About this interview
In this 2009 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan's Rock Show, Woe of Tyrants dive deep into the highs and lows of their journey as an up-and-coming metal band. They kick things off by sharing a near-disastrous van accident involving a bandmate who mistakenly thought the vehicle was on, sending it rolling downhill into a guardrail. While the incident could have ended in disaster, they recount it with humor, explaining how it became one of their favorite tour stories.
The conversation transitions into how the band landed their deal with Metal Blade Records, a pivotal moment in their career. They reflect on the early days, from releasing their independent album Behold the Lion on Tribunal Records to navigating label negotiations with the help of an entertainment lawyer. Initially, they had interest from multiple labels, but when Metal Blade took an interest, everything changed. They describe how quickly the process unfolded and how they suddenly found themselves transitioning from an underground act to being part of one of the most respected labels in metal.
The band also discusses their experiences on the road, touching on the reality of touring, financial struggles, and the misconception that being signed means instant success. They admit that before signing with Metal Blade, they had a certain level of optimism about the music industry—expecting that a label deal would lead to stability and steady income. However, they quickly realized that even with label backing, bands still have to grind and sacrifice. They share the challenges of covering touring expenses, dealing with unexpected van repairs, and even facing promoters who try to shortchange them. Despite these hardships, they emphasize how much they love life on the road and how touring has given them invaluable lessons about resilience and passion for music.
One of the more surprising revelations in the interview is their perspective on rockstar egos. Instead of encountering arrogance from major touring acts, they found that the biggest names in metal were often the most down-to-earth people. Interestingly, they note that local bands are sometimes the ones with inflated egos. They recall their initial apprehension about touring with bands like Cattle Decapitation, given their differing lyrical themes—Woe of Tyrants often incorporate Christian themes into their lyrics. However, they were pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and supportive everyone was, proving that musical differences don’t always lead to personal conflicts.
The conversation also covers their creative process, which had evolved significantly due to lineup changes. They explain how their previous releases often came together over years of writing, while their latest work was being crafted under tighter deadlines. Unlike before, where a few members would spearhead the songwriting, the current lineup had adopted a more collaborative approach. Every member was now contributing, and they had developed a system where all ideas were at least tested before being dismissed. Despite the challenges of working under time constraints, they were excited about the direction their new material was taking.
Throughout the interview, Woe of Tyrants maintain a mix of humor, honesty, and reflection, giving an unfiltered look at what it truly takes to build a career in heavy music. They acknowledge that while the journey is far from glamorous, the experiences, friendships, and opportunities they’ve gained make all the struggles worthwhile.