Brendon Capriotti – Claim The Throne

Perth’s Claim The Throne stake claim to just over a decade long career. In that time, they have released three full-length albums, an EP, and have a wealth of tours and memories beneath their belt. They were also by and large an influential Australian band in the sense of helping to bring a relatively unknown movement to our country in their formative years. This was, of course, the subgenre of folk metal. A genre that first began in the Scandinavian region. In the lead up to this weekend’s third annual Hell On The Bay event – an event in which Claim The Throne have been invited to partake – I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with the band’s vocalist and guitarist, Brendon Capriotti.

With Claim The Throne this year celebrating their tenth anniversary, the band set out on tour, covering Australia, with select dates also in Japan. With the likes of Hell On The Bay and a couple final shows set for Sydney and Melbourne, I asked Brendon how he felt about this tour, and also what it was like returning to Japan. “The Perth show was an awesome start to the tour,” Brendon began, “we’ve got some really loyal fans at home so our gigs there are always heaps of fun. We have just finished the 3 dates in Japan! They went really well, it’s a completely different culture as you’d imagine. We’re building a pretty good reputation over there and the fans are very appreciative to have bands touring their country.”

Speaking of Hell On The Bay next, I asked how he and the band felt about joining the prestigious roster for this event. “Super pumped for it! We’ve done a couple of small metal cruises in Perth over the years that have been a blast and have heard great things about Hell On The Bay.”

I pondered to Brendon that when he thinks back over the decade that Claim The Throne have existed as a band, it must make him proud to have reached such a milestone as ten years. Especially when you put into consideration that Claim The Throne helped to bring a relatively unknown subgenre of metal to Australia to begin with; that being, folk metal. I asked if he and the band considered themselves a type of pioneer in a way for helping to bring a greater awareness of this style of music to Australia? Ever humbly, he replied with, “[We’re] extremely proud of everything we’ve achieved over the decade. When we started out the goal was really just to experiment with a melodeath/folk style in Australia and see how it goes, and if we could get a few gigs along the way that would be a bonus. It really took off and we enjoyed what we were doing, so with a bit of hard work it wasn’t long until our songwriting improved and tour opportunities came our way.” Continuing, “We don’t really look at ourselves as pioneers of Aussie folk metal, but we are proud to have given upcoming bands some inspiration and it’s been great meeting younger bands to provide advice along the way.”

The music scene in Australia has changed much over the past ten years, with local bands getting a lot more attention and recognition than before. I asked Brendon what his thoughts were toward the current state of music here in Australia, and what helped Claim The Throne to survive for as long as you have? “It’s great that the standard of local metal is always improving,” Brendon noted, “and with help from the internet there are plenty more international touring opportunities available. That being said, it is still common to see young bands pop up on the scene for a couple years who spend heaps of money buying on to tours then disappear off the face of the earth. We have survived by setting realistic short and long-term goals; getting along with eachother and working as a team; enjoying putting in the hard work; doing the research to make smart decisions; having fun with other metalheads; and, giving back to the scene wherever we can. Basically, it’s all about being genuinely passionate about your band and keeping a positive attitude.”

I mused what Claim The Throne’s future plans are following the conclusion of this tour? Having been teased earlier in the year that the band are gearing up to work on the next record following this current tour cycle, I asked if there was anything he could offer towards the new material? Some good things ahead, guys! “This is our last tour in support of the ‘Forged In Flame’ album, so once it wraps up we’ll be finishing the writing of our next album and doing all the behind-the-scenes stuff to get it released next year and make future touring plans. Those who are familiar with our discography will have seen the progression from album to album. The next one is on track as a natural progression from ‘Forged In Flame’. It’s gonna be super heavy but still oozing with catchy melodies.”

He then went on to add, “The more experience we gain, the more closer we get to achieving the textbook ‘Claim The Throne’ sound we’ve been working towards.”

‘Forged In Flame’ out now via Prime Cuts Music

As a band that have existed for just over ten years now, Claim The Throne have always remained a band that whilst exploring fresh territory have always managed to stay true to their roots as well. They are also a band not afraid to have a bit of fun too, as evidenced by the nature of their music videos, for example. I put forward what remains the key driving force behind the creative talent in Claim The Throne, in terms of songwriting, structure, and what they hope to achieve? “Fun is always number one for us,” Brendon enthused. “We absolutely love being in this band so that keeps us constantly motivated. Personally, the thing I love most about metal is the infinite possibilities for uniqueness and creativity. In terms of songwriting, we’re always trying different approaches but seem to be pretty stoked with our strategy at the moment, which essentially involves a lot of solo writing at home, combined with jams as a group every single week to refine everyone’s ideas.”

As a vocalist, it is not hard to argue that Brendon possesses a very distinctive style; one that utilises rasped cleans as well as high and low harsh vocals. On the band’s Facebook bio, it mentions such musical influences as Wintersun, Moonsorrow, Behemoth, and so on. I asked Brendon who he would say has influenced him most as a singer and guitarist? His answers were interesting and unexpected, to say the least. “I guess there are a few,” Brendon considered. “I’m very inspired by vocalists who also play guitar. To name a few, [there] would be Arkadius [Antonik] of Suidakra, Jon [Nödtveidt] of Dissection, and Robb Flynn of Machine Head.”

Before we wrapped up the interview, I asked if Brendon had any last words he’d like to offer his fans? “Just a big thanks for all the ongoing support and good times! We’re looking forward to everything that lies ahead!”

‘Forged In Flame’ is out now. Purchase your copy via Claim The Throne’s Big Cartel page.

Don’t miss Claim The Throne on their last few remaining tour dates, including Melbourne’s third annual Hell On The Bay event, ‘Tritanic’! Tickets to both the Sydney and Geelong shows will be available on door entry, with tickets for Hell On The Bay III available via Brimstone Bookings.

Sept. 4, The Bald Faced Stag – Sydney (Facebook event)

Sept. 5, Hell On The Bay III, ‘Tritanic’ – Melbourne (Facebook event)

Sept. 6, Barwon Club, Geelong (Facebook event)

Hell On The Bay III – tickets on sale now via Brimstone Bookings

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