Regina Band Interview Series: Hell Hounds
These metal heads aren’t that scary!
Puppies go to hell. / Hell Hounds
Hell Hounds. Sorry what? I thought all dogs were supposed to go to heaven? I guess not. Anyways, Hell Hounds is not just the name for bad doggies that get sent down to the flames once the dog pound kills them. It’s actually the name for Regina’s own Symphonic Metal Band.
Founded in 2013, Hell Hounds has since been opening shows for bands such as the theatrical punk-rock group, The New Jacobin Club, and grown to a hardcore group of 5: Viviana “Aaren” H. (lead Vocals), Ryan “Rain” Pawelko (guitars, vocals), Joseph Maciag (bass), Emma Kramer-Rodger (keyboards, vocals), and Justin “Old Man Justy” Hoffman (drums).
These nice musicians all took the time out of their day to answer a few of my hard-hitting questions.
What first got you interested in music?
Ryan Pawelko: I have been doing music since I was in Kindergarten….can’t remember what started it.
How did your band get into the music industry?
Band Consensus: I don’t think we see ourselves in the industry per se, as we are still trying to fight our way up into it.
What are your future goals as a band?
BC: We are planning to record an EP within the next few months, so that would be our main focus right now. After that is done, we would love to be able to play shows outside of the prairies, and show the rest of Canada what Regina is hiding.
What is the meaning of life?
Emma Kramer-Rodger: To Conquer the world with metal. And 42.
What is your definition of true love?
Joseph Maciag: I heard the Twilight books know about love. I should really read those.
Do you prefer reading fiction or non-fiction books?
Viviana H: Both. Quantum physics looks like fiction, but isn’t.
Which superhero do you look up to the most?
RP: Either Tommy from the Power Rangers or Kouta Kazurabafrom Kamen Rider Gaim.
If you could eliminate one of the 10 commandments out of the Bible, which one would you eliminate?
VH: What are they again?
What are your greatest failures?
JM: Failing to unite humanity under the banner of Metal (Work in progress).
What are your greatest successes?
RP: Having these four people in a band with me. And becoming friends with The New Jacobin Club. They spoil us.
Who are your favourite sports teams?
RP: Riders are all I really follow.
JM: Chicago Bears, Edmonton Oilers, KaBuM! E-Sports, and Cloud Nine.
What musicians inspire you the most?
EKR: Janne Wirman, Michael Romeo, Laura Intravia, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Ryan Pawelko.
Would you like your life to end with a fairy tale or tragic ending?
BC: With metal.
Do you like cats?
RP: Yes, but baby goats are the cutest animals.
VH: Everyone else agrees that I am one. So I gotta love them right?
ERK: Cats are obviously metal.
JM: Nope. Nein. No. Negative. Non.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
JM: Cats. And people in general.
Why is the sky blue?
VH: Because science (spaceplace.nasa.gov/blue-sky/).
What physical aspects of yourself are you most proud of?
JM: I have great ankles.
RP: Don’t know how this will sound, but I love my hair! And Joey does have nice ankles.
VH: I am proud I can mosh, sing, and growl without dying. *laughs*
EKR: I sort of have abs
Which historical event do you wish never happened?
Justin Hoffman:I wouldn’t change history.
There ya have it, folks! The Hell Hounds aren’t as scary as you thought they were, are they? Just some cool folks who like cats, have great ankles, and play killer tunes. Join them at the German Club on Oct. 25 as they open for The New Jacobin Club. Tickets are $15 at the door, minors must be accompanied by an adult, and Halloween costumes are encouraged!
