sandstorm

Another typed interview with one of Canadians coolest Retro acts Sandstorm! A great Heavy Metal act who released several two EP’s by the German label Dying Victims Productions.

-Hi guys, At first give us some info about Sandstorm. How was the band formed and by who?

-PJ LaGriffe- we got together in January 2018,Stevie and Reptile had already written a few songs. They were looking for a drummer, we met at my monthly metal DJ night. Started playing regularly from then.

-Reptile Anderson-  It really took off from there! We had been jamming a couple of times just me and Stevie and a drum machine, testing out material and it sounded OK but right at once when P.J joined the group it started getting real heavy and loud. I think that we realized then that things where going to get crazy. 

-How would you describe the music of Sandstorm to a regular headbanger out there?

-You know, classic heavy metal, true to old school themes - epic battles of good vs evil, witches & warlocks, partying and good times!

-What's your age and when and how did you discovered heavy music?

- PJ-I was a teenager in the 80's (you do the math) and started listening to metal through my older sisters, then got into thrasher and punk stuff from there.

-R.A-  I am in my thirties now and was was introduced to metal in the nineties through Black Sabbath via early Iron Maiden bangers and from there to other N.W.O.B.H.M acts like Saxon and on and on.

-What bands influenced you?

- PJ-it's not hard to tell that we are influenced by early Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, Rainbow & DIO etc. The guys are really into an obscure 80's band from Sweden called Lezlie Paice, they were very influenced by their sound.

-RA-We always like to mention them cause they are from the same area of Sweden as us. Other Early Swedish metal bands such as Heavy Load and Gotham City and Parasite are important influences too as are Dutch Legends Emerald and German Stormwitch. 

-What inspired you lyrically?

 -Stevie Whiteless- it's usually lived incident or thoughts that are narrowed down into a context that fits our music.

-How important are looks and image to you?

-PJ- I guess looks and image are a big part but it just sort  of happened, I think we all wanted SANDSTORM to be a full on traditional metal band.

-RA- when you head out to see a heavy metal band you want the full experience with studs and leather and everything so thats what you get from us.

-Who made the great artwork for both EP's?

-Reptile is the madman behind the artwork. We all put in our 2cents but he mostly comes up with the initial images.

-How's the traditional Heavy Metal scene in Canada at the moment?

- it's great! Tons of cool bands. We've been lucky to play with a bunch, like Roadrash, Spell, Glare, Traveller, Villian etc

-Top 5 Classic Canadian records you love?

- Exciter-violence & force

- 3 inches of blood- battlecry under a winter sun

- Razor-evil invaders

-Priestess- Hello Master

-Bison- quiet earth

 -Thor - Only the Strong

-Do you already play live and are there any plans to come to Europe?

-yep, we've been playing steady since we got together. We had plans to play Muskelrock 2020 but Covid happened. We are hoping to play it next year and also do some other European dates as well.

-When can we expect a full album by Sandstorm?

- sometime in the future...

-Is Sandstorm your only band or are you also involved in any other bands and or projects?

I play with a couple other bands (Himalayan Bear & Ashley Shadow Band).

-Thank you for your time , the last words are yours!

-RA-  Never give up! Always keep fighting, Keep your blades sharp and your mind pliable. Be ready for the next age of Heavy Metal Years.

-Thanks so much! Keep rocking! We can't wait to get out and play live again soon!⚡⚡

-Patchman Marco-