The Hellfreaks is a Hungarian metal band which was formed in Budapest in 2009.
A super band looking for international success.
We just talked to them a little bit now.
When and where was formed the band?
"The band was formed in Budapest, Hungary in 2009."
What is the secret of your success? I read you are also popular in abroad.
"It is crazy but yes, we are way better known abroad compared to in our home, Hungary. It is a very special situation. I have no idea what the ‘key’ to success is but for us, hard work is what gives us the will to get up, it doesn’t matter how often we fall."
Which is the dream festival where you would most like to perform?
"Oh there are too many too mention … I’ll pick Hellfest for this interview, but actually that’s just one of a million we have on our bucket list."
What genre did you play in? How to imagine the aggressive punk rock?
"We play a mix of rock genres and it’s really not possible to put us on one shelf. I would consider it as punk rock music soaked with modern metal aggression. We’re the sound for kids who grew up with rock’n roll, punk, metal and hardcore - because that’s what we’re into! And we love to mix these elements and spice them up with a modern touch. When it comes to the question “to which bands do you sound similar to” it takes me ages to give an answer. I believe that this has to be a sign that we’re doing a good job because it’s hard to compare us to any other band, which means that we’re really doing something unique and that is one of the main goals when you’re writing music. Luckily it’s nothing you have to imagine."
How do you spend your time these days?
"Covid changed the game totally. Originally we planned to be on tour with our latest album God On The Run. Instead, we’ve released a lot more music videos than originally planned, we created vlog videos and content in general to get in touch with our fans world wide and we’ve already started to work on news songs for an upcoming album, that is something that we really did not plan on. Normally we take the time to tour around with any new material but this is the first time in our career that we started writing immediately after a full length was released."
What do you do beside music?
"I work as a PPC manager in online marketing."
What is most missing from a normal life?
"Besides all the aspects that we’re missing as a band, which is mainly touring, I miss going to the gym the most."
In your opinion, what will the concerts be like after the pandemic?
"Covid caused huge damage. Sure, artists find inspiration in damage, but the music industry itself, the clubs, the festivals, everyone who works behind the curtain, everyone is broken into pieces and many venues will not survive this. So even when we get back to normal, it will not be normal for many years. Not just venue wise but also for the bands because clubs and festivals will only book those who fill the venue to 100% capacity, they will not have the luxury of taking any risks. It’s strange to say but I’m not excited, as I know that it will not be how it was. But whatever the future brings us, we will take it and make the best of it. Of course I miss the stage like hell but I’m also sick of hoping for something that has been becoming more unreachable by the day for a year now."
Who are your favorite artists / bands who inspire you?
"I’m a huge fan of female fronted rock bands. But I personally listen to a wide range. Of course I listen to many types of rock music, pretty much all genres, but I also listen to pop and folk or pretty much everything as long it is not jazz. I often hear that my singing style reflects some of my favorites: like Taylor Momsen from The Pretty Reckless, Shirley Manson from Garbage, Gwen Stephanie from No Doubts time, Brody Dalle from the Distillers etc. When it comes to the lyrics itselfs, inspiration can come from just one right word that I hear in a special moment that grabs my attention and that’s enough inspiration to write my lines."
Who would you most like to tour with?
"For example - with anyone I mentioned above, but again, it would be a very long list here."
How do you release your records?
"So far we’ve always released our records with labels."
Do you organize the shows yourself?
"We did for a long time in the beginning, but these days we’re covered by booking agencies."
What are your thoughts on today’s metal music business?
"I love to witness and be part of how this scene is accepting and supporting women in music more and more with time. It’s not that women would take anything over but it’s so good to see that there is a chance that one day “being a women” in the scene will not be a special thing to mention, it will become totally normal."
How hard is for a novice band to head to the international market these days? What do they need to be very careful about?
"Extremely. Thanks to social media and YouTube we see amazing, new, fresh talents on a daily basis from all around the world. It is simply not enough to be great in what you are doing because the competition of getting heard requires more. More hard work, more connections, more marketing, more network … it is not easy and not fair at all. I think what no one is ever prepared for is the amount of “no”s you have to face and to overcome till you receive a “yes”. You have to believe in yourself like crazy to be able to convince others about you."
How do you envision the band in 5-10 years?
"I hope that we all can live this dream to the fullest without the need to have a plan B in our pocket."
Thank you for the interview and good luck for the future! Hope to see you live on stage very soon!
"Thank you for having me!"