Interview with UK Thrashers Ifreann

May 04, 2020

Interview with UK Thrashers Ifreann

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Though the genre has had countless struggles since its birth, Heavy Metal has endured? Why do you think that is? What does the music mean to the fans…what does it mean to you?
IFREANN: I think that Metal has always been a genre that you can’t just casually enjoy, due to how acquired a taste it is. You either love it or hate it, and the people who love it, love it forever.

CV: Metal around the world is populated with legions upon legions of fans...of all ages, races, creeds and colors. Is it more of a way of living, a sort of belief system, than just a musical taste choice in your opinion?
IFREANN: Of course this kind of music means different things to different people. I appreciate the sense of belief and faith that some people have towards this music…I even felt that way when I was a teenager. Nowadays I feel that it’s not quite a way of life but definitely more than just a taste in music.

CV: Over the years, Metal has splintered into a number of sub-genres. Some feel too many while others believe it to be a matter of true diversity. Do you see this splintering more as a testament to the music's power and worldwide reach or is it some level of separation and segregation that exists because fans cannot or will not come together?
IFREANN: I definitely feel that sub/sub-sub genres are important, because this music is so broad nowadays that it can’t just be shackled to one word. I do feel that Metal fans are quite divided across the spectrum. A lot of Thrasher’s don’t like Black Metal and a lot of OSDM fans don’t like Thrash, and most Classic Metal fans hate Nu-metal etc. I wish more Metal fans were more open minded, but at the same time, who really cares?

CV: Artists and bands have many influences, sometimes coming from various places. Do you think that with the multiple classifications within the Metal genre, it can often be difficult for a new band to accurately define or describe their style...especially considering the diverse range of individual interpretation of music?
IFREANN: There are a lot of very unique bands that don’t seem to fit into specific sub genres, but I feel that works in their favor. There’s nothing wrong with sounding like other bands, and there’s nothing wrong with being completely different…as long as the music is good.

CV: Based on your experience, do you feel Thrash Metal is viewed differently by fans in the UK and Europe compared to fans in America?
IFREANN: I’ve not really taken much notice to underground attitudes in the US, or even mainland Europe. Mainstream fans are likely the same worldwide. I know that here in the UK, Thrash is very appreciated and back on the rise in the underground.

CV: How would you describe Ifreann in comparison to other Thrash bands?
IFREANN: We have no shame in admitting that we sound a lot like the classic bands, but we do add in just enough diversity to be a little different. We just play music we like.

CV: In your opinion, are singles and EPs the practical way for bands to go these days as opposed to full length albums? Besides being more economical, are they more digestible for the fans' need for instantaneous gratification given the trend of digital music download and social media interaction?
IFREANN: I think full-lengths are necessary to be taken seriously in the eyes of big festivals and record labels. Bands should definitely aim to release an EP or two independently before they seek to write and record a full length album. I’ve never seen the point in standalone singles, personally.

CV: Do you think bands today could survive without social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter? Are they really necessary...are they really that vital to success?
IFREANN: In the social media dominated world, it’s VERY difficult to get your name around. Some bands like to be super unknown, however, and that’s okay. You definitely won’t be doing many successful headline tours without a good Facebook presence, however.

CV: Does using vocal and backing tracks diminish a band's credibility as some critics have stated? Are the fans being mislead with such practices in your opinion?
IFREANN: Not at all. I feel that having to constantly pay attention to a backing track compromises playing more freely and often results in a dull stage presence, so I don’t see Ifreann ever playing to backing tracks…but it’s not fair to discredit bands for using them.

CV: What's next for Ifreann?
IFREANN: Hopefully if the world has calmed down by summer, we can go ahead with all of our 2020 tour plans. If not, then who knows…

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.IFREANN: <3 <3 <3

Check out Ifreann at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFREANN.THRASH/
Bandcamp: https://ifreannmetal.bandcamp.com/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.