Unseen Faith is something as rare as a Christian metal band. The amount of Christian metal bands in Denmark can be counted on one hand. Unseen Faith is a brutal match for all the other christian bands out there. Breakneck slams go hand in hand with glow sparkling guitar riffs in a frenetic pace that makes the ground under you shake. Unseen Faith are not wasting too much time with atmosphere. It is original, direct and brutal – with an honest message. Their EP “Yokebreaker” has been released last November. Recently we did an interview with Jakob Langvad (guitar), check it out below:
TMR: Hello Jakob this is ‘The Metal Resource’ from Holland, how are things going there in Denmark?
Hey TMR, everything is fine here! We are so excited for the release of “YOKEBREAKER”. The date is the 27th of November. We are so thankful for the way people have responded to our two new music videos.
TMR: Will you Introduce yourself and the band please ! [name and instrument]
Alexander Eriksen – Vocal
Klaus Schmidt -Drums
Christian Jensen – Bass and backup vocals
Asbjørn Brokhøj – Leadguitar
Jakob Langvad (me) – Rhythm guitar
TMR: Tell us the brief history of ‘Unseen Faith’.
The band started on a boardingschool in 2010, where the first songs were written. A year after we recorded the first EP called COMEDY/TRAGEDY.
TMR: Why the name ‘Unseen Faith’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
The story of the name is about the challenge to put trust in something that you can’t see. That can be about relationship with other persons, but also in relationship with God.
TMR: How did you get into metal?
It started in my early days listening to hard rock bands like Day of Fire, Disciple and Blindside. Later on it went more heavy, because I really liked the energy. I could use the music to express all kinds of feelings.
It kind of started like this for all of us, here is some other names:
Christian, started with Good Charlotte.
Klaus started with Demon Hunter
Alexander started with Linkin Park
Asbjørn started with Underoath
TMR: Everyone, what is your musical background ?
Christian started on piano and guitar. Now he plays the bass
For me and Alexander it was the drums and percussion which draw us into music. So we actually have three drummers in the band. Asbjørn started with bass and Klaus with drums but he can play everything. He played leadguitar on COMEDEY/TRAGEDY and some years after until Asbjørn joined the band.
TMR: Who writes the music/lyrics in ‘Unseen Faith’ ? … how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
Klaus writes most of the music and Alexander writes most of the songs. The lyrics are about stories and thoughts from a personal view. YOKEBREAKER is inspired from Alexanders life and perspectives. After they have putted their ideas is on the table, we all share our thoughts and talk about directions in the music and details. Its hard to say what is the best mood to write music in. I know Alexander likes to listen to music while writing and have a glass of wine.
TMR: What are some key principles or phylosophies that you hold onto as foundational stones as who you are as a person?
We are all have a foundation of faith in God. We are created in his image and we are equal and loved just as we are. We like to bring the gospel through friendships and the way we act and behave. We are not a preaching band but we love to have a talk with people about our faith.
TMR: Is there a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘Unseen Faith’?
A great experience for us was playing at a festival in Germany called Freakstock Festival where we also attended through the whole festival. Also the journey through the production of YOKEBREAKER.
TMR: And the worst thing were ? (if there is one)
The worst ting is when Klaus farts in our small practice room. Haha. Of course we have our discussions time to time, but that just a part of being a band and spending a lot of time together. Its like family!
TMR: So what makes you laugh?
When Christian broke his pant during a concert!! That was so funny! A few weeks back Alexander fell down from the stage (nothing happened) but we are all so surprised! It looked funny! Otherwise we are all so good friends and we are mostly having fun when rehearse and play concerts.
TMR: What is your biggest fear ?
We are fearless! Klaus’ biggest fear is to eat mackerel. Alexander hates spiders and Asbjørn and Christian start to cry if they taste a tomato.
TMR: What are some of the things you like to do away from the band? ng that you can’t see. That can be about relationship with other persons, but also in relationship with God.
Klaus: Bible school and play in a worship band on youth camps. He also play guitar in Lost In Despair
Asbjørn: He is involved in the music industry in Denmark. That’s pretty exciting. For example he works on Northside, Copenhell and Spot Festival which are some pretty big festivals in Denmark.
Alexander and Christian are both studying a lot. When they are not studying they are going to the gym. Mostly Christian..
I am working, drinking coffee, shredding and enjoying the life of a married man!
TMR: How do you promote your band and shows ?
Through friends, facebook and yeah the internet. Also we are signed to Prime Collective, which is a danish management,
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
Its here, but it is a small scene. Therefore we love to go over borders! We are so excited to visit RockALive to September 2016 in Holland.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show?
Changing strings. Talking together about the concert and what our expectations are. Otherwise we are just having fun and hanging out with people. We rather not just sit in the backstage the whole night. We want to see the other bands and meet people.
TMR: Speaking of recording, your new album “Yokebreaker” will be released on Nov. 27th. what can you tell us about the album [such as the recording proces, the songs, label etc.]
It has been a long process with recording, but we have learned so much through the process. Next time we will be much more prepared, be we are very happy about the result and it has been a blast recording it!
TMR: About the cover artwork. Do you think it is as important as your music? Does it visualize the lyrics of your songs or what’s the actual story behind its concept?
A friend of us named Kim Sternkopf has interpret the music and have put this album art together. YOKEBREAKER is about breaking our yokes, breaking what pulling us down.. One to do it, is using the cross and the love from God.
TMR: What would be the ultimate cover tune for ‘Unseen Faith’?
We so many ideas but we can’t agree which song we want to cover! We were pretty close to cover Katy Perry “Dark horse”.
TMR: What is your favorite concert that you saw and what made it so good?
Klaus and Alexander once went to Hamburg to see Suicide Silence play. They have talked about that concert ever since! Me and Asbjørn went to see Dragonforce and it was amazing to see these high profiled guitarist during their thing!
TMR: What is the most embarrassing music on your phone or in your collection and how do you justify it to others?
Katy Perry.. I can’t justify this. We all have guilty pleasure for Katy Perry.
TMR: If you could pick a band to tour with, who would it be? And where would the tour go?
Architects, Hacktivist, Gideon, August Burns Red, Whitechapel, Chelsea Grin and Suicide Silence. We would tour the whole world!
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
I can only think of one thing: one time two random guys walked up to Alexander in public. They had seen us play in their city some weeks ago and asked him to scream for them. They offered two hotdogs, a burger and a coca-cola. Haha. It wasn’t stupid but pretty funny and unusual.
TMR: What are the biggest obstacles for bands ?
Those who studies have a lot on the plate! It can be hard for them sometimes to play a concert if they have a project to finish.
TMR: As a band today, what do you think is the biggest challenge you face?
That the music industry have made this huge change. The change from selling CD’s to stream it online. I guess the economic situation have changed the game a bit.
TMR: Any (tour) plans for the near future ?
We have plans about doing a small Europe-tour in September 2016.
TMR: Jakob thanks for your time and the interview. We wish ‘Unseen Faith’ all the best for 2016 … Is there anything you wanna say at last ? [any final statement ?]
Thank you guys for checking us out and reading this!We want to say thanks to all who have supported us, and we are excited for 2016! We are already writing songs for our debut full length album!
Discography:
“Comedy/Tragedy” EP (2010)
‘Dreamland’/’Vision’ [single] (2013)
“Yokebreaker” EP (2015) [review]
Upcoming Shows:
19 March – Ny V58, Vestergade 58P, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
24 Sept – Rock Alive, Veenendaal, Netherlands
Weblinks: Facebook / Spotify / Instagram /Bandcamp
Video below: ‘The Mask’
Video below: ‘The Revenant’