Crimson Moon: How did the band get started?
Boneyard: Launched in 2015, Canadian hard rock/ heavy metal band Boneyard is the lifeblood and passion of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Pamtera.
The members bring a wealth of experience from previous bands that include: Tyrant, Septimus, Powerslave and Nekroskope. The band started out as a cover project, but has been writing original music since 2017.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Boneyard: NWOBHM inspired hard rock/ heavy metal.
Crimson Moon: How has the band response been?
Boneyard: Fantastic! We’ve received favorable reviews from notable metal outlets such as Sleaze Roxx, Bravewords, Fireworks and Power Play magazine.
Crimson Moon: Where did the band name come from?
Boneyard: When we played covers, the set reflected songs played on the Sirius/XM satellite channel Ozzy’s Boneyard.
Crimson Moon: Introduce the band members.
Pamtera: Lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar
Dennis Cooke: Bass and rhythm guitar
Jeff Cunningham: Drums and percussion
Gary Ursulak: Lead guitar
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Boneyard: Oathbreaker is our debut album.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some of the songs on the latest CD?
Boneyard: The songs are pretty varied, from the Iron Maiden style gallop of Fates Warning, to the Annihilator type of riffing of Rat Race, and the softer Doro flavored vocals of the title track.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Boneyard: Bassist Dennis is the main supplier of riffs. But, the overall song arrangements, and lyrics, are a band effort.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Boneyard: From items in the news today to personal experiences.
Crimson Moon: Has the Covid Pandemic impacted the band at all?
Boneyard: Yes, in May of 2019, we entered producer/ engineer Cam Macleod’s [White Wolf] Wolfs Den studio in Edmonton and began recording our debut album. After an extended COVID-19 pause, we returned to complete the project in August of 2020. July 24/21 was our first live show back after restrictions were lifted here in Alberta.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Boneyard: Gary and Jeff also play in Firepower, a Judas Priest tribute band.
Crimson Moon: What is the music scene like where you guys are from?
Boneyard: There are a lot of cover bands, but some notable original metal bands as well (Syryn, Striker, etc).
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Boneyard: Any classic heavy metal artists (Priest, Maiden, Doro, etc).
Crimson Moon: What is the band like when you play live?
Boneyard: You will hear faithful versions of the songs on Oathbreaker. We also will inject one or two classic metal cuts into the set.
Crimson Moon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Boneyard: Not yet, hopefully soon!
Crimson Moon: How has the fan response been to the band?
Boneyard: Album and merchandise sales have been steady, and as I mentioned earlier, live shows have just begun.
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be in this band?
Boneyard: I had grown tired of playing all covers, and really wanted to write, record and perform our own material.
Crimson Moon: If you weren’t in this band would you still be involved in the music industry?
Boneyard: Possibly, as I have a button business and do promotional work for some venues.
Crimson Moon: As a musician what advice can you give to fellow musician just starting out?
Boneyard: Get lessons, practice and don’t rely on YouTube videos.
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for the band?
Boneyard: We are very excited for the future, as we have just signed on with Italy’s Worm Hole Death Records! They will be releasing Oathbreaker worldwide, including a special pressing in Japan. stay tuned for more info and a new video for the song Born Again.
Contact them at:
https://www.facebook.com/boneyardyeg
https://twitter.com/boneyardyeg
https://www.instagram.com/boneyardyeg/
