A Conversation with Olly Lex

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to do this again. In case there is a reader here who just walked out of a freezer, can you please introduce yourself?

Hello everyone! My name is Olly Lex, I’m founder and singer of an alternative gothic metal band The End of Melancholy based in Russia, Saint-Petersburg. 

Now, you are not the typical Horror type band you find on this blog BUT you use a lot of classic Horror and Gothic imagery like monsters and darkness to paint a picture with your music. Where are this ideas derived from?

From the depths of the soul, I guess. I always found darkness attractive and beautiful. Since childhood I adore horror movies, dark aesthetic. My favorite movie was Exorcist. I didn’t feel the fear, I tried to understand is it truth or not? And I love the shock thing. Also I watched a lot of movies of vampires, monsters. By the way I was very interested in aliens theme. They’re kinda monsters too. 

And of course, my favorite writer was Stephen King. I remember when I can’t wait when the classes will over and I'll return home to continue my reading of Kristina. 

Now, like most bands on here you and your bandmates are DIY. What are some of the positives and negatives of this?

Ha. Diy...nice;) Actually, It’s absolutely true and hard thing, which forced you to value everything you got. Everything you’ve earned. It teaches you to be strong and wise. Because people really sometimes didn’t understand what it was worth to finally get to the stage and push everything you want to share after looooooong way from another city. But it’s okay. We’re here to entertain. 

I have no illusion that with label life will be easier. I’m sure you have to work harder. But of course it’s the payment for something bigger. 

With "Monster Feelings" being a single from the new album, when can we expect to hear the rest of what you have been working on? What can we expect in comparison to the previous full length.

We set up as the goal to release the album at the end of 2020, or at the beginning of 2021.  As we’re making it only by ourselves (of course with support of our fans) I hope we’ll make it real. 

You can expect the album full of nuclear emotions and riffs. We got so much to say and to play.  

So, any touring plans for North America yet?

Of course! But it’s a long process to cross the ocean for the unsigned band. 

But we ll make it real. 

Love the name of the band I remember reading an interview where you said you had the name before the band was formed. How did you come up with it?

Thank you! 

True. I saw the title on a T-shirt in random shop. And I almost screamed: “Amazing! That’s like a slogan of what I’m feeling now. It will be the name of my new band”.

The band started out as a two peice (as credited on the debut EP) and has grown to include more members. How has that changed the writing process? 

It’s not changed. Our guys are just musicians. For now. Maybe in future it will change. We’ll see.

The song that got me hook on you guys is your cover of Joy Division's awesome "Atmospheres". What made you guys decide on that song? Not something that may pop in most people's minds as a song that should recieve a Metal treatment but you guys do a fantastic job on it! 

Thank you very much! It’s very pleasant to hear, especially because we have been creating this version about 5 month. Can you imagine? I remember I just went crazy. Ha-ha. We wanted to make something different. All these synths, vocal melody... it was hard process. But when it finally came together, we were very happy. 

Clean vocals vs screams?

I love screams, growls and all these harshly things in vocals the most of all. Clean too, for sure;) 

Now, since you are the only female of the band in a genre that is male dominated, feel any extra pressure or resistance from new comers? I mean, I know Lita Ford once said that her mission statement, if you call it that, was to rock harder then the boys can and show people that a girl can do the same if not better then a guy. Any feelings like that?

Oh no, cause nowadays there are many girls in metal and they are screaming and growing, and they showed it, I guess. 

I don’t feel myself as female fronted band, honesty I don’t like this title. Maybe I’m a feminist. I just play music. 

Is there anyone living and/or dead that you would love to work with that you haven’t? A dream collaboration?

I would love to collaborate with any musician I love. Especially to scream :)

So, if I remember correctly, I came across you guys on Instagram and know I've shared your Bandcamp link with others. With that said, how has social media changed the game? Now there are many ways for bands and fans to connect and news is instantaneous in my opinion

Thank you very much for your support. And I thank every fan we got. It’s so precious for me to meet all, becoming friends sometimes. I found many great people through socials last years! So I can say it changed our life completely. Cause you know, in Russia it’s very hard to be a musician. But we’re all will change the things. I believe! 

As an artist, what inspires you (movies, music, comics, books, etc.)?  What got you into this?

My experience of life, of feelings I got from it. I sing only about I lived through. 

