Jo Capitalicide is the main man and the master behind Ice War. A solo project full of rich ideas and influences carved and created against the backdrop of a cold eastern Canada where he resides. From the fight to survive that the weather presents to musical plans for 2023 thenwothm caught up with Jo to find out a little more about Ice War!
THE NWOTHM: For those who do not know who you are, can you tell us your band name, who is in the band and where you are from?
Jo: Ice War is just me. It’s always been a solo project ’cause I can’t find anyone to play with here in Ottawa.
THE NWOTHM: How did the band form and is there any interesting story surrounding its formation?
Jo: I used to be in a band called Iron Dogs that released a few records. Then the drummer decided to call it quits, I decided to form a new band and not have to rely on anyone else. I guess it’s not a very interesting origin story i’m afraid haha. That was back in 2015 if memory serves me well. Ice War has been my own personal challenge to learn how to play instruments and do studio production.
THE NWOTHM: Can you tell us how did the name Ice War come about?
Jo: Living in Canada can be tough on the moral because of the extreme weather we have in the winter. It’s unbelievably cold and life is basically put on hold for about 8 months while you stay indoors. Ice War is about the War that we fight to survive. It’s also about the blood soaked history of this country. It evokes collonization, genocide and assimilation.
THE NWOTHM: Since the bands formation what big milestones have you achieved?
Jo: Well there have been a stead stream of releases on various underground labels so i suppose that having over twenty releases is a milestone in itself.
THE NWOTHM: Can you tell us any fun/ interesting facts about the members of the band?
Jo: Since I am the only member, It’s hard to talk about myself. I like to think I’m fun. I strive to live life to the fullest and stay open minded to new experiences.
THE NWOTHM: What bands and artists have influenced you and helped you to carve your sound? And how would say your sound has developed since you formed?
Jo: The dirtiest of bands like Vice Human of Gotham citry have tought me that atmosphere and a catchy tune will always superceed technical prowess. Of course you can hear all kinds of music when you listen to Ice War , ranging from Candlemass to the Misfits.
THE NWOTHM: How would you compare the Canadian Nwothm scene to other countries around the world?
Jo: Canada is a huge country so geographically it’s rare that a band from the west coast will play here in the east. I feel like Ice War isn’t part of the cool kids club and often gets left out of things like compilations etc.
THE NWOTHM: Can you tell us about your most recent release ‘Beyond the Void’ and any background information to the music? How did the songs come about?
Jo: What was different about Beyond the Void is that I got my friend Trevor from Haunt to mix and master it. I also changed artist for the front cover and while people probably expected me to continue in the direction of “Sacred Land” , with its slow and down-tuned doom approach, I came back to a sound closer to the first albums.
THE NWOTHM: Your artworks are really impressive and you can see there is a similar theme between many of them? Can you tell us more about the artworks and the artists behind them?
Jo: There’s many releases to talk about but if I’m to stick to the full length albums, the first two where actualy painted by airbrush by my dad. The next two where done by french fantasy artist Didier Normand and the most recent one by Russian artist Cea73. The first four have a historical approach pertaining to life here in Canada and the last one has a more psychadelic, metaphysical thing going on.
THE NWOTHM: What shows have you got coming up for 2023? Any major performances you would like to highlight?
Jo: Ice War has never played live for better for for worst.
THE NWOTHM: Any other plans for 2023? With it being a new year, what do you hope to achieve in the upcoming months?
Jo: Expect a new EP very soon. This is the fastest stuff yet.
THE NWOTHM: Where can people check you out on social media and buy your music/merch?
Jo: Just google Ice War. Remember back when bands had websites with long, complicated URL’s on like angelfire or geocities? ahhaa. It was so funny to see that shit actually printed on the back of record sleeves.
THE NWOTHM: is there anything else you would like to mention
Jo: Thanks to all who have supported Ice War through the years, you are the true underground!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icewarmetal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icewarmetal/ Bandcamp: https://icewar.bandcamp.com/
#TheNowthm.com #Beyondthevoid #IceWar
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