This week’s featured Meet The Band artist is the Canadian melodic death metal group Lutharo. Their latest release is Hiraeth. Vocalist Krista Shipperbottom introduces us to her band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Lutharo.
Krista Shipperbottom: Lutharo was formed fresh out of high school in 2013 by guitarist Victor Bucur. Shortly after he recruited myself as vocalist and things turned from a fun project to a very serious one. John Raposo joined a few years later after Lutharo had played a few early shows, which added to the sound dramatically. From then on there was quite the band metamorphosis and multiple member changes to finally get to bass player Chris Pacey and drummer Duval Gabraiel.
Describe the songwriting process for Hiraeth.
The song writing process was probably the most experimental and inclusive one yet. Though it was hard to manage sometimes because of the pandemic, we finally had a full lineup to contribute all of their own ideas to each song. We would start with one of the guys coming up with a riff and we’d all put our two cents in from there. This is probably why the album sounds so dynamic.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
The strongest memory is probably the writing process. Seeing the songs go from a simple riff to something huge sounding never gets old.
Did the pandemic affect the process?
For sure! Mainly because depending on restrictions at the time we weren’t always able to even be in the same room together. Also because these restrictions were changing so often, the recording process was kind of up in the air.
How has your sound evolved from your Wings Of Agony EP?
I think with this album we have really honed in on our own unique sound. Wings of Agony was us dipping our toe in what could possibly be.
What lyrical topics do you cover on the album?
The lyrics are all written based upon my own personal experiences throughout life. For this album in particular I took a lot of inspiration from observing others and their behaviors. As far as topics go each song has their own unique perspective on how someone goes about finding their place in the world or avoids it because they are too afraid.
What led you to go the independent route for release?
We just haven’t been approached by a label yet so we had to take matters into our own hands.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Definitely to get as much exposure as possible. Obviously we would love to do this through touring but with the pandemic, social media has been a good tool.
What has been your most memorable Lutharo live show?
Our most memorable show has to be opening for Alestorm in Toronto!
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
We have a few shows booked locally in Canada for now. However we would absolutely love to be touring worldwide in the near future!
How did you get started in music?
I think all of our stories differ but for myself personally, music has always been a part of my life since birth. I was brought up with music always blaring throughout the house by both parents. As far as singing goes I started at a very young age but didn’t get serious about it until I joined Lutharo.
Who were your early influences and inspirations?
There’s honestly WAY too many to name but growing up and having a lot of classic rock playing around the house, I was very inspired by the band Heart and especially their lead vocalist Ann Wilson. Her voice to this day is still one of the most powerful I have ever heard.
What was the first metal concert you attended?
I went to a few local shows in Hamilton throughout high school but my first big metal show was Megadeth and Motörhead! I actually met Megadeth at that show and I was extremely star struck.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
My hobbies and interests are constantly changing because I get bored VERY easily. Music has been the only stable thing in my life.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Too many bands to name but mostly lots and lots of Jinjer.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Our new album Hiraeth came out October 15th! We hope you guys enjoy it as much as we do! Also I hope you are all staying safe and staying metal!
(interview published October 16, 2021)
Watch Lutharo – “To Kill Or Crave” Video
