New Era for Heavy Metal in Solomon Islands
BY ALEX DADAMU
IN the Solomon Islands, there was a time when the heavy metal music genre was considered rather strange and even dangerous.
But not in this new era, this new generation of Solomon Islands Children who since their early youths have loved, followed, and respected the music genre and think that the most important thing is to see and respect each genre as it is.
Many rocks and heavy metal bands have graced the Solomon Islands music scene at the peak of the country’s rock and metal era.
The likes of Black Centipede, Bokz Boyz, Solid Black, and Sound Temple are just some of the pioneers of the rock and metal music genre in the Solomon Islands.
Most recently, a 5 member metal band from the Solomon Islands called the ‘Sons of Solomon’ is looking to leave their mark in the music scene and set new standards to reach new heights.
The ’Sons of Solomon’ metal band includes Fearly Kofana and Clive (vocalists), Timo (bassist), Oza (drummer), and Floyd (Lead Guitarist).
According to Lead guitarist and spokesperson for the band, Floyd Kofela, the band was formed way back in 2017 – what was supposed to be a demo project recording turned out to be bigger than what they expected and led to them forming a band.
Floyd said what first got them into music was that boys all have the same common interest.
“We all love listening to metal and rock music. We all have either participated in bands or music projects.
“Therefore it is that common interest that binds us together.
“We all have grown up listening to music at a very young age. Sometimes we get asked why metal our simplest answer is because we love it. It’s what we live to do,” Floyd said.
Just before the Coronavirus pandemic hits, the band was presented with a really good opportunity to perform at a music festival in New Zealand.
“We were presented with an opportunity to perform in a musical festival in New Zealand.
“However due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has severely limited travel and made festivals a ‘no go zone’. Governmental restrictions had prohibited the mass gathering of people,” Floyd said.
For the time being, they will be sticking to making music and pushing it onto media platforms to gain more fans and also for promotional purposes, according to Sons of Solomon’s Lead Guitarist.
As a band, there is a lot to dream about. Floyd pointed