Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Sometime in late 2008, Javi (vocals) contacted Marc (guitar) after hearing some samples of his songs. They decided to turn the project into a real band and began looking for musicians to complete the line-up. It took almost a year to find a drummer, so the band was formed in late 2009. Then there were 7 members: two guitarists, one bassist, a drummer, a vocalist, a violinist and a piper. The latter left the band prior to the first concert and was replaced by keyboardist. After several line-up changes, we are currently 8 members, including a piper again.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
It is difficult for us to describe our music with a simple label because we mix different musical influences due to the disparate tastes of each member. You can find heavy metal, power metal, melodic death metal, ska, humppa, folk-influenced melodies, movie soundtrack-influenced melodies...
People and media often label us as "folk/melodic death metal", "pagan metal" or just "folk metal". Perhaps any of these labels is valid, or perhaps none is accurate.
If we have to name some bands that influence us directly, we could name Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Amon Amarth, Iron Maiden, Cruachan, Gamma Ray, Dark Tranquillity, artists like Enya or Yann Tiersen, and OST from movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas or Little Shop of Horrors.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
We encourage people to buy it if they really like. We did not particularly bother if they download it for free whenever they talk about us if they liked. The important thing for us is that people know the band and, if they can, come to see us live, which is where they will discover what Drakum really is. Anyway, if they buy our albums and merchandising, it will help us to continue editing music, since by the time everything comes out of our own pocket.
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
We released our first EP titled "Around the Oak" in 2011, which has received very good reviews from both media and public. In late 2014 we released our first album "Torches Will Rise Again", although it is early to say anything at the moment, is selling well.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Yes, we do. We haven't stopped playing live since February 2011 and currently we are on tour to promote "Torches Will Rise Again". We have come to play festivals in various countries such as Croatia, Slovenia and Ukraine, sharing the stage with well known bands like Arkona, Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Immortal or Alestorm, among others.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
We believe we are a band with great potential. People describe us as a steamroller on the stage. Our shows are always very dynamic and fun, we enjoy to interact with the public and make them have a great time. In addition, our particular mix of styles can please a wide range of listeners.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
At the moment we are recording a new EP and planning the second LP, while we tour to promote the first one.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can listen us almost everywhere! YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, iTunes... just google "Drakum" and you'll find your favourite method. To buy our stuff, just enter our official Bandcamp page http://drakum.bandcamp.com
February 2015