Interview By: Brian Cross | Photographs By: Diana Guay

After a philosophical discussion on the merits of Sriracha hot sauce, ghost chiles, and other such spicy condiments, we got down to business and talked all things Holy Grail with vocalist James Paul Luna and guitarist Eli Santana. As they prepared to perform at the Webster Underground on May 2, 2011 in Hartford, CT, the band members told us about the history of Holy Grail, what influenced the sound of their debut album Crisis in Utopia, and the new wave of traditional heavy metal.

MPJ – Holy Grail’s been touring relentlessly to promote Crisis in Utopia. Is it wearing you out yet?

PAUL – Not really. The only thing that might wear us out is the party nights! But I think that just gives the tour character.

MPJ – How did Holy Grail get started?

PAUL – We started around 2008, and there were three of us from a band called White Wizzard. We had disagreements with the bassist; he wanted it his way, very Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, classic metal and nothing beyond that. We really wanted to add more Racer X-style guitar, like Yngwie Malmsteen thrash metal, and even more modern technical death metal riffing. And so, that’s why we left that band and started Holy Grail. We got Eli on board, and it’s been really awesome ever since. We got Blake Mount, our bass player, who is a good friend of mine and Tyler’s [Meahl, drums] from high school. Our recent guitar player, Alex Lee, is from Bonded by Blood.

MPJ – The band has gone through a few lineup changes.

PAUL – I think we’ve changed twice, but now it’s the original lineup with a new guitarist.

MPJ – What influenced the songwriting on Crisis in Utopia?

PAUL – Just trying to make it as catchy, and heavy, and technical as possible!

MPJ – Do any of the songs share a common theme?

PAUL – Lyrically or musically?

MPJ – Both.

PAUL – Well, there is a lot of undertones of the oppressed fighting against the oppressor, and battling the control freaks that we’ve faced previously in past relationships and stuff like that. Like a “Fuck you, we’re going to take you down!” kind of attitude.

MPJ – Holy Grail has often been lumped into the “New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal” category. What’s your reaction to that?

PAUL – It’s fine with me! (laughs) I don’t if we’re necessarily a full-on part of that, but I’m not going to deny it. We do have a classic sound.

ELI – We’re definitely influenced by it, but I think we listen to a lot of different metal. It’s not like the last thirty years of metal “didn’t happen” for us. I like to take that spirit and add something new, and take it somewhere new.

PAUL – Yeah, I think a lot of the newer traditional metal bands don’t have as many technical riffs or heavy breakdowns as we do. Eli’s influences and my influences kind of combine. For me, it’s classic metal and New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Eli’s turned me on to all of the awesome death and shred.

ELI – It was this weird mix that became a lot of what’s on the album. I asked him for all of his favorite NWOBHM songs that he wished he could’ve written, and I listened to them a lot on my iPod and I tried to write about two hundred riffs. I tried to make them as heavy as I could and then try to insert them into that NWOBHM songwriting. The album came out of a songwriting experiment, almost.

MPJ – Do you feel that retro heavy metal style, such as leather jackets, bullet belts, and wristbands, is as important to the band’s image as the music?

PAUL – Definitely. You have to acknowledge that. A lot of bands just go up there in jeans and t-shirts and look sloppy. If it goes with the sound – and I think it does – we try to cater the image to the sound a bit.

ELI – It just came natural. I’ve got friends who wear baggy shorts and stuff, who kind of give me shit about putting on tight pants. (laughs) Cutting off the sleeves, and going on stage with studded belts and stuff like that? It feels like I’m getting suited up for the game, like football or something. It’s like going into battle! It gets me pumped up. Hey, football players wear tight pants, and nobody gives them shit! (everyone laughs)

MPJ – Members of Eluveitie made a guest appearance on Crisis in Utopia for the song “Nocturne in D Minor.” What made you want to add their unique sound to the record?

ELI – We toured with them, and they were awesome! Our old guitar player, James LaRue, spearheaded that collaboration.

PAUL – It was an intro he’d written to “The Blackest Night,” and it ended up being a really long, elaborate instrumental piece.

ELI – They were talking about cutting it really short, but I kept urging them to make it it’s own song, and just go crazy with it.

MPJ – Would Holy Grail ever record a “slow” or acoustic song as a departure from your regular sound?

PAUL – Yeah, I don’t see why not. We haven’t given it much thought, but I don’t see why we wouldn’t.

MPJ – Have you begun writing any new material?

PAUL – Not actual songs, but riffs and parts.

MPJ – Any final words for your fans?

PAUL – Keep talking to us on Facebook, and we’ll see you at the shows! It’s been really awesome.

ELI – Stay metal! Thrash about!

MPJ – Thanks for your time, guys!

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HOLYGRAIL : holygrailofficial.com

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