Interview Interrogation: Dalriada (Hungary)

Dalriada have been making waves in the Hungarian Metal scene since their inception way back in 1998 when they were known as 'Echo of Dalriada; they changed their name in 2006. Since then they have been gaining considerable attention worldwide despite their songs being sung exclusively in Hungarian.

Having released their eighth studio album 'Áldás' last year, and recently released their latest music video of the same name, it was about time we interrogated the septet to find out what hides behind those fur clothings and the beautiful facade that is Dalriada.

Check out their music video below, this is soon to be followed by a video for the song 'Moldvaggedon', an acoustic album (due May time) and an exclusive concert in Budapest on May 13th which as we have been told, will be part acoustic, part metal. Sounds exciting.

Would you say that over the last decade or so has the Hungarian Metal scene grown in popularity and recognition?

"I think it has, definitely. Sure, there were a couple of bands already around 2000 or even earlier, which made it beyond Hungarian borders but as far as I see it our home country receives more recognition in terms of music, arts and literature nowadays. Hungarian rock and metal bands made it to Japan, the US, Russia and every corner of Europe. Although I still wouldn’t say, that it is popular but some of the acknowledging voices are getting louder".



Because you sing in Hungarian, do you feel that it has that special feeling when playing Folk Metal than otherwise would be in English?

"It is our mother tongue and since we are writing songs about legends, folk tales and historical events from the Carpathian Basin it just feels natural; it fits. Just imagine, somebody singing in a somewhat broad Bavarian dialect about the tough life of an Inuit hunter on the everlasting ice fields of the north. Might be exotic to some extent but “authentic” would definitely not be the correct term to describe this phenomenon".



Your album 'Áldás' broke into the mainstream charts, what are your immediate thoughts? Would Eurovision be of interest to the band?

"Mainstream charts – sounds impressive but let us not forget, Hungary is a small country and if you have maintained a band for 15 years with a new album every 2 years sooner or later you get noticed and since album sales are in the dumps permanently you get statistical recognition even if you are able to sell only a thousand copies. Eurovision – there was a point in the past when we thought about it but at the moment chances are very small to honestly consider participation".



Would you consider touring the UK? If so what phrases should fans chant at your shows?

"Of course, especially since there is a quite notable Hungarian minority in the UK. But even while disregarding this fact, the UK is a destination we planned to visit for a long time now. What to chant? “Pálinkát, bazmeg! (pronounce it: Pa-link-at baws Meg!) or VISSZA! (viss- sa)".

Sopron, home of Dalriada

Could you gives us the meaning behind 'Áldás', it's origins and how it plays a part in Hungarian folklore?

"First of all, 'Áldás' means 'blessing' in Hungarian. Furthermore it is one of the ancient Hungarian names for the month of July ('Áldás Hava', meaning the month of blessing). So of course this can be interpreted as the blessing of the soil, a blessing of growth but it also symbolizes new life (three people of the band became parents in the last three years). It is an important symbol in the whole cycle of life. Watch our new video for the title song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE98ZI0d2bM ) and you will understand, what 'Áldás' means!"



From the album 'Áldás', what song is your favourite and why? What makes it unique?

"I have several favourites: first of all 'Moldvageddon' because the whole song is a big musical joke (which maybe not all of the listeners will get) and because it reflects the mental state of the band precisely :). 'Zivatar' because it is somewhat different from what we have done so far, I love the simple yet boasting groove of it! 'Futóbetyár' is a nice challenge to be played life, a fast, powerful and aggressive metal piece and last but not least 'Úri Toborzó' - it has something majestic and it is musically a very mature song. But to be honest I could list almost all tracks from 'Áldás'."



 'Áldás' is your eighth album, what gives the band energy to strive onwards? Is it the love of metal or the enjoyment of making and playing music? 

"Definitely both. And the knowledge that there is always a possibility to improve and to head in a concrete direction."



Finally are there any greetings you wish to send out?

"Dear British Dalriadors and soon-to-be Dalriadors: please convince your local clubs to book us! We’ll drink all your single malt and beer but we’ll do it with love ;)."

https://www.facebook.com/dalriadahu