Lorna: Definitely. We knew that from the word go, but passion is much more powerful than the urge for commercial success. There’s a lot of throw away stuff that chases what sells; that's not us. We look up to bands like Tool and Deftones who stick to what they love, and their fan base stick with them because they love it too.

Was there ever a record or a gig which confirmed to you that you wanted to go into music?

Steve: Easy. Nevermind by Nirvana and White Pony by Deftones. Never looked back, both of those records changed my life. In terms of a live gig, Glass Jaw opening up for Soulfly at Nottingham Rock City pretty much sealed the deal for me.

Lorna: I'm going to have to go with Spice Girls … The Movie. Music and film, nailed it.

There's obviously always people moaning about no real guitar music being around anymore; surely that must get pretty annoying? Especially when there obviously is so much good music around?

Steve: The people saying that need to get their head out of their arse / Facebook and go and watch some live bands.

Lorna: Real guitar music is certainly around; these people clearly aren’t looking hard enough. They must be happy being spoon fed generic crap from the radio instead of going to the filthy rock club in town.

When these kind of things are being said by reputable music journalists, how difficult is it for up and coming bands that make this sort of music?

Steve: If you’re a musician in a band you shouldn’t pay any attention to these comments. Music is about expressing yourself, not worrying about if you fit into someone’s pre-conceived mould. If picking up a guitar and screaming your lungs out is how you choose to do your art, then so be it. Just because someone says it’s dead and meaningless doesn’t make it any less important and vital. Fuck ‘em.

Lorna: Rock music will never be dead. The fans are far too loyal. Mainstream media seems to forget this all too often. Bands like Rush, who can play arena tours ... I don't think I've ever heard them on any mainstream radio / music channel.

Are there any other similar kinds of guitar-heavy acts you'd recommend that are around at the moment?

Both: Boss Keloid, Under, False Advertising. These are our favourite bands at the moment and good mates of ours.

Is there ever any element of fear in regards to heavier music not always getting the exposure it should in the more mainstream music publications and websites?

Steve: Initially, starting out it can be frustrating. But if you stick to it you realise it’s more important to carve your own space and focus more attention on writing great songs and playing awesome shows than chasing media outlets that probably don't give a fuck anyway.

Lorna: Magazines like Metal Hammer, Rock Sound and Kerrang! still show unsigned up and coming bands a lot of love, for mainstream magazines.

How long was the writing process for Atomised and what have initial reactions been like to the record?

Steve: About 6 months to write but we really took our time to make sure each song was the best it could be. The reaction has been overwhelming. It’s really positive to know that people are digging something you slaved over in a tiny room in Manchester.

Lorna: I genuinely have no recollection of writing the album; I can't remember the actual song writing process. It’s like to me once it’s in the bag I just register that part, not the bit where I was pulling my hair out about what beat to play. I get dumber the better I get at drums, honestly. Steve has to remind me which songs were tedious to write and which just came easy. I'm really proud of the result though, even though the journey is hazy to me.

I imagine being on the bill for Neighbourhood Festival must be a pretty good feeling, especially with it being the first year?

Steve: Really chuffed to be playing it and representing the heavier side of Manchester music.

Lorna: Totally. The bill is killer too; it will be a great day to be involved with.

Are there any venues in Manchester you particularly like playing or watching bands?

Steve: Hands down for playing, The Deaf Institute. Albert Hall is an amazing space, but you can't beat a sweaty gig in somewhere like Soup Kitchen.

Lorna: There’s a lot of nice venues Manchester at the moment, all of the above that Steve mentioned included. They’ve all got real soul to them. And personality.

How good do you think the music scene is in Manchester at the moment?

Steve: As always it’s thriving but there’s been a big surge in heavy / alternative bands recently. The Manchester underground metal scene is awesome at the moment.

Lorna: Rebellion Bar is the core of that metal scene. A great venue with great people always hanging about. It really is Manchester’s home of metal.

Obviously you’ve got the release of your debut album and the following tour, but what else is in the pipeline for you?

Steve: To play as many shows as possible and begin work on our second record.

Lorna: The second album is shaping up great, I can actually remember he writing process so far!

Check out the video for 'Still Sick' below.

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