As a singer, who inspired you to pick up the microphone? I mean, no body is born with an mic in their hands! As well, is there any other instruments you play?

Of course, it was Kurt Cobain and a bit later Courtney Love. Ohhh there’s no power like their power. 

Yes, I play piano, almost graduated a music school. A bit guitar. 

Is there any advice to any bands starting out that you could give?

Live it. Breath it. And remember you always forced to make a choice between two realities. Just choose what you really are. And don’t be in illusion that music is so simple and fun. Sometimes yes, but the truth is it’s hard physically, emotional and one thousand problems will be on your way. I mean don’t be naive. You have to work on promoting, logistic, how you earn money from it and you also need to write music and sing! Crazy! 

But if you really choose it, from your heart...the whole universe will help you. For sure. 

Are there any new artists or bands in the Horror Rock/Punk/Metal genre that you think people should know? Someone who is exciting you with the music they make?

I think I love only already known bands. But I will mention Lord of the Lost cause they should be more and more famous with their music. 

Are there any new releases that you are looking forward to (movies, music, etc.)?

I would love to hear new albums of my favorite, as always! 

Thank you once again for taking the time to do this! Are there any parting words you have for the readers?

Thank you very much! I enjoyed your questions!

I would love to say one of my favorite quote: “Everything you want is on the other side of fear”

In Memoriam Sean Reinert

So, today we remember the skin man behind Cynic and Death's fabulous album Human in Sean Reinert. A great drummer who was there when Death changed musical style and lyrical inspiration, he was a fantastic drummer behind that release and Cynic. A true talent was lost. R.I.P. Sean, you helped one of the greatest bands ever grow and explore new musical road ways whole you also did it in your own band all the time.

Ceteri - Rainbow Road

From their upcoming album Tough $h!t, I bring to you the lead single "Rainbow Road". Told to check it out by Marc of Vagora, I had too and boy was I glad I did! Mario Kart inspired, the song by this Wisconsin band takes me back to the days of when Much Music (MTV to my American neighbors) used to play catchy as Hell pink like GOB or Sum 41 constantly and that song would get stuck in your head for a while. This song, sends me back to that time and sound and I am just over the moon! I cannot wait to hear more from these guys! I cannot wait to hear more from these guys! Trust ol' Jekyll when he tells you, you need to check them out. 

Grave Robber- Dry Bones

So, Grave Robber is one of those bands that always brings it with every release and, this is no different. However, this is not like every other release that they have had to this day. See, this release includes music and songs from other artists. The acoustic tracks are just awesome from Grave Robber and company. There are some bands and musicians you may recognize from some collections or, bands you may like. As well, it opens the world to you as you get to hear these other musicians and songs as these songs are stripped down to their bare bones and laid out for your listening enjoyment. So, give this album a listen to! No bones; it's just a great listen! 

The End of Melancholy - Monster Feelings (Single)

Hailing from Russia, this awesome Alternative Metal band brings it! That's right folks! I came across them and just in awe of this music! This is from their forthcoming release and I cannot wait for it! If this is the appetizer, I cannot wait for the main course! If you haven't checked them out yet, give them a listen to and tell them ol' Jekyll sent ya! I have some monster feelings towards this music! And that it is awesome! 

BLITZKID IS BACK!

THHHHHEEEEEEYYYYYY'RRRREEEEEE BBBBAAACCCCCKKKKKK! The casket is open and the beasts of Blitzkid are set to be let loose on the world once more! Catch them before they are gone again! 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year you gals and ghouls! This has been an up and down year personally but, all that stuff also brought me back! I missed this and I missed all of you, the bands, everything! Thank you for welcoming me back! 

Stay safe and stay scary

Jekyll 

Grave Robber - Scary Christmas To You

Well, they are still showing Christmas movies so, for those still in the mood or looking for those perfect tunes for next year, give these tunes by Grave Robber a spin! One of the best in the game today, these tunes are perfect for the holiday season. Opening with "Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas", "We're A Couple of Misfits", a cover of "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch", "Gramma Got Half Eaten by a Zombie" and their cover of "Joy to the World" are just some of the highlights on this great little package of music. So, spread some cheer, watch for those zombies and just sing along. It's really a fun bunch of songs that you'll love year in and year out. 

