INTERVIEW: HELL FREEZES OVER (JAPAN)

Japanese young metal warriors of steel Hell Freezes Over are making crashing waves in the metal scene In Tokyo and beyond and after a great interview with Ryoto last year we could not resist finding out more about the band!

TheNwothm:It is a pleasure to be doing this interview with you! Can you please tell us the name of the band, the members and where your from?

Ryoto: Hi, I’m Ryoto, the leader and lead guitarist of HELL FREEZES OVER! All our members are from Japan. I’m from Saitama Prefecture, right next to Tokyo.

Gainer: Hi guys, I’m Gainer, lead singer of HELL FREEZES OVER. I was born in Saitama and grew up in Okayama.

Hirotomo: Hi, I’m Hirotomo, also the lead guitarist of HELL FREEZES OVER. I’m from Iwate, in the north of Japan.

TheNwothm: Thinking back can you tell us about the origins of the band? How did you form?

Ryoto: After graduating from high school, I vowed to myself that I would form a high-level metal band from Japan that would be able to play in the world. But it wasn’t easy. I met maybe a hundred people, but no one felt right. So two years went by. That’s when I met Hirotomo. I met up with him to jam in the studio, and the moment I saw his face, I knew I had to have him in my band. From there, the band gradually gathered members of the same generation of denim, leather, and long-haired old-school metal lovers and formed the band in March 2013.

TheNwothm: And where did you get the idea for Hell Freezes Over as a band name?

Ryoto: Many people have asked me if it was inspired by the Eagles’ HELL FREEZES OVER. I love the Eagles, so half yes, LOL. But it was actually inspired by the title of Metallica’s “The Call of Ktulu” demo, “When Hell Freezes Over”. We will freeze the burning hell. We put our enthusiasm for making the impossible possible into this name.

TheNwothm: It is not often we get to interview bands from the likes of Japan! What can you tell us about the Japanese metal scene especially in Tokyo where you are based?

Hirotomo: The Japanese metal scene is in decline, because there are fewer young artists. I think Tokyo has the most prosperous metal scene, but I guess the situation is the same. That’s why we want to make the Japanese metal scene more active.

TheNwothm: And how does Japanese culture influence your music?

Gainer: Actually, I’m not that influenced by Japanese culture LOL. But as a band, I think we are influenced by the unique negative feelings and loneliness of the Japanese people. In terms of the musical part, I think there is a rebellion against J-pop and other pop culture.

TheNwothm: For those who do not know what can you tell our readers about Tokyo and Japan in general? Especially if they were to visit for the first time?

Gainer: Japan is a very special country in Asia. It is often said to be safe and secure, and it has absorbed the cultures of many different countries, which I think is naturally reflected in the way people live their lives. Especially in Tokyo. I would recommend Asakusa for your first visit to Tokyo, you can experience a lot of things that are typical of Japan. Personally, I would recommend Enoshima, which is not in Tokyo, but can be reached from Tokyo.

Hirotomo: If you guys like metal, I recommend a bar called GODZ in Shinjuku. If you’re lucky, you might bump into us.

TheNwothm: Regarding the metal scene in Tokyo what other notable heavy metal bands are there that you have either shared a stage with or are particularly fond of?

Gainer: There are many Japanese bands that we have played with, such as Loudness, Sex Machine Guns, Outrage, and United, but of course not all of them. One band I have played with that I thought was great was a band called Eyeblow in Nagoya, and they were really cool. My favourite band from the past is Seikima-II, which calls itself The end of the century overseas, and also Anthem.

TheNwothm:In 2014 you released your first demo “Hell’s Garage.” What was it like to put that first demo together and would you have done anything differently?

Hirotomo: Wow, you know that demo very well! That demo contained four songs and was done with a different lineup than we have now, but it was completely recorded in one shot. Some of the songs we don’t play now, very rare LOL.

TheNwothm: It seems you haver been with multiple labels! How has that helped the band to evolve and be heard by more people?

Hirotomo: I think some of our fans got to know us by signing a worldwide deal with SLEASZY RIDER RECORDS in Greece, and our first album vinyl is also released on this label.

TheNwothm: So when your not making music what do you guys like to do in your spare time? For instance are any of you gamers or movie fanatics?

Ryoto: I’ll spend time with my family. I have a loving one year old son and a beautiful wife. I also listen to records, drive around the countryside listening to music in my car, and look at and paint pictures. Of course I love movies, and a while ago I wrote a song and lyrics inspired by Robert De Niro and Robin Williams’ “Awakenings” (1990).

Gainer: I’m a pretty eclectic guy LOL. I play video games, I like to gamble, I like to drink and often go to bars, I play card games… Lately I’m especially into poker, I often play with friends and go to poker rooms. I’ve won some tournaments in poker!

Hirotomo: I go to second hand stores, every once in a while I stumble upon the instrument of my destiny. And drinking with friends, and watching Japanese anime at home when I don’t want to go out.

TheNwothm: “Speed Metal Assault” came out in 2018 and contains four tracks, “Burn Your Life” the incredible “Hawkeye” “Writing on the Wall” and finally “Overwhelm.” Can you our readers a little insight Into the EP?

