Perth's post-black metal quintet Illyria are back with a new line up and a brand new single "Frostbite"
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Ilija Stajic – Vocals/Guitar
Andre Avila – Guitar
Stephen Barrett – Guitar
Daniel Hacking – Bass
Matt Unkovich - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Illyria? How long has the band been around?
(Ilija) Illyria is a continuation of prior projects named Ascension and Novarchy. Both of those bands contained Matt, Stephen and myself. When Novarchy phased out, Stephen took a break, so I focused on Illyria. For the past half-decade Matt has helped bash the drums and recently Stephen has re-joined the fray with us.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
(Ilija) This band was originally my side-project I made in high school. My history teacher recommended me the name because it sounds similar to my name, so I just went with it. The others are okay with the name, so we are just going to stick to it.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
(Ilija) I write majority of the substance of our songs along with the drums and bass refining their departments. Now that Stephen has recently returned, he is definitely leaving a significant imprint on the new stuff which is cool – it means I get to focus more on the vocals.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
(Matt) The new material’s inspired by various bands in extreme subgenres. Some bands that come to mind include, Between The Buried and Me, Fallujah, Alcest, Deafheaven and Owane.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
(Matt) Illyria started due to our love for post-black metal. The main bands that inspired us during our early days include Alcest, Ameseours, Les Discrets, Lantlos, Deafheaven and Ghost Bath.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
(Matt) Usually before a set we’d have 1-2 beers. Other than that, we do a few stretches and some practice on our instruments.
(Ilija) I’m the same but I don’t eat or drink anything until after the set, then I let loose with a cheeky late-night kebab and pint.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
(Ilija) Supporting Alcest was an absolutely amazing experience - to play alongside your idols. Definitely won’t forget that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
(Matt) I’d say our recent ‘Frostbite’ single launch show in Perth! It was so humbling to see so many people from our hometown really get into the set and mosh, stage dive, and participate in a wall of death! The crowd also asked us to play Frostbite a second time as an encore. We’ve never played the same song twice in one set but we’re extremely grateful to see the crowd have as much fun with it as we did.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
(Ilija) My parents always tell me about how good the 80s were so I wish I could go back in time and play some amazing shows with bands like Queensryche, Iron Maiden and all the old guard of death metal.
(Matt) I would love to be able to tour with Alcest, Deafheaven or Between The Buried and Me! I think our music complements with the tastes of their fanbases.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
(Matt) Big thanks to everyone that has checked out our latest single - “Frostbite”. If you haven’t heard it yet, check it out and let us know your thoughts.