Their own unique style, stunning visuals, and a growing army of followers around the world make Blitz Union much more than just another rock band; it's also about summoning society for change – and even better if the audience dances and headbangs in the process.
Formed by a group of friends from the Czech Republic, the band brings together diverse inspirations, from Korn to Five Finger Death Punch and Sabaton , in a surprising sound that boldly and irreverently mixes industrial rock and EDM. At first, more conservative fans of heavy music may find the electronic elements in the band's sound strange, but the metal vein soon flows abundantly and with quality in Blitz Union's compositions.
Singles like “Candidate” and “My Own Way,” from the band’s debut album, evoke another influence from the quartet, which sounds like a Rammstein , dissecting current issues in theatrical and impactful performances that connect with an ever-growing audience – on social media and also at live shows.
The band members' passion for rock and metal emerged early, as they recount in an interview with Wikimetal about their album Absolution , released on November 26th. Brothers Mark Blitz (vocalist) and Shodushi (guitarist) inherited their musical taste from their parents, and Governor (drummer) began playing the instrument at age nine, while Schtorm (bassist) delved deeper into the musical style during his adolescence.
READ ALSO: Fight against pornography gains a voice with Femegades: “It’s important to challenge the status quo”
Now, the group's goal is to bring entertainment and political awareness to the Union, as the group's supporters call it. If they get the opportunity to collaborate with someone from Korn or Miley Cyrus at some point along the way, even better! See the full interview below.
Wikimetal: Blitz Union is surprising in many ways. How did you decide that this unique musical genre would be the best way to spread the band's message?
Mark Blitz: We didn't decide, we grew to this point, I think. We feel this sound is what we like best, but nobody knows how things will evolve in the future. I'm open to any musical genre, but I need to feel it, you know. Forcing yourself to do something you're not totally confident in isn't the right direction, in my opinion.
WM: Speaking a bit about the revolutionary tone of the band's music, what are the main causes that Blitz Union is fighting for?
MB: We try to highlight alarming issues and topics that our generation has to face in today's world. I prefer to use the word "highlight/give voice" instead of "fight," since "fight" is usually related to violence, something we don't support at all. We try to provide our listeners with a different angle on how to see things, to think more about these issues and eventually motivate the audience towards positive action and change. But, in the end, you can never predict how someone will interpret the message of the music.
WM: How important is it for a rock band to be theatrical?
MB: I think it really depends on how the band feels about it and what the overall concept of the group is. For example, we at Blitz Union try to turn every live performance into a real event and a unique experience. We always decorate the venue with objects and elements from our Union, like our own photo wall, flags, light banners, merchandise stand, etc. In addition, we bring a Blitz Union representative to each show who distributes our masks during the performance to strengthen the overall atmosphere. It doesn't matter if it's a club or an outdoor festival, we always maintain this standard. It's very impressive when hundreds or even thousands of fans wear these masks; the feeling of belonging is enormous.
READ ALSO: Interview: Tom Morello talks about his new solo album, Chris Cornell, and political activism
WM: All of the band's music videos are well-produced! Do the members participate in the planning process?
MB: Thank you, I'm glad to hear that! The original vision of the music is usually projected onto me in images and voices, so we already have a brief idea of the video before the music itself is written. That's why music videos are so important to Blitz Union. We try to express and deliver Mr. Blitz's visions, bringing them to reality as accurately as we can. Therefore, the participation of the entire band in the video process is necessary.
WM: What's more likely: a heavy metal fan falling in love with EDM or an EDM addict starting to listen to heavy metal? Are these genres as different as some people think?
MB: From my point of view, a heavy metal fan is more likely to fall in love with EDM, as in my case (laughs). If someone doesn't listen to rock or metal in childhood or adolescence, I think they probably won't become a big fan of that genre in the future. I think the scenario and process of listening to heavier, more aggressive music in youth and then listening to lighter music is more common, but that's just my idea. The reality may be different.
WM: Speaking of “Candidate,” politics is a sensitive subject in many countries right now, but Blitz Union incorporates it into many of their songs. What do you think of metalheads who believe that music shouldn't talk about politics?
MB: Since we sing about current issues that we can see, hear, and feel in our daily lives, we can't avoid including political topics. But we have to remain true to our views and the messages that need to be conveyed. We totally understand if someone doesn't want to hear about politics in music, since you can hear about politics anywhere else (laughs). Fortunately, there are many good bands out there that don't sing about politics. But Blitz Union's mission is fixed on this point.
WM: What recent events inspired “Candidate”?
MB: I think the impetus to write “Candidate” came about because of all the election campaigns that have taken place this year here in the Czech Republic. This Candidate we describe in the song is, obviously, a bit extreme: if politicians shared their true intentions and true personality, I believe many people, including myself, would find it better. I don't know about you, but I would prefer someone to be completely honest – even with their flaws and imperfections – rather than someone acting like a savior and pretending to have a perfect record. Obviously, I wouldn't vote for anyone who says from day one they entered politics just to make money, but I'm really missing the more human side of people in our governments.
WM: Are you targeting younger audiences more with the band's message, or is the plan global domination?
MB: The main goal of Blitz Union is simply to depict life in the world today, so it doesn't matter if you're young or old. We're all in this together, that's the main message.
WM: Is it possible to make people dance, headbang, and start a revolution – all at the same time?
MB: The music is loud, people are dancing… When I imagine it, I think that’s the best way to express freedom, actually. That might be the ideal way to protest against something: with passion and peace at the same time. Yes, I think it’s definitely possible. And maybe it’s already happening at some festivals (laughs).
WM: What are your future plans?
MB: We just released our debut album, Absolution , so the plan for the near future is to spread the word about this album. Online and also live! Another thing we're working on is deepening and improving communication with our main Union supporters. Soon, we'll have a new website with a feature for that. It will basically be our private "Union Fan Club," where people can sign up and participate in the future direction of our project. But of course, working on new music and playing live is still our number one plan and priority! So, stay tuned and remain loyal.
WM: Do you have any dream collaborations or any place where you would really like to raise the band's flag?
Schtorm: Miley Cyrus! (laughs)... But really, I'm being very serious. Her recent rock style of voice is wonderful. I can imagine her on a Blitz Union song in the future.
Mark Blitz: True! (laughs) Why not? I'm open to any collaboration that makes sense. But since I've always been a Korn fan, since childhood, a collaboration with them would be the greatest honor for me.
Shodushi: I'm a simple man with simple dreams and goals. So, the place where I'd like to raise our flag is the whole world! (laughs)
Governor: I like to keep my feet on the ground and not dream too much. So I can only be surprised if some incredible collaboration or show comes up. Like the great partnership with DJ Zardonic . I never expected such a good opportunity to appear.
READ ALSO: Drowned denounces Bolsonaro's totalitarianism in single "Hail, Captain Genocide!"; listen