Ryoto: This EP is a digital recording, but all the instruments have been recorded playing through a whole song. The guitar sounds on this EP are 70’s and early 80’s Marshalls at full volume and no pedals. We used a lot of time to make this debut EP, and I even fired members. But I’m not satisfied with the perfection of this EP. Except for “Writing on the Wall”, all three songs are also on our first album, Hellraiser, in new versions. Our first album is distributed worldwide on vinyl, so please listen to it.

TheNwothm: Ryoto it is great to speak to you again! From being one of the guitarists in the band, how do you and Hirotomo tackle writing the guitar parts?

Ryoto: I’m glad I got to talk to you again too! Basically, I write most of our songs and lyrics, and I also produce the groundwork for all the parts. Hirotomo especially strives to make his own guitar solos even better.

TheNwothm: And can you tell us about some of the guitars you own?

Ryoto: The guitar I use in the show is a Zemaitis V-shape, and I have a promotional contract with them. I often use a 1974 Gibson Flying V for recording.

Hirotomo:The show uses a Hamer V-shape and a Jackson Super Dinky. I often uses a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom for recording.

TheNwothm: Are there any guitarists both in Japan and internationally you take inspiration from?

Ryoto: There are many guitarists I admire, especially B.B. King and Allen Collins of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Hirotomo: There are many, but Michael Schenker and John Sykes were especially influential.

TheNwothm: Moving back to your music you released your epic debut album in 2020 named ‘Hellraiser.” Can you give us a brief overview of the tracks on the album and some background to the record such as the writing and recording process?

Gainer: There are many things to talk about that album, but I think it is worth mentioning that it was recorded entirely in analog. For some time now, we have had a desire to record a full album entirely in analog. We wanted to do this because our influences were the greats of the 70’s and 80’s, and part of us longed to do it the same way, with the same equipment, and to really take on the challenge. I think we made the right choice and we are confident that we have created something that we can deliver to metal fans all over the world. All the members were surprisingly relaxed, and I think it was a great experience.

TheNwothm: Any favourite tracks form the album?

Ryoto:“Roadkill”

Gainer: “Overwhelm “, of course.

Hirotomo: “The Last Frontier”

TheNwothm: Considering the album came out in the pandemic, did you face any challenges because of this?

Hirotomo: Yes, at that time most of our tours were cancelled in Japan and all our shows overseas were also cancelled. I really wanted to do a lot of shows, though there’s nothing I can do about that.

TheNwothm: It is also noted on metal archives that you took a brief hiatus?

Hirotomo: Yes, around October or September of 2021, we suddenly lost contact with our former bassist and drummer, even though we had a show scheduled….

We had no choice but to fire the two and went on hiatus. After a six-month hiatus, we resumed our activities and toured Japan, and about a year later we were able to play with TESTAMENT and SEPULTURA! It’s a real honor and I’m glad we didn’t give up.

TheNwothm: So last year you came back with the release “The Killing Floor!” What gave you inspiration for the two tracks included and the decision to also add two live tracks?

Gainer: First of all, we had decided that The Killing Floor would be a single release. When the band members were thinking about what to put on the B-side, we thought, “What about “Shred,” which was completed around the same time as the B-side?” In fact, both songs are tight, but they have very different atmospheres, so it was decided right away that they would be perfect for each other. Then the idea of including a live soundtrack grew, and from there it was just a matter of time. Because we had already scheduled shows in Thailand and Singapore. It was settled that we would record our performances in Thailand and Singapore and include them.

TheNwothm: So now we are in 2024 what is next for Hell Freezes Over? Are you working on another full length album or EP? And if so can you give fans any hints as to what to expect?

Ryoto: We’ll probably release a few singles. We’ll be released in a very open way. Please pay attention to us and support us!

TheNwothm: Moving towards the live aspect of the band, do you guys have a pre show ritual?

Gainer:I try to do some throat and body stretching, even if it’s light.

TheNwothm: And are there any bands or artists you would love to share a stage with?

Gainer: If it’s a Japanese band, I would love to work with Anthem! There are countless overseas bands, but personally, it would be great to play with Megadeth.

Hirotomo: Of course, it would be great to be on the same stage as Metallica, Anthrax, etc., but I would like to play with bands of my age that have momentum.

TheNwothm: Where can fans catch you live in 2024? Any big touring plans coming up?

Ryoto: Unfortunately we’re not going to tour Europe this year yet, but we already have shows scheduled in Japan through December, so if you are planning to come to Japan, please contact us through our social media!

TheNwothm: Where can readers grab hold of your music and merch?

Hirotomo: Merch is available at the official web store and ships internationally. Music streaming is also available. Vinyl is also available at SLEASZY RIDER RECORDS.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellfreezesover.hfo

Bandcamp: https://sleaszyrider.bandcamp.com/album/hell-freezes-over-hellraiser

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UN0DOW

TheNwothm: Finally is there anything else you would like to mention?

Ryoto: Hi, readers and all our fans. Every little bit of support you guys give us will empower us and give us the opportunity to go to your city. Last year we played with Testament and Sepultura, and this year we toured in China. I look forward to meeting you guys. Thanks.

Gainer: Hi, to all readers. We hope this interview will encourage you to pick up and enjoy our work, whether you know us or not. We hope to play around the world in the future and look forward to seeing you all in it. Stay METAL! Thank you.

Hirotomo: Hi, thanks for reading this far. I want to do more shows around the world. I look forward to seeing you guys and cheers.