breaking new ground

by huixian

Photos Courtesy of Bhelliom

Bhelliom (http://www.bhelliom.org/) made its first cry in 2000. Since then, it has witnessed changes in its lineup, a shift in their musical direction and has garnered gigs in different places. A local metal band which comprises of Fazely (vocals), Joe (bass, vocals), Jaka (guitar), Damien (guitar) and Gene (drums), Bhelliom is inspired by acts such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Deep Purple. Aging Youth sits down with Joe and Damien for a lowdown on the band, and see how Bhelliom is charting new waters with their enhanced technical skills.

First off, how did the name “Bhelliom” come about?

The name was suggested by Joe who is an avid fantasy novel reader. He came across the name in one of the books penned by this author called David Eddings. “Bhelliom”, in that story, is a source of magical power that comes in a shape of a jewel. Why this name was later taken to be the band’s moniker among the various (ones) that were short listed is because it sounds nice, and we all believed, and still believe, that no other band has a similar name.

How has Bhelliom’s music evolved over the years?

We are constantly developing and improving our music. At first, we were playing heavy metal. Then we shifted to a more melodic style. Right now, we are experimenting with some technical stuff which will be included in our future works.

What are the factors that have contributed to the musical shift?

One reason is the various influences being incorporated into the band by both past and current members of Bhelliom. As individuals, each of us listened to different forms of music. These influences seep in when we get together to write songs. We have some ex-members who aided the transition to a more melodic style. Well, as a band, metal music is our staple diet but we have other elements of rock such as hard rock and stoner rock as our side menu. Also, now that our musicianship has improved; we can play more technical stuff. We experiment more with time signatures and different genres of metal.

I guess we can expect more technical stuff in Bhelliom’s coming album then. When is it due?

Currently, we’re still in the process of writing more songs. Hopefully, recording will start in end November or December, and we’ll be able to release the album next year March or April.

Bhelliom is the only overseas band featured in the Chinese metal compilation Dead Night III. The rest of the bands were from China. How do you guys feel about that?

We do feel good about it. To be the only band from Singapore in an all Chinese metal compilation album is an opportunity that doesn’t come easily. The song that was included is ‘Within Nowhere’ and it is in English.

Speaking of ‘Within Nowhere’, you guys have an album by the same name as well. How has the response been so far?

Hmm… I would say the general response is definitely encouraging. This is our first full length album and we do not expect much from it because we believe we are still developing as a band. There have been good and not-so-good responses and we take it all in our stride. Obviously, you can’t please everyone. What matters most is that we enjoy making music. We take this album as our initial benchmark. We will better our efforts.

Joe, we understand that you wrote the lyrics for all the songs in ‘Within Nowhere’. Where do you get your inspiration from?

The themes for my lyrics come from my personal experiences and things that happen around me. They stem from the daily news that I read to the documentaries that I watch on TV. The real world is filled with deception. We are constantly being deceived to believe. I am not preaching here. It’s just that beneath the merry and all the smiles that you see on the faces of people lies a hidden tale of sadness unmatched even by the word itself. I remember this song line from Ronnie James Dio that goes “Behind the lines/ There is danger and a promise to be told/ You’ll never get old.” I really dig that line man.

Well, I must say most of your lyrics are a bit dark and haunting. If the lyrics are a reflection of the band, do we expect Bhelliom’s members to be solemn and scowling most of the time?

Hahahahahaha… Definitely not. To be solemn and scowling most of the time will be boring. No matter who you are, you will always be the same person with different personalities being masked unto you, depending on the situation that you are in. We are different when we’re not dealing with music. Once we are out of the practice room, we are just like any ordinary geeks out there.

Okay, what is the process of making music like for the band?

For us, the music comes before the lyrics. For the music, Damien and Jaka will lay out the initial foundation of their ideas. Nowadays, we tend to record bits and pieces of various ideas and e-mail (them) to the rest to listen. We would practice beforehand before we meet up and expand on these ideas. As for the lyrics, the contributions come from mainly Joe, Jaka and our new vocalist Fazely.

Tell us, which countries have you guys gigged at?

We have played at Taiwan for the Spring Scream Fest and Thailand for the Demonic Fest.

How is the crowd at these places and do you think you received more acceptance in these places than in Singapore?

Crowds in Taiwan are kind of laid back. You couldn’t tell if they dig the stuff you are doing. You’ll know at the end of each song though, when they suddenly cheered you with appreciative shouts which seem to come out of nowhere. The people there are remarkably friendly. We will be going there again at the end of July for the Formoz Festival. As for Thailand, the crowds are wilder. They headbang, mosh and stage-dive like nobody’s business. And they too are a hospitable bunch. I think we are being accepted more from the audience outside Singapore than down here. I wonder why…

So one of the major gigs for Bhelliom in the coming months is the Formoz Festival in Taiwan? How are the preparations coming along?

The preparations are going well. Unfortunately, due to some prior commitments, Fazely and Jaka won’t be able to join us and Joe will be going back to bass and vocals again and on guitar, we have a sessionist by the name of Xavier from a kick ass metal band Vervaine. What can we say man? Xavier simply rocks and I mean what I say!!!

Last question, what do you guys hope to achieve with your music?

To gain more listeners into accepting our music is the main priority, as the songs we create may not be easily digested just in a few listens. We hope to spread our music to a wider audience. We want to produce more good music and hopefully, do more tours.