The House of Haunt - Blood on the Silver Screen

So, greetings from the Great White North. May I offer you a local blend of Horror with the latest offering from The House of Haunt collection in Blood on the Silver Screen? This album picks up where they left off with their previous album with a great and catchy blend of songs that you just can't help but love on first listen! I implore you to listen to songs "Blood House", "Hetzhund", "Mary Mallon", "Salem Girl", "Hot Rod Frankenstein" or "Fang Binite" and not want to move, groove and sing along to those songs. "Drinking with the Boys" sounds like a song straight off a Dropkick Murphys album and I just LOVE it! "They Come at Night", "Cutlass (Live)" and their live cover of Electric Dead's "Lucifer's Blues" are also show stoppers on this album. So, enjoy this fantastic 2019 blend as the year comes to a close and forgive us for Justin Bieber and Nickleback, deal?

Vagora - Sackcloth & Ashes

2019 would not be complete without sharing my thoughts on the latest album from one of my favorite bands in Vagora. Maybe not Horror Punk in that Misfits sense, they have kinda been accepted by the scene and, musically, they can do whatever they want! Their latest album Sackcloth & Ashes is proof of that as DeRaven, Hyde, Bloodshed and Nameless deliver some of the best songs of the band's career so far! "The Bridges I Burn", "Rest After Death", "New World", "Queen B", "She Never Says Goodbye", "Sandra of the Land", "Red Headed Slut", "Kaliste", my personal favorite on the album "Vinyl Stars", "Eye for an Eye", "Day After Sunday", "In the Stars", "Walk Away" and "The Gold" are just fantastic pieces of music! Songs that can stand with anything they have done to date! Never ones to disappoint, if you have not checked them out yet, it's never too late to discover awesome music by an awesome band. So, just ask for forgiveness and give them a listen! You'll thank ol' Jekyll that you did! 

Devil's Brew Productions Present The Devil's Jukebox Vol. 1

So, the kind ghouls at Devil's Brew Productions have been kind enough to share 18 killer songs from 18 awesome bands with the world. Bands that I've reviewed before and fan favorites are here like Thirteen Shots, Horror Vision, Mutant Reavers, Siblings of Samhain, Sugar Virus, Slavething and the House of Haunt along with new favorites like Prayer Line, The Damn Givers, Ratbatspider, Running From Daylight, Johnny Rottencorpse and the Rising Dead and Souls of Hades to name a few. This whole collection is solid, awesome and worth checking out. Just because Halloween is over, it doesn't mean that the treats have to end. 

Prayer Line - Drink the Blood

So, every now and again, someone passes me along a band who's debut album I need to check out. I love it when that happens! This debut album by Prayer Line has ol' Jekyll smiling from ear to ear! Opening with "A Martyr's Death", things move along into "Run" and my personal favorite track on the album "The Witches' Sabbath". But, it doesn't end there! "Be Afraid", the title track, "Diary of a Drowning Boy", "Ezra Cobb", "One That Can See" and "Chopping Mall" are all just awesome tracks! I cannot wait to hear more from them! Listen to Jekyll when he says that you should keep an eye on them. I know I will, I just don't know which eye I'm going to use but I have a ton to choose from. Drink the blood and enjoy the music! 

Horror Story - Return of the Strange

New Zealand's premiere Horror Rock band has just dropped a 10 song masterpiece and the world is a better place for it! Return of the Strange finds the band unleashing great songs in their distinctive sound lead by Dr. Hell and Von Toxic as only they can. Make no mistake though; they do not release the same album but there are elements that are like a calling card and you know it is them which is not a bad thing as they take their music to another level! Opening with "October Night" the band sets the pace as they move onto "Skinshift" and "Making Monsters". "Release the Wolves", "The Moon is Always Full", "Night's Embrace" and "Midnight in the Lab" keep up the pace and awesomeness of the music where some albums would choose to lag after a thunderous opening trio of songs. The last part of the album is no different as "Strange Transmission", "House of Hell" and "Virus" keep up the goods and have you wanting more like a vampire at a blood bank or a zombie at a university. Yes, I went there! Now, I know there was talk that this was their final album and, if that is the case, what a note to end on. If that is just talk, the better it is for the fans and the genre as a whole. Horror Story is a legendary band for a reason and songs like these show you why. Dr. Hell and Von Toxic are great musicians and whatever they put their name on, you know you are in for a horrific treat. No tricks here, this album is that good! 

