Hellgrimm interview 09/10/22
MM: Tell us about Hellgrimm and where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from.
Jerry Connor (writer, guitarist) - I get a lot of inspiration from real life experiences, things I have been through and heard about. I also draw a lot of inspiration from watching a lot of horror movies, psychological thrillers, and serial killer documentaries.
Erica Missey (singer, drummer) – Luckily I don’t have the hard job of writing the music – that task falls on Jerry mostly. I think he’s a gifted writer and I like helping to mold and shape his ideas.
MM: What would you say is your band’s favorite song?
Jerry – “Jack of All Blades” stands out to me on the new album, but don't feel I have written my favorite song yet.
Erica – “Back from the Dead” is brutal and powerful and I had such a blast drumming and singing it. At the moment, this is my favorite song on “Ritual” – ask me tomorrow, it will probably change 😉.
MM: What're your plans for the rest of 2022?
Jerry - Promoting our most recent CD "Ritual", touring, etc. I also will be working on a rock musical called “Gideon’s Journey” based on a book written by Paul Enemark.
Erica – We’ve got a few show dates coming up before the end of the year and we’re concentrating on pushing the new album and the upcoming shows (San Antonio on Halloween, The Whisky in LA and Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas in December). In March we’re heading to the UK to support Raven on their 40th Anniversary celebration of All for One – prepping for that is our primary focus until we jump on the plane.
MM: How important is artwork for Hellgrimm?
Erica – As an artist, I place a lot of importance on our artwork. I like the the old school style metal album covers and wanted to take that approach with our artwork. We were lucky enough to work with our friend Kelly Abbass from Ontario. She was a model/actress/musician that did some photos and videos for our previous band, Monkeysoop. We asked if we could use her for the likeness for the character Hellgrimm and she was down for it. Hellgrimm is a daughter of Hades and she’s the master of Cerberus, the three-headed hound that guards the underworld. We’ve slowly been working Hellgrimm’s backstory since we started the band four years ago.
MM: What can we expect from Hellgrimm live? Do you ever do live feeds?
Jerry – We’ve done one live feed so far – not our favorite way to play. As far as the live show, you won't be disappointed.
Erica – Come to a show and you’ll find out 😉!
MM: What do you like best and worst about touring?
Jerry - I love touring - if I could, I would tour 365 days a year. What I like most is meeting new people and going to art galleries in every town we stop in.
Erica – I love how traveling takes you out of your comfort zone and resets your thinking - change is good for your brain. Experiencing different environments and cultures is the best! I’ve made friends on the road that I would have never met otherwise.
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies?
Jerry - Alice Cooper, Clutch, Loudness
Erica – If we can throw Faith No More in the mix with Jerry’s choices that would be awesome!
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why?
Jerry - When I saw Metallica June 5 1986 - the Master of Puppets tour in McAllen, TX. It's memorable to me because Cliff Burton died just a few months later. I was lucky I got to see the original lineup.
Erica – The first time I saw Alice Cooper on stage I was blown away. And the second time. And the third.
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with Hellgrimm?
Jerry - Writing music and getting our music out to the public.
Erica – Putting out four albums in the four years we’ve had Hellgrimm going. Being a supporting act for some awesome artists -- Geoff Tate, Christian Death, Powerman 5000, Kix, (hed) p.e., Dizzy Reed (Guns & Roses), Michale Graves, Tommy DeCarlo (Boston), Vicious Rumors, Pissing Razors, and Goatwhore. Learning more about music with every performance and every album.
MM: You head over to the UK on tour with Raven. how excited are you guys?
Jerry - I have been listening to Raven since the 80s. We got a chance to see them live and meet them for the first time at the Houston date on their US Tour. They put on a great show and are super nice guys. We are super excited to tour with them.
Erica – Excited beyond belief! They’re a legendary band and to support them and learn from them and enjoy several of their shows in their home country is too amazing! Can’t wait to get on the plane!
MM: Which are your Two favorite Albums of all time?
Jerry - Loudness - Thunder in the East, and Def Leppard - High and Dry
Erica – Angel Dust by Faith No More and The Essentials by Rob Zombie
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person?
Jerry - That's a tough question - there are so many great musicians that have made an impact on Metal/Rock.
Erica – Next question!
MM - What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Jerry - To continue touring and writing and recording songs.
Erica – Everything Jerry said. And getting our songs in films and tv shows.
MM: If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
Jerry - There are many songs would like to cover, "Cult of Personality" by Living Color, comes to mind mainly because of the guitar work. It's just a powerful song.
Erica – “Midlife Crisis” by Faith No More. Changed my life. Mike Patton is God.
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to Hellgrimm
Jerry – I can’t tell anyone what to buy but I hope people take a chance on it.
Erica – Because it kicks ass lol! But seriously, we play melody-driven hard rock/doom/metal – enjoy!
MM: Four words to describe Hellgrimm
Jerry - Power trio from Hell
Erica – Female voiced Black Sabbath
Quick fire rnd :
1. Vinyl or Digital
Jerry - Digital
Erica - Digital
2. Beer or pizza
Jerry - Beer
Erica – no contest - both
3. Small intimate gig or festival
Jerry - festival
Erica - festival
4. Saint or sinner
Jerry - Sinner
Erica - Sinner
5. Who would u rather be stuck in a lift with Joe Biden or Kermit the frog
Jerry - Kermit the frog
Erica – If it’s on a Tuesday or Thursday, Joe. Any other day, Kermit 😉.
Final Words for your fans and our readers
Jerry - I want to thank Grand sounds, EMG, WB Gear, Lang amps, My Little Voodoo, and everyone that gave our music a chance.
Erica – Thank you, Seb, with Metal Gods Meltdown – love your questions – keep it metal! Look for Hellgrimm on streaming and downloads and at hellgrimm.com!
