Hellions
Image: Photo: Sandra Markovic
Opera and hardcore rock music are not two genres you would typically expect to be combined together, but that didn’t deter Hellions as they began working on their latest record.
“We always had the title Opera Oblivia in mind and that we wanted the record to sound particularly theatrical, but the idea to structure it like an opera didn’t occur to us until we were in the studio,” explained guitarist Matthew Gravolin. “It was just a matter of putting the songs in the right order so that we had a bit of a narrative there. We were really lucky that we were able to pull it off actually.”
While Matthew makes it sound like it was easy, it’s clear that this time around the process took a more concerted effort by the band. The band has been releasing new albums on a consistent basis almost yearly, but as Matthew reflected he realised that “this record has taken a bit more out of us but we’re happier with it than anything we’ve done before”. Due to this Hellions plan to “sit on this one a little longer and tour it around” more than they have with past releases, even if Matthew has already started “writing for the next one”.
Another of the big changes Hellions made during their writing and recording process was welcoming in collaborations from other respected Australian hardcore bands.
“It wasn’t something I was open to at first because I don’t like the idea of somebody else writing songs for you,” said Matthew. “It wasn’t like that though, in this case it was just these other people drawing the better ideas out of me and us. They definitely put a much needed fresh perspective on some of the songs and I was really surprised by how much it benefited us.”
Obviously with the structure of Opera Oblivia being so closely linked to a traditional stage opera show, it was impossible not to ask whether Hellions would ever consider writing the music for a stage production…
“We would all love to,” answered Matthew, with an excited giggle. “I’m not sure we’re those kind of musicians but it sounds like quite the challenge and we’d be humbled to try it one day if the opportunity presented itself.” (JA)
Aug 12, 6.30pm. Bald Faced Stag, 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt. $15+b.f. Tickets & info: baldfacedstag.com
