Hail, Katurix of Gallic Hammer! It’s an honor to sit down with you (virtually) for this written interview for the Black Metal Archives. Your debut EP, Echoes of Ancestral Battles, has been a thunderous addition to our playlists, and we’re stoked to dive into your world of epic black metal. As a one-man band from Switzerland, you’ve carved a fierce path with your Celtic-inspired sound, and I’ve got some questions to explore your music, your journey, and the fire behind Gallic Hammer. Let’s get into it, and let’s make this a battle cry for the ages!
WELCOME KATURIX OF GALLIC HAMMER!
Gallic Hammer started as Tales of Invasions in 2019 before evolving into its current form. What sparked the shift, and how did that journey shape the sound of Echoes of Ancestral Battles?
That’s right. Initially, the Tales of Invasions project had a Viking metal musical vocation (in the Bathory style, with symphonic, folk, and even heavy metal influences). One of the project’s distinctive features was also the lyrics, which were intended to be historical, notably based on battles or notable historical events from the period of the great invasions. Over time, I decided to open the project to more aggressive musical horizons, notably with 80-90s BM influences, a scene that greatly influenced me in my early music career. The name Gallic Hammer came about at that point. I looked for a more effective and powerful name. Now you know everything.
You’re a one-man band, handling everything from vocals to guitars, bass, drums, and synths. What’s the most challenging part of wearing all those hats, and what’s the most rewarding?
Yes, that’s true. I really appreciate this one-man band format, which allows me to manage the entire creative process as I see fit, from composition to recording the album. I would say that the biggest challenge, and also what was ultimately rewarding, was making a decent recording with extremely little equipment: no guitar for three-quarters of the EP (they then gave me one, the famous black Jackson Dinky), so the guitars were recorded with a bass, the vocals without a vocal microphone, without a computer. But I still managed. It was necessary, and I’m happy with the result. In short, this first EP, Echoes of Ancestral Battles, is a pure underground black metal mini-album.
Echoes of Ancestral Battles dropped in November 2024, via Remparts Productions and Orko Productions. How did working with these labels influence the EP’s creation or release?
The collaboration with these two labels didn’t change the production of the EP in any way, in the sense that it was already finished when we discussed the release deal.
On the other hand, Orko Productions and Remparts Productions allowed me to physically release my album and gain much better visibility on social media. I am grateful to them. They both have excellent black metal releases or subgenres, and are undeniable references in the current underground scene. I was very lucky.
Your music draws heavily on Celtic culture and epic tales of ancient battles. What draws you to these themes, and are there specific historical events or legends that inspired tracks like “In the Depths of Phurunargain”?
Gallic Hammer’s music and lyrics are inspired by various themes: ancestral battles, Celtic peoples, nature (very important to me, especially forests, winter, and mountains), but also the work of Tolkien. Moreover, the track “In the Depths of Phurunargian” draws its inspiration from The Lord of the Rings. From a strictly historical perspective, the lyrics don’t address notable historical events, as was the case in Tales of Invasions, but I draw inspiration from them when writing. In the band’s upcoming releases (a number of projects are underway for Gallic Hammer), specific historical themes may be the subject of songs or even a concept album, but I won’t say too much because it’s too early.
The track “Taïga” stands out with its acoustic elements, violin melodies, and ethereal synths, evoking an ancient ritual. Can you walk us through the creative process behind that song?
Yes, Taïga is a different piece.
I was looking to create a piece with a dark, tribal atmosphere. It all started with an ostinato, the guitar phrase you hear at the beginning of the song (originally composed and played on the keyboard), and the percussion parts. Since I’m a drummer, I like that kind of sound and rhythm.
Then I developed the idea and the piece with the chorus, and so on.
I like this variety of sound; it’s also this epic and pagan side that defines the sound and spirit of Gallic Hammer.
You’ve mentioned being inspired by nature, even tying Gallic Hammer to the proverb, “The spectacle of nature is always beautiful.” How does the Swiss landscape influence your music?
