Interview with Julia Elenoir. Lead vocalist for Italian Metal band 5RAND. The bands debut album Sacred/Scared came out in 2017. Their 2nd album Dark Mother was released in 2019. The band combines melody with heavy riffing and featuring clean and growling vocals from Julia. Definitely a band worth checking out.
Hi Julia, Thanks for talking to me today. What is happening in the world of 5Rand at this time?
It’s a difficult moment, right now. COVID-19 has affected probably every band in the world. We had to cancel a lot of shows and our plans…Right now we’re working on new stuff. Finger Crossed
Which Vocalists were your biggest influences?
My Biggest Influence is Corey Taylor (Slipknot).
How did the band get its name 5Rand?
The name 5Rand comes from a strange story that happened to our guitarist Pierluigi some years ago. In a summer night in his hometown, he met a strange man (who eventually revealed himself as a shaman) and passed a good part of the night, drinking, and talking with him. When he spoke about his dream to build a metal band, this guy gave him a 5Rand coin from South Africa as a lucky charm and said “If you make sure that every step is in direction of the mountain, you’ll get there”. That’s why Pierluigi chose this name for the band.
Is there a big metal scene in Italy?
Yes, Fleshgod Apocalypse, lacuna coil and many others!
You have played with some great bands already. What are some other bands you wish you could tour with?
Slipknot, Jinjer, Arch Enemy, In flames, Gojira… and many many more!
Your band only has 2 albums so far. I was very impressed with your latest release Dark Mother. What is the song/album writing process?
Most often Pierluigi and me, but not only, outlines the major structure, and then we fine-tune it together.
You have some terrific well made videos. Do you enjoy making videos or is it a lot of work for the band?
Thank you! I love to make videoclips…it’s so fun!
What can a fan expect from a live 5Rand concert?
I can describe my point of view… It’s simmering, brutal and fun! On the stage with some of the nicest people you would wish to meet.
You have played a couple of live shows recently. What was it like getting back on stage again after a long break because of Covid?
It’s difficult to explain, was like a dream I couldn’t believe it was true. I was so emotive and nervous, but when I jumped on the stage everything become normal again. Wow! What a sensation!
How would you describe the music of 5Rand?
Well, it’s hard to briefly describe our sound…something in between thrash, melodic death and industrial.
What are a few of your favourite Metal albums?
Carcass – Heartwork (1993),
At the Gates – Slaughter of the Soul (1995),
Dark Tranquillity – The Gallery (1995),
In Flames – The Jester Race (1996),
Insomnium – Above the Weeping World (2006),
Amorphis – Eclipse (2006),
Amon Amarth – Twilight of the Thunder God (2008) and many more!
How did the band meet up?
Pierluigi had started the project. His idea was to unite thrash and melodic death metal with some industrial elements, and so he began to write the first songs with this concept in mind. After some line up changes now we are a group of old friends.
When your not playing music what do you do for fun and relaxation?
I like to go to walk or run and listen to some music, I love to walk on the seaside with my dogs and make some pictures (you can find them on my Instagram Profile)
You started out as a teenager playing classical guitar. What bands or how did you get into metal music?
My father used to collect old vinyls of bands like Sabbath, Zeppelins, Cream, Dire Straits, The Jimi Hendrix Experience… So I started with the great masters. Lucky me 🙂
Thank you for taking the time with me today. If you have anything to add to this interview please feel free. I wish you and your band the best of luck and hope one day have the chance to see you play in North America.
Thanks for reading my interview, I hope to meet you soon in some shows! Follow 5RAND on Facebook and the other social media (you’ll find all the links on www.5rand.net) to stay up to date on where we’re going to play.
If you like our music and want to support us, please visit our online store
Thanks again and keep banging your head!
***Interview by Blake Mossey***