Unsigned Spotlight: Imperial Skies
Imperial Skies combines Gut-wrenching vocals, blazing guitars, and powerful storytelling to redefine how you hear metal.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Bryan Kelso (Guitar/Drums/Bass)
Caleb Fairchild (Vocals)
Ryan Dreibelbis (Guitar)
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to this?
Bryan - Far From Phoenix , Home of the Brave
Caleb - Far From Phoenix
Ryan - Far From Phoenix
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Imperial Skies was honestly one of the only names we all could agree on. We originally started the project as Achilles.
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?
All 3 members participate in writing. Bryan and Caleb write the majority of the songs and structures, but without Ryan, the songs just wouldnt have the special Imperial Skies ingredient. Caleb writes nearly all lyrics, but Bryan and Ryan have contributed lyrically in the past; sometimes you just hit writers block. Songs are about life and overcoming adversity. Themes have ranged from relationship adversity, to overcoming your own inner demons.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
We draw inspiration from nearly every genre, however, some of our most prominent influences come from Misery Signals, Kingdom of Giants, Architects, As I lay Dying, and A Day to Remember. You may even hear some wild inspirations like Gin Blossoms, Van Halen, Han Zimmer, or even Carpenter Brute. We really draw inspiration from everything we hear.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Oh yes! Bullet for my Valentine. The House of Blues in Chicago during The Poison tour. After that, we wanted to be a part of music and be in a band forever!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Imperial Skies has just enjoyed the world-wide recognition and notoriety from countries far and wide.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
That is a great question. Bullet for My Valentine would be a bucket list band to tour with for sure. Bryan would kill to tour with Van Halen in Eddies prime. But I think we can all agree touring with Queen while Freddie Mercury was alive would be the best experience any band could ask for.