In the world of traditional heavy metal, few things hit as hard as a band with a true passion for the genre. Blades of Steel, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, embody that dedication with their classic sound and unwavering commitment to metal’s roots. Led by vocalist Yara Haag, the band has overcome challenges to forge their place in the scene, blending influences from Judas Priest, Accept, Mercyful Fate, and beyond.

In this interview, we talk with Yara about the band’s origins, their musical inspirations, and the creation of their debut album, Blades of Steel. From the struggles of forming a band during the pandemic to their dreams of taking their music beyond Brazil, Blades of Steel are here to keep the spirit of heavy metal alive.

Let’s dive in!

Interview

TheNwothm: Greetings Blades of Steel! First of all can you introduce the band and where you are from?

Blades of Steel is a traditional metal band that started with me, the vocalist Yara Haag. I’ve always loved metal and felt that it was time to create my own work. I needed to find people who shared the same passion, and it wasn’t easy. It took a few years and we faced many financial challenges that come with having a band.

The band consists of Jonas Soares and Rafael Ronanelli on guitars, Bruno Carbonato on drums, and Fillipe Tonini on bass. We are from São Paulo, Brazil.

TheNwothm: How did you choose the awesome band name?

The band’s name was different at first, but it didn’t represent the true essence of the band. As with anything you love deeply, it’s difficult to choose a name that will stay with you forever, and I was very indecisive. One afternoon, I was talking to Rafael about it while we were listening to some records. We thought about looking at the names of songs from the bands we liked to see if we could find some inspiration.

That’s when we came across the album by Satan and both of us focused on the track “Blades of Steel.” At that moment, we knew there couldn’t be another name. It really is a fantastic name for a band.

TheNwothm: And how did the band come together?

The band was formed during the pandemic. At the time, our bassist was my great brother Bil Martins. We started thinking together about what we could do, but the world was completely turned upside down, and we had no way of meeting. At that moment, I started doing everything I could from home to really start this project.

I wanted a strong album cover, and it was during this time that I met Rafael Romanelli, who, in addition to being an excellent musician and composer, is also an excellent illustrator. He learned about the project and fell in love with the idea, and wanted to start helping me too. I already knew Jonas Soares from various underground shows here in Brazil. I’ve known Jonas for over 10 years, and he has always encouraged me. I can’t imagine Blades without Rafa and Jonas together on guitar. To me, they are like K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton from Judas Priest.

TheNwothm: As a band where do you get your influences from?

There are so many influences! Let’s see: Judas Priest, Accept, Manowar, Satan, Mercyful Fate, Sabbath, Saxon, Zed Yago, Hellion… It would be hard to name them all, haha! We love many historic and classic bands, especially music from the 70s and 80s. Personally, I confess that I’m quite particular. I like to listen to the same things over and over, the ones that never fail. It’s great to discover new bands, but I think I’m getting old and I love my classics. When it comes to composing, it’s no different; we always try to create something with our own identity.

But you know, it’s impossible to escape the bands that have influenced us. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel. I believe we should create something with personality, but at the same time, we follow and respect what we love and what is important to us.

TheNwothm: So if you could describe your sound to our listeners how would you describe it?

Our sound is heavily influenced by the classics, yet it carries the unique personality of each band member, especially mine. It’s heavy, but not modern like many bands today. It’s genuine to us and something we love. There are vocal variations, but I didn’t want to overdo it at the beginning, so don’t expect a lot of screams. What you can expect is a true passion for metal and respect for the people who listen to our music. It’s traditional, perhaps a bit cliché for some, but we genuinely do what we want, without any impositions from record labels.

TheNwothm: Yara your vocals are awesome! What other vocalists do you admire in traditional heavy metal?

Thank you very much for your kindness. I am so happy that you liked my vocals.

Dio in the heavens and Rob Halford on Earth, haha! Jokes aside, I absolutely love both of them. I also adore Eric Adams, Jutta Weinhold, Leather Leone, Brian Connolly, Kai Hansen, Andi Deris, and Bruce Dickinson. I could spend hours listing all my favorites, haha! It’s difficult when you get into metal or rock—you become addicted, and I’m completely hooked on all of it, haha! But I believe these are some of the main ones.

TheNwothm: I am very much aware that Brazil has an absolute awesome metal scene producing so many kickass bands! How do you all feel about the metal scene where you are from? Do you have any favourite Brazilian  bands?

Here is really fantastic. We received a lot of support from various people. We know it’s not like in other countries; there are still things that need improvement. Our scene needs a bit more unity and knowledge, but overall, our band has been very embraced by everyone, from pages to fans here. It’s truly incredible and unexpected for me. I thought no one would care about our band, haha!

Regarding bands, we have several that deserve recognition. I have a few favorites: Viper is definitely one of them, and Patrulha do Espaço. These are bands I recommend to you. However, there are thousands of other bands, both old and new, that really deserve a place.

TheNwothm: What can you tell our readers about Brazil? Do you feel it is one of the best places in South America for metal?

Brazil is not what some people think. We are not just parties, nor just naked women, haha! We are much more than that. Our metal scene is strong, and we have people working in various fields to make things happen. Our country is continental, gigantic, and I am so proud of my country.

I wouldn’t say it’s the best in America, but I would say that we, Latinos, are very passionate about metal. Sometimes I see photos of festivals in Europe and I think you are as passionate as we are. I think we are similar when it comes to love for music, love for metal. We are all crazy, haha! I admire that so much, you have no idea.

