Formed in 2005, from Seoul, South Korea; heavy metal band, Storm, have previously released their first single in 2015, titled “STORM”, followed by the second single, “Christmas Gift Pt.1” in 2022. Their first full length album “Violent City” was just released this past year (2024).
In this interview, Storm joins us for a quick and fun interview digging into their background, their influences, the metal scene in South Korea, and a bit about their latest full length album!
Interview
TheNwothm: Hello! Would you like to do the honours to introduce yourselves to our readers and tell us where you are from?
S: Nice to meet you. We’re STORM, the ultimate speed metal band in Korea. It’s such an honor to be interviewed by The Nwothm. I’m so excited to meet new metalheads.
TheNwothm: Can you tell us how you all formed as “Storm” ?
S: The formation of the four bands dates back to 2005. Ende, now a bassist, joined in 2018 after several member changes. Since then, his brother guitarist Michael and new drummer DD have worked together, but neither has left the band now.
TheNwothm: How was the name “Storm” found? Does it have a meaning for you as
a band?
S: Yes, when I first decided to form a band, I found a strong and easy name that would remind anyone of heavy metal. I thought it was too common, but Simple is best! Right?
TheNwothm: When you formed Storm, were there any specific musical influences in
mind?
S: At first, I was thinking of melodic hard rock. I thought heavy metal would have a hard time reaching the public, but it naturally turned into a favourite music. The bands we were influenced by are Judas Priest, Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer,
Anthrax, Riot, Sex Machine Guns, Anthem, etc.
TheNwothm: Located in Seoul, South Korea, has the location influenced your music? If so, how has it helped you form and shape your music overall?
S: Unfortunately, compared to the status of K-pop, Korean metal is always in crisis. As you know, many young bands disband because of their duty to join the military, and they are often frustrated because of their small audience and their dark future. But on the contrary, such situations can be the driving force behind their music. Crisis is opportunity.
TheNwothm: Can you tell our readers a little bit about the metal scene in South Korea?
S: As I mentioned earlier, the metal scene in Korea is quite poor. The most popular metal style in Korea is not heavy metal, but so-called heavyness-style bands like Metal Core and Synscore. Yes. As the scene is poor, it is fashion-conscious.
That’s why not many metalheads are leading the trend. To put it roughly, it’s a little bit Suck.
TheNwothm: Are there any other bands in South Korea, or more locally for you in Seoul, that you have shared the stage with?
S: Still, there are still great bands supporting the scene in Korea. Thrash metal bands like Method, Crash, Mahatma, Methkamel, Hair metal band Sillygreen, and alternative metal band Metise, especially Metisse, are colleagues from our label Zweihander.
TheNwothm: In your latest album, “Violent City”, the title stands out! Was there an event or story that inspired you to give the album that title?
S: That’s a good question! All the members said that the song should be the title. It’s an aggressive speed metal that best exemplifies our musicality. After all these years of writing the song, I thought about the lyrics and the title, and I ended up
watching a survival show on TV and thought, “This is cruel. How can you put someone’s dream up at an auction to evaluate it? Can you put a price on a dream? That’s why the cruel “Violent City” was born.
TheNwothm: What was the writing process for the album? or what did the writing process look like?
S: First of all, I made about 50 demos for the album, and I selected 10 songs that must be included and started recording. It took exactly a year, but I had two previous single recording experiences, so I was more satisfied with the result. In the
process of making the song, ShuhA puts a riff on a rough drum pattern and each member of each part arranges it to suit their taste. Then, I put the melody on top of the finished song and complete the lyrics. Sometimes I finish the guitar solo the last.
TheNwothm: A track that stood out to me was “Eye of Storm” because of the awesome guitar work! How was the composition/ writing process for that specific piece?
S: I see. Thank you very much. It’s the intro track to “STORM,” the symbol of the band, and I’m going to start running from now on. I just wanted to give you that feeling, “Are you ready, buddy?” A great song is supposed to have a great intro
before it, right? Like “The Hellion” before “Electric Eye” by Judas Priest. I wanted to make that kind of great intro, and I’ll get time to be on stage live. Haha. The funny thing is that “Eye of the Storm” only had the guitar solo part at the beginning. It was only about a minute. Then one day, I thought it would be nice to put a marching rhythm in front of me, so I made a short guitar riff on it. It’s very satisfying.
TheNwothm: If you had the opportunity, who would you like to tour with and why?
S: It’s So Excited to imagine, but it’s too unrealistic to mention Metallica or Megadeth haha. Personally, I’d like to tour with Sex machine guns in Japan, who are long-time fans. I’m also good friends with the members. I really want to make this a
reality someday.
TheNwothm: Are there any hobbies or special interests that may, or have had any influence to your writing ideas?
S: I’m usually very interested in social issues, like the rich monopolizing wealth and the discrimination of people being sacrificed in war. I think any true heavy metal band should always be on the side of the underdog and ready to punch them.
TheNwothm: Many people have guilty pleasures when it comes to music, do you have a guilty pleasure band or artist that you enjoy?
S: Haha, that’s a really interesting question. I’m a little embarrassed, but I like Japanese idols from the 7s and 80s. Same goes for the songs in the animation. I don’t even know if the boy is still crazy at heart.
TheNwothm: Tell us, is there any new material being conjured up as we speak?
S: Yes, I’m preparing to refresh the band members, but I’m still thinking about writing new songs. Storm’s second full album will be faster and stronger, more like 80s speed/thrash metal. The lyrics are more political, too. S: Yes, I’m preparing to
refresh the band members, but I’m still thinking about writing new songs. Storm’s second full album will be faster and stronger, more like 80s speed/thrash metal. The lyrics are more political, too.
TheNwothm: Are there any plans to tour in 2025? Or is there a date where fans can go and see you perform?
S: Well, unfortunately, I can’t confirm anything as we don’t have a guitarist or drummer yet. I’m so sorry. But I’m sure we’ll see you again in a new live soon. Good luck!
TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?
S: Yes, I think it would be the easiest to buy overseas metalheads through band camp. Japanese fans could buy them at S.A. Music in Osaka, but unfortunately, they are sold out now. I’m so sorry. If you want to listen to our music, I think it would be
best to use YouTube or band camp. Well, if you want a CD, send me a message and we’ll think about it together.
TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?
S: I have Facebook, Instagram, and band camp accounts.
TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?
S: I really enjoyed the interview. As expected, my heart for heavy metal seems to go beyond the world. Let’s forget about race and language, gender and age and keep shouting. Heavy metal!
Links:
Bandcamp: https://speedmetalstorm.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/metalbandstorm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storm_metal_official
Label: https://www.facebook.com/zweihanderkorea
The Nwothm 
Leave a comment