Ozzy Osbourne - Under the Graveyard

So, it has been nine years since we have heard new music from the Ozz man. Well, this song was well worth the wait as this song just sounds great! Reminding me of the Ozzmosis era tunes, this is a cool song that makes you want to hear more of what the man has to offer. The Godfather of Heavy Metal may be at the end of his touring days but, this song shows us that he is not done musically. Makes you excited at what the rest of the new album will have to offer. 

King Diamond - Masquerade Of Madness

So, we've waited 12 years to hear new music from the King and his band. Well, I am hear to tell you that it was well worth the wait! Taking that classic King Diamond sound, the man and his band deliver an instant classic that has me salivating at the thought of what the rest of the album will sound like along with how it will fit in with the rest of the album! Just a fantastic peice of music from King and company. If this a preview of what is to come, then I cannot wait for the main attraction! 

Siblings of Samhain - Night of the Living Dead

Helping to raise money for cancer treatments for legendary drummer Joey Image, the Siblings release an awesome cover of the Misfits classic "Night of the Living Dead". Taking the song that we all know and love, they put their own spin on it while staying true to the original. It would be so easy to make a carbon copy but it's not. I, for one, live covers because it shows you another side to the band as they cut loose and play a song that they love and probably know very well. Just enjoyable and for a great cause.

Siblings of Samhain - Laid to Rest

So, earlier this year, the Siblings released a new EP and it freaking rocks! Laid to Rest takes what the band has done so far and just amps it up making this a great follow up to Hyde and drooling over the thoughts of what they will come up with next! "Vampires Everywhere" is a great opener, followed up by "Full Moon Trance". "Goodnight Forever" and "Out For Blood" are amazing while "The Legend of Crystal Lake" and "Stay Away From Camp Blood" is a fantastic one two punch to end the album with! With so much happening, the Siblings show that you don't need to only have fun on the 31st of October; fun can be had all year long with tunes like these! 

Siblings of Samhain - Pumpkin Patch Murders

Remember how I said that these guys remind me of Blitzkid on their full length Hyde? Well, check out their cover of Blitzkid's classic "Pumpkin Patch Murders". This cover finds the band paying homage to a fundamental band while putting their own twist to make it their own. Just a great cover by a great band making waves on both sides of the pond in this genre. Check it out or else they will come after you! 

Shadow Windhawk - The Funeral Cortege

So, in case you live under a rock, Shadow Windhawk and his band deliver the Horror Rock goods and this release is no exception! His fourth album overall, the man and his band open with "Broken Signals" and don't let up for a second. "Borgo Pass" are fantastic "Cortege" while "Fourteen-Mile Tombstone (Mr. Romero)" is a great tribute to the director who brought us all those classic movies in the Dead series. "Visitation Room" and "Red Shadows" are great whole "Feb 24th, 1989" sees him doing an electric version of type song found on his first solo album! "Green-Wood" and "Wendigo" are great finishers! This is maybe the best album by Windhawk and company as they just deliver the goods on every song as every note is placed with care and every sample chosen with precise precision to enhance the songs. Just a fantastic listen by someone who is a master of his craft. Give this album a listen and tell Windhawk that ol'Jekyll sent ya! The songs grab you and don't let go for a second and, if you manage to break away.... they'll stock you and find you like a slasher in any good or not so good slasher flick. 

Siblings of Samhain - Hyde

This, this is their first full length and man, it does not disappoint at all. Opening with a great one two punch in "Jekyll" and "Hyde", these siblings channel the spirit of the great Blitzkid on this release! And no, it's not a rip off but more of a nod that makes fans of the band smile that these guys are not forgotten by anyone. Like the song ."From the Bite to the Bullet" recalls memories of "The Torn Prince". However, they do do their own thing with songs like "Gravestones", "Loculus", "Epidemic", "Gravedigger Man", "Winsome Witch", "I Am the Zombie", "Love at First Bite", "The Dead Crawl", "The Killer in Me", "Helen" and "Dead Darling" are just fantastic. Did I just name the whole album? I guess I did! This is a great listen by one of the emerging bands from the genre making noise on both sides of the pond. Listen to ol' Jekyll, you need to give this music a listening to as they have more good things on the horizon.