It’s interesting. I spent my childhood in a small village in the countryside, surrounded by forests and green meadows. I’ve always loved walks in the forest, in all seasons, swimming in lakes. I’ve always felt close to nature. I’m inspired by all those colors and smells. Not a week goes by without me going walk to the forest.
As a seasoned drummer, how did your percussion background shape the rhythmic intensity in tracks like “Echoes of Ancestral Battles”?
My experience as a drummer has influenced tracks like “Taïga” with its more tribal feel, or “Winter Moon” with its more 90s BM drumming. It’s always a goal of mine to write the most effective drum part to best accompany the music.
Regarding the drums, I have both satisfaction and regret. My regret is having drum machine-style drums on the EP, because I don’t have the studio resources to record real drums. My satisfaction is in having composed each drum note one by one, by hand, according to my choices and desires. Underground forever!
Your vocals blend traditional black metal growls with a commanding, epic delivery. How did you develop that style, and who are some vocalists that have influenced you?
Thank you first of all. I tried to stick as closely as possible to each texture of the songs. I’d say it’s a mix of traditional BM and Viking/pagan metal influences, styles I really enjoy. There are many singers I like. I can mention Tom G Warrior from Celtic Frost, whom I love (as a Swiss band, no less), Isahn, or Attila from Mayhem.
The synths in your music add a haunting, atmospheric layer—reminiscent of early Bathory or Immortal. What role do synths play in your vision for Gallic Hammer’s sound?
Absolutely.
I like the way synthesizers bring magic and darkness to the band’s sound. I actually think it should be kept within reason and not overpower the essence of the songs, but if you add a little, you add depth to the band’s sound, accompanying the melodies when necessary. They’re not omnipresent, only when I think they bring an interesting perspective to the song’s atmosphere.
You’ve played in black, death, and progressive rock bands before Gallic Hammer. How do those diverse experiences bleed into your songwriting now?
I would say it was still different from my previous band experiences, because back then, I was the drummer. Although I still had a role to play in writing or arranging the songs, it was a collective approach for the band. With tryouts and jams, that sort of thing. For Gallic Hammer, it’s a completely different dynamic: I organize the process alone. Of course, my past experiences have shaped a certain perception of music, and certainly contribute to my way of composing today. And then, when you play all the instruments alone, you have to step back, because you only have one dynamic for the entire project. It’s an exercise I enjoy.
“Fall of the Warrior King” was originally from your Tales of Invasions demo and made it onto the EP as a bonus track. What made you revisit that piece, and how does it tie into the EP’s narrative?
Fall of the Warrior King is one of the first tracks composed for Tales of Invasions. To be honest, it didn’t quite fit with the story of the EP, but it had its place musically. I decided with the label Orko Productions to add it to the limited cassette version, as a bonus. Concretely, Fall of the Warrior King is part of another concept of the band, which I am keeping secret for the moment, but which will be the subject of a later release. For now, I am preparing the successor to Echoes of Ancestral Battles, and as soon as it is officially released, we will talk about it again.
We’ve reviewed bands like Necrólisis and Brzask, who also draw from cultural roots—Costa Rican thrash and Polish mountain folklore, respectively. How do you see Gallic Hammer fitting into this wave of culturally inspired metal?
Musically, I would say Gallic Hammer draws inspiration from the tradition of 80-90s BM metal bands, with influences from Viking metal. Thematically, Celtic culture is present in the band’s themes, but not exclusively. Nature and Tolkien are also present, for example. This is the framework of the project.
Your guitar work mixes traditional black metal with melodic and aggressive elements. What’s your go-to gear or technique for crafting those powerful riffs?
Not much gear, to be honest. A Jackson Dinky guitar given to me by my brother and a bass guitar. Always underground.My guitar technique couldn’t be simpler, I’d say. In fact, I only play to compose or record, spontaneously.
