all photos : Shaun Wilkinson (@three6shoota)
18th June, 2023
Your vicious debut, HissThroughRottenTeeth, was just released on the masses in April. What have the responses and reviews been like?
It’s been overwhelming to say the least. Seems to have been received to almost exclusively positive reviews. All our music videos hit over 100K views, and streams doing in the ten’s of thousands on all tracks. We’re truly humbled to reach these sort of levels on our debut release.
How long was the process from writing the tracks to releasing the album?
I started writing them at the end of 2019/start of 2020, finished them by about January 2021, and we tracked the album around April. So the writing of the album took roughly a year or so I’d say.
Your vocal performance sounds like you were exorcising some demons. Was recording the album a cathartic experience for you?
I think everything I do creatively is some form of catharsis. I definitely do throw a lot of emotion into my vocal work but I always ensure I’m in control, and using proper technique.
With a debut performance opening for Thy Art Is Murder, and a support slot for To The Grave on their Director’s Cuts East Coast tour in July, this certainly isn’t the usual trajectory for a new band. You must be pretty happy with how this is turning out? How did all this come about, with the debut album only released a few months ago?
A lot of us in Mélancolia have come from previous bands with a lot of touring experience and know-how.
Although we’re fresh to the scene under this name a lot of us have been grinding it at out for 10 years or so. Let’s just say, we knew exactly what we were doing this time around.
How would you personally describe Mélancolia’s sound?
A horror movie in audio form!
Why heavy music? What is it about this style and sound that attracts you to it?
Heavy music has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. It’s just always made sense to me. I can’t quite explain it. It’s cathartic, it’s emotional, it’s exciting.
How did you first discover and get into metal?
Dragon Ball Z movies I owned on VHS as a child featured Deftones songs.
Who were/ are your music heroes? Who inspired you to want to make metal music?
Dani Filth, Joey Jordison, Trevor Strnad, Travis Ryan, Mac Miller. Slipknot’s “Diasterpieces” DVD at age 9 was the moment I knew I wanted to be a musician.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, been a guitarist for 17 years. I also produce our music so I’m decent with most instruments in a writing setting.
Was there a defining moment that made you decide to become a vocalist, or was it out of necessity for a band?
I was always a frontman stuck in a guitarist’s body I think. Guitar is always going to be my instrument but fronting a band comes naturally to me. I don’t think I would trust anyone else to do it in a project I’m in.
What other bands have you been in, and when?
Athenas Wake, Guitar/Backing Vocals (2013 – 2017)
Ame Noire, Vocals (2017 – 2020)
Performing metal vocals is an art form in itself. How did you learn to scream/ yell/ growl?
A lot was emulation and learning along side my older brother, Josh Hill, of Cerement. He was the one who first got me to scream at age 12, and we used to practice together as teenagers.
Were your parents supportive of your choice to play music, and play in a band?
My parents have always been super supportive, not once did they not back me on doing this.
How often do you get to practice as a band?
Before shows/tours
What vocalists do you admire, either in the scene, or another genre?
Travis Ryan, Chino Moreno, Trevor Strnad, Dani Filth
How often do you practice your vocals?
3 – 4 times a week
What vocal warmup techniques do you use, if any?
Singing scales, breathing exercises, water, and singing in general.
How are Mélancolia songs conceived?
I produce our music from my home studio and the other guys give their input.
What artists, old or new, are you listening to currently?
Slipknot (self titled+Iowa), Methwitch, Gallows (Grey Britain), Cattle Decapitation, My Ticket Home, and Bones
What have been some of your most memorable shows to date?
Opening for Thy Art Is Murder at Max Watts
What job/s do you have when you aren’t working on Mélancolia?
I manage a sneaker store and sometimes freelance graphic design.
Who’s your bucket list artist to tour with?
Cradle of Filth, Cattle Decapitation, and The Black Dahlia Murder
Any pre-show rituals?
Lots of water, eat sliced red capsicum and avoid anyone who isnt in my band.
What’s the last show you saw that you weren’t playing at?
Deafheaven at Max Watts
What do you do in your free time? Any other hobbies outside of music?
I enjoy cooking, running, films, wine, and fine dining.
What new bands should people check out that deserve some recognition?
Vatic, Cerement, Starve, Heavensgate, and Xenobiotic.
What’s your dream gig line-up look like?
No more than 3 bands, mixed bill, and home by 12pm.
Cats – lovable family members or Satan’s spawn?
Both
What does 2023 have in store for Mélancolia, and Alex Hill?
A lot that we are yet to announce and a LOT more content.
Alex Hill : @sickfvck_
Mélancolia : @melancolia_exe