Another week, another epic Friday release day quickly approaching, and more Profiles on the way highlighting some of those! The first one coming at you features Los Angeles-based progressive doom crew QAALM. With their second full-length, Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc, set for a Friday drop (November 1st) through Hypaethral Records, guitarist and vocalist Henry Derek Elis took some time out to answer our questions. Here he shared a bit more about the project, offered some thoughts on the current scene, and gave us some idea of what lies ahead for QAALM. Give Henry’s responses a read below, and be sure to hit that embed to get an idea of the endlessly expansive sound that’s on the way. Trust me, no matter your personal heavy music preference, you’ll find this to be a good one.

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I started playing guitar when I was around 16 or so. It wasn’t until I learned how to play an AC/DC song that I realized just how much fun playing guitar could be. I think that’s the catalyst for any kid interested in a musical instrument. As for my introduction to Metal, it was really the stack of LP’s that my Dad’s friend left over that got me started. Real hippie shit like Blue Cheer, Steppenwolf and Iron Butterfly. Quickly thereafter I discovered Black Sabbath and Deep Purple and I was well on my way. As for the band: The idea of QAALM started 6 years ago and the first album was the inception. The current line-up represents a more musical landscape.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

That’s a difficult question, because we have so many twists and turns. Each song is a rollercoaster ride of sorts. I would say check out “Cosmic Descent” from the first album & “King of Contradiction” from our new album.

Is there anything about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

We had a difficult time recording the album. There were a lot of things working against us and it became costly in the end. It was a troubling time in a sense because we invested so much energy and money into the album. Just getting to the finish line seemed impossible for a moment in time.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Well rolling up into a venue with no stage is always a good one. The comedy never stops. Sometimes you hit the road and the road hits back! It’s always a joy to find used condoms in the toilet and dicks on the wall. Makes you feel right at home.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

The music business is pretty gross and the scene is the worst it’s ever been. In my opinion, it’s become a lot more competitive and bands & artists are scrambling to stay afloat. Every genre is oversaturated with mediocre shit and it’s difficult to rise above the noise. I miss how it was back in the day. I remember fanzines and tape-trading, when metal was more of a tight-knit community.

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

We don’t do politics and we certainly have no interest in having that be a part of our music. Is that what people crave these days? Soccer-moms against drunk driving, preachers with an agenda, actors in the Whitehouse. Maybe we can incorporate some of these themes in the next record.

Do you have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Dave collects drums and likes to play them sometimes. Minsu is a kick-ass guitar teacher and has probably played “Wonderwall” more times than any other living breathing human being alive. I collect records and cats.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

If you don’t like something, don’t waste your time. Review something that you like and put your energy into positive things. Ignore the negatives and remember, everyone is a critic but not everyone is a writer. Most writers aren’t good writers, but you get a pass simply for producing content.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

We’d like to get to record #3 in a timely manner and tour this one at some point next year. Maybe do 2 weeks in May and get on some festivals. That would be ideal.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

I don’t obsess over my own material. Current albums I’m listening to are: 

Anacrusis – “Screams & Whispers”
Ulver – “Perdition City”
Hasil Adkins – “Out To Hunch”
Brutal Truth – “Need To Control”
Dystopia – “Human Garbage”
Tina Brooks – “The Waiting Game”
Kris Kristofferon – “Border Lord”
Arab Strap – “I’m Totally Fine with It Don’t Give a Fuck Anymore”
Blood Incantation – “Absolute Elsewhere”
Mojo Nixon & Skid Roper – “Mojo Nixon and Skid Roper“

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

We have plans to release a video for “Borderlands” [Here’s the link] the second single from our new album. It’s looking pretty dang good and we are stoked to premiere that. Also, keep an eye out for tour dates and definitely keep in touch with us on social media. We might drop a single next year.

Summarize your band in one word.

Epic.

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Many thanks to Henry and QAALM for the time!

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Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc is out on November 1 through Hypaethral Records. For more information on QAALM, give them a follow on Instagram or Facebook.