You’ve hinted at the next EP possibly having more fact-based lyrics. Can you tease any historical events or themes you’re exploring for that release?
It will contain historical elements, among other things, but I won’t reveal too much for the moment, it’s still too early.
Being a one-man band can be isolating. How do you stay motivated, and do you ever collaborate with others, even if just for feedback?
I see what you mean. Actually, it’s going well for me. I like working like this. I’m quite solitary, I do it in the evenings, between the bathroom and the living room, it’s cool! I like to stay underground and homemade, you know?Afterwards, there will be collaborations planned, but more likely around 2027. The next EP will still be the work of a single person.
Switzerland has a rich metal scene, from Celtic Frost to modern acts. How has growing up in that environment shaped Gallic Hammer’s sound or ethos?
Absolutely. Hellhammer and Celtic Frost are the first to be named. They’re legendary bands; they largely contributed to the development of BM during the first wave. They obviously influenced Gallic Hammer, among others, as you know. And then, forests, mountains, lakes—so many epic things can give you ideas here.By the way, the band’s name is a nod to Hellhammer and Celtic Frost. At first, I thought about calling the project Celtic Hammer, then I opted for Gallic Hammer, you know?
What’s your favorite memory from your years in the underground scene, either with Gallic Hammer or your previous bands?
Ah, a concert given in the middle of a forest as part of a small underground festival. The stage was a farm trailer, really nice. Playing there was a unique experience.
If you could summon any ancient warrior or figure to witness a Gallic Hammer ritual performance, who would it be and why?
Caturix sums it up well. It means “battle king”;
Your music feels like a journey through ancient battlefields, like the listener is marching alongside warriors. How do you create that immersive atmosphere in your compositions?
I try to create atmospheres that transport the listener into the songs. On the first EP, I think each track had a unique atmosphere, which can be interesting to listen to and add variety to the sound. I also think the keyboards and, at times, the backing vocals are useful in this regard and allow me to bring a cold, pagan color to the band’s sound.Combined with the aggressiveness of the BM, we get a rather epic result.
Finally, what’s next for Gallic Hammer? Any plans for live performances, new releases, or other projects you’d like to share with the Black Metal Archives readers?
Yes, I have a lot of plans for Gallic Hammer. Especially in terms of releases. First of all, a new EP to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. Nothing official yet, but that’s my current schedule. You’ll know more in a few months. Also, as I told you earlier, I’m already working on collaborations with musicians and a concept for a later release.
For now, I’m already focusing on this new album, and the rest will come little by little. Announcements will be made when the time comes. In any case, the next few months promise to be very busy.
BONUS QUESTION!
I spun your most recent single, “Fall of the Warrior King,” on SoundCloud recently, and its triumphant yet mournful tone—blending fierce riffs with those soaring synths—really paints a vivid picture of a fallen hero. What story or emotion were you channeling when you wrote this track? It sets a high bar. Can fans expect the rest of your upcoming album to carry a similar blend of epic black metal fury and atmospheric depth, or are you exploring new sonic territories?
Thank you very much.
As I explained above, this track is part of a concept in its own right, which I’ll share more about later. It’s possible that it will be re-recorded later to unleash its full potential, as it was produced at the beginning of the project, and I’ve since evolved with the recording.
In any case, yes, this blend of pagan melodies and black metal aggression is clearly part of the essence of Gallic Hammer, and you’ll find it on the next EP. I’d say it will be even more intense than the first one; it’s really going to be awesome. I can’t wait to show you how it is!
Thank you, Sean, for these questions and for all your time spent keeping the underground scene alive. Greetings from Switzerland, Gallic friends!
See you soon, in the frozen lands of Sequania!
Katurix
Thanks for taking the time, Katurix! We’re hyped to keep spreading the word about Gallic Hammer’s epic black metal crusade. Don’t forget to check out Gallic Hammer’s Echoes of Ancestral Battles on Bandcamp!
Stay fierce, and we’ll see you in the comments section of the Archives!