I think that people all over the world keep this flame alive, and that makes me very proud. Metal exists because there are people like all of us who still believe and work to make it happen today. So, I don’t feel better than other countries because of this feeling. I think we are all brothers and sisters, crazy about something that really matters in our lives.

TheNwothm: Let us talk about the brand new album “Blades of Steel.” My first impression even before listening to the music is how rad the album cover looks! Where did you come up for the idea for the artwork and who created it for you?

I am truly honored by your words. I am very moved by the messages we have been receiving, and this is so important to us. Reading a question like this really touches me.

The cover came up even before we had the band’s name or the songs. The elements that complemented the central sketch have a bit of each song from our album. Our cover was shaped by each song; it began to be developed at the beginning and was the last thing to be done when we had finished our album.

The main idea of the concept was to have something that referred to Conan comics. I wanted Yara to be represented on the cover as well since this project started with me. I love the hand-drawn artwork of classic album covers and wanted something like that for my band. After thinking so carefully about the songs, it wouldn’t make sense to have a cover that wasn’t handmade and crafted with so much care.

This cover was created by our guitarist, who is also a tattoo artist. He is the right person to develop this kind of work. His tattoo designs inspired by album covers are wonderful, and his creations are undoubtedly perfect.

TheNwothm: I noticed that when I was researching you guys, I saw you all posed with a sword. As a fun question In a huge battle who would do you think out of all the band members would be the last person standing? Who would be the victor?

Haha, I laughed out loud! Those who fight together don’t get left behind. In a battle, either we all die together or we all win together. This philosophy is real in our band. Of course, as the “owner” of the band, I end up playing a more arduous role. As a leader, I need to work much harder, think of strategies, develop concepts, and be 100% present in everything we do. But overall, we are partners. I truly feel like I’m in a battle, fighting every day to earn our place, and for that, I need my brothers to be with me and support me, haha! So, in a battle, no one gets left behind, haha!

TheNwothm: So thinking back, when did the ideas start flowing for the record? How did the writing and production process go for the album?

We were in the pandemic, and I tried to do as much as I could to anticipate the whole process. I started writing some lyrics, but the true starting point was a weekend when we all sat down together to compose. In one weekend, we created more than the 8 songs we presented on the album. Some things I didn’t want to include at that moment, but it was there, with everyone together, that the real harmony happened, you know? When you’re in the right place, with the right people, things flow like a great river. That’s really how it happened. I’ve never felt such harmony as I did that day.

TheNwothm: Can you tell us about some of themes both musically and lyrically that you explore? 

I’ve always enjoyed medieval and historical themes, but the lyrics go beyond mere stories. I’ve faced many difficulties in my life that I believe aren’t necessary to detail right now, but they were very challenging. I feel like a fighter, you know? I think maybe another person in my place might not be here now. So, if you look closely, the lyrics of Blades talk about that: facing battles and being strong, continuing even when you’re alone, moving forward, and finding your own strength.

This album has several parts written with other composers, but everything was chosen with this same theme: strength. Be strong, be a fighter, be everything you need to be, be your own light, your fortress, be who you were born to be.

TheNwothm: If you all had to pick a favourite track which one would it be?

I like all of them, but my favorite is “A Heart In The Dark”. I like this song a lot because it reflects exactly what I mentioned in your previous question, and it was also the first song where I wrote the lyrics and participated in the instrumental.

TheNwothm: And the same for playing live?

For live performances, I like “Blades of Steel.” When I’m singing with my bandmates and with my sword, I feel invincible.

TheNwothm: So when you make music do you all do it together in a room or share ideas online for instance?

We do it both ways. We work together, which is the best option, but we are already developing new ideas and, for that, we end up using the internet.

TheNwothm: And can you tell our readers a little bit about your musical backgrounds and a little bit about yourselves?

Well, about the guys, they all have a lot of experience from other bands. They’ve been playing for years, they are excellent musicians and have great material. As for me, this is my first experience with a band. It’s my first time in a studio, and I was so worried because I really didn’t know how it worked, but now I can’t wait to get back into a studio again.

TheNwothm: What are your hopes and dreams moving forward?

My dream for the future is for Blades to continue, for us to release even better albums, and to go on tour outside of Brazil. This is my dream and my goal.

TheNwothm: So now the album is out whats next? Will you be heading out on tour this year?

Since we are a new band, it is a bit difficult to get space to perform. The idea is really to try to go on tour, but at the moment, we don’t have anything scheduled. Who knows, maybe in the near future, an opportunity will arise. On our part, we are doing everything we can to make it happen. We are working intensively and seriously, but every beginning is difficult.

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

You can reach out directly through our social media pages. We are always available.

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

We are on Instagram as @bladesofsteel.band, we are on Facebook, X, Bandcamp, we are everywhere. You can mainly find us through bio.link/bladesofsteel; this link gives you access to all our social media.

TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?

I would like to thank you for your invitation. I was very happy with the questions and I wish you all the best, as well as much success for your channel.

Now, to the readers, I would like to thank everyone who read until the end. Together we are stronger. Come be a part of Blades of Steel. We are on all social media. We musicians need a lot of support and we want you on this journey with us. Everyone is very welcome to follow our pages.

Bandcamp: https://blades-of-steel.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bladesofsteel.band/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bladesofsteel.band/

Label: https://metalrelics.com.br