IRON KINGDOM

THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Hailing from Surrey, British Columbia, Iron Kingdom are currently at the receiving end of much spotlight. After an improbable appearance on the only season of the reality show, Canada’s Got Talent, the young quartet booked a massive, Canada-wide tour. So far, they’ve played unlikely dates, like three shows straight in Dawson City, Yukon. In April 2014, they will perform at Germany’s uber kvlt Keep it True festival. With two albums already under their belt, including the recently-released Gates of Eternity, the band is ascending fast. In-between experiencing the disorienting phenomenon of 23 hours of light per day and performing their ‘70s and ‘80s rooted classic metal (think Maiden, Priest, Scorpions and Blind Guardian) in undeniably goofy costumes, two members took the time to banter with BeatRoute via email. Vocalist and guitarist Chris Osterman and drummer/pianist and backing vocalist Amanda Osterman were infectiously excited about what is to come for their band. Their answers are edited for length and grammar below.

BeatRoute: Your vocal style has a lot of range – it has a high pitch! As for the drums, you’ve got a crisp, rock-oriented style.

Chris Osterman: I started out being the vocalist out of necessity, but with some time I learned to really enjoy it! I’ve always wanted a singer with a wide range so I kind of just worked at it until I could do whatever the song needed.

Amanda Osterman: I’m always looking to push myself musically… so I’m working on more double kicks and different fills to add in for future songs, while keeping the strong, heavy hitting style of classic rock. I like a lot of power behind my drums and I feel many drummers either have a lot of power in their playing, or a lot of speed. Right now, I’m working on the speed part, but I don’t think I’ll ever sacrifice the power for the speed!

BR: How does your stage garb play into your aesthetic?

AO: We want to stand out in our own unique way, and I think the visual of our studded and leather outfits helps achieve that goal. We want to put on a whole show… to us that means dressing the part as well as playing the music and doing the stage moves. We find that the ‘80s created the heavy metal look, with bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Since we are very influenced by these bands, we wouldn’t be creating the whole experience if we didn’t wear the stage clothes.

BR: It was a ballsy move to go on Canada’s Got Talent, given how judgmental metal fans are. In the end, what are your thoughts on the experience?

CO: Isn’t rock ‘n’ roll always been about being ballsy? Doing something people don’t expect? If you think it’s lame that we played a live song on Canadian television, then have a look at Iron Maiden, or Judas Priest playing [on] Top of the Pops… in their early career, we just took an opportunity when it came our way, just the same as our favourite bands have done in the past.

BR: Tell me about your second album. How would you describe the musical progression from your previous output?

CO: [There is] a common idea running throughout: good and bad, life and death, heaven and hell. It is meant to make people think about the life they have and the choices they make and continue to make… For the instrumentation I would say… the addition [of] Kenny [Kroecher], completing the dual lead sound we’ve always wanted, has improved the band a lot! Not to mention that Leighton [Holmes, bassist] and Amanda had worked really hard on improving their skills and writing abilities. Everyone played a bigger role on the writing process of the second album: [it’s] a lot more diverse and more interesting.

Experience an evening chock full of classic and speed metal on Friday, August 9 at Dickens Pub. Gatekeeper, Gatekrashör, Bloodreich, Arsenal, and Iron Kingdom will perform.

By Sarah Kitteringham
Photo: Jesse J. Vance