Blazon Stone, hailing from the rich musical heritage of Sweden, emerges as a powerhouse in the realm of heavy metal. Led by the visionary guitarist and songwriter Ced, Blazon Stone channels the spirit of epic tales, roaring battles, and the boundless allure of the seven seas. With their thunderous sound and unwavering dedication to the genre’s traditions, this dynamic band ignites the spirit of classic metal with a modern ferocity. If you have not already, you need to check out these guys!
THE NWOTHM: Hey there Blazon Stone thanks for agreeing to this interview! First of all think back to the start of the band around 2011! How did you guys form and how did you come up with the name for the band?
B.S: I was doing thing with Rocka Rollas but some song got a bit too much Running Wild vibe so I separated those into a new side project and eventually started making songs on purpose for this project.
THE NWOTHM: Were any of you involved in other projects before Blazon Stone?
B.S: Various punk bands since I was a teenager and then Rocka Rollas but not anything more noteworthy really.
THE NWOTHM: What are some of the key influences or musical inspirations that have shaped your sound as a heavy metal band?
B.S: If we’re talking about Blazon Stone, the main influence is, obviously, Running Wild.
THE NWOTHM: And how would you describe your unique sound and the evolution of your music over the years?
B.S: I wouldn’t even call it unique, I draw my inspiration from Running Wild between 1988-1998 almost exclusively filtered through my own mind and abilities.
THE NWOTHM: Are there any particular locations or venues that hold special significance for your band’s history?
B.S: Our live show in Greece recently was very important because I screwed up the previous attempt to open for Hammerfall a few year back, but the new chance to come back for Up The Hammer Festival was a huge moment in my life and the audience as well!
THE NWOTHM: And in your opinion what would you say the Swedish metal scene is like?
B.S: For example, there are club like Sandviken Heavy Metal Army who is a local organiser of shows that I have high regards of, they really care about the bands unlike many others that are just vampiring bands!
THE NWOTHM: How do you approach the creative process when writing new songs for an Blazon Stone album?
B.S: I write songs out of nowhere, and overwrite a huge amount of songs before choosing which ones goes onto an album or not. Not overwriting means you don’t know if you have better songs around the corner, instead of writing 10 songs and calling it quits, try write 20-30 songs and then filter out until you have the best and most lasting material left, that approach really works. That also means you can revise previously filtered ideas and possibly bringing them new life in the future, even if it’s just using one or two parts of them for something else.
THE NWOTHM: And when the creativity is flowing, are there any specific themes or messages that you try to convey through your music?
B.S: I like to write about contemporary subjects clad in sort of poetic lyrics, but also historically based events, some based on seafare related things, of course, but definitely not only piracy which is a common misconception about us. Theres way more to explore beyond the surface.
THE NWOTHM: Looking at your discography, you have released a number of albums throughout your career, including ‘No Sign of Glory’ from 2015, ‘Down in the Dark’ in 2017, and ‘Damnation’ in 2021. Out of all your releases, which records would you recommend new listeners to check out first, and why?
B.S: Damnation, for sure. Every band should strive to make new things they truly believe in, and Damnation was my latest milestone in my own opinion. Listeners can agree or disagree, as a fan of music myself I only release something if I can actually feel proud of what I did. That feeling can change down the line and that’s normal, you can spot your mistakes and moments of brilliance, and learn from it.
THE NWOTHM: And do you each have a a record that is a personal favourite?
B.S: I think Down In The Dark probably still holds up really well, if we talk mainly “live-able songs” that would work with an audience, otherwise I think Damnation dethroned DITD, even if with a very delicate push.
THE NWOTHM: Do any of you have any interesting hobbies outside of making music?
B.S: Nah, not really. Besides listening to music, I play some video games or whatever, but I try to use a much energy I can into making music. You could possibly add that I like making Youtube videos, but it’s mostly connected to my musical things.
THE NWOTH: How do you maintain the balance between maintaining your artistic integrity and meeting the expectations of your fans?
B.S: I do exactly what I want and… it seems to work!
THE NWOTHM: Can you discuss any instances where your music had a positive impact on someone’s life or resonated deeply with your listeners?
B.S: I’m very flattered whenever I read the stories that some fans tell me about my music and how they perceive it and some are very emotional. I feel very touched knowing that my music means that much for some people.
THE NWOTHM: With so many great albums, have you collaborated with any other artists or bands over your career?
B.S: I have a quite wide range of experiences with different bands, both as a live performer, producer or even studio session musician. To keep it short, just on the last album, Damnation we collaborated with singers from Drunktank, Claymorean, Skyblazer and Merciless Law as backing vocalists, and got lyrical contribution from Mina Walkure of Bronze.
THE NWOTHM: What is next musically for Blazon Stone?
B.S: Right now mostly interested in playing live and making sure our song from Damnation gets recognised to people in the real world before our next album drops.
THE NWOTHM: And you tell us more about your touring plans for 2023? Any notable shows coming up?
B.S: We are open for any festivals that wants us to contact for bookings at: blazonstoneswe@gmail.com
THE NWOTHM: Where can fans check out your music and merch?
THE NWOTHM: Anything else you would like to mention to our readers?
B.S: Thank for your support!
𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣 – https://blazonstone.bandcamp.com
𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 – https://www.facebook.com/BlazonStoneOfficial
𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗕𝗘 – https://www.youtube.com/@BlazonStone
𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠 – https://www.instagram.com/blazon_stone/
𝗧𝗜𝗞𝗧𝗢𝗞 – https://www.tiktok.com/@blazonstoneofficial?
𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗬 – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5leohxXJKQpdh6Hlr8ELht
The Nwothm 
Leave a comment