Uthyr: Arthurian Shield was formed in September of 2011 after I had been in many other metal bands. Over the years I wanted create a metal band that brought to life the age of the Arthurian Legend and its many characters as well as battles. The desire of the band was to combine metal riffs with the influence of medieval early music that created a dark medieval atmosphere.
You're influenced by Henry Purcell and Bach in addition to bands like Watain and Von. What made you decide to adopt this style?
Uthyr: The classical, baroque, renaissance and medieval musical influences began with me as a child. My parents introduced me to many classical composers like Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach and Purcell whom led me to this older music style of baroque composers and early music composers. As I grew older I of course began listening to rock and metal and have never stopped. I enjoyed the metal bands that lead me to a deeper level and a deeper listening experience such as Watain, Lordian Guard, Immortal, Nile and many newer bands such as Northsong, Celtachor, Wotan Warrior and Darkenned Nocturn Slaughtercult. I wanted to play heavy music but with a touch of older melodic styles. Medieval music in particular.
Arthurian Shield is based out of Fayetteville, New York. Do you think your environment had any influence on the style of music you play?
Uthyr: I'm glad you asked this third question because the location of Fayetteville holds a great influence on Arthurian Shield. My home is located minutes from Green Lakes State Park. This park holds two lakes, Green Lake and Round Lake which were both formed by prehistoric arctic glaciers. This land holds colorful and beautiful fall seasons which give birth to cold winters of snow and ice. These winters are present in the music of Arthurian Shield. Many of the songs were inspired by long walks around the lakes in late fall and early winter which helped to create the idea for a frozen Arthurian land ruled by the Ancient Queen of Frost.
You released a self-titled album in 2012 that has a really great raw sound to it. Do you plan on continuing with that aesthetic in the future, or do you want to move to something more polished?
Uthyr: I love all styles of music as well as all types of recording sounds but for metal and Arthurian Shield in particular I prefer the raw and organic sound. I think a lot of music depends too much on overproducing and polished sound which takes away from the talent of the great musicians as well as the great producers whom record the music. Arthurian Shield will always have natural raw sound. There will be no polished sound.
Does Arthurian Shield have any touring or recording plans for the near future?
Uthyr: The band is currently writing new songs for the second album. I also have plans to play live and tour as soon as a drummer is found.
If you could record a split album with any band, who would it be?
Uthyr: A split album with any band? That is a great question. There are so many wonderful bands out there but if I had to choose I would say Inquisition or Radogost.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or mention?
Uthyr: I give my thanks for your support and interest in Arthurian Shield and underground music.
For more information, visit the Arthurian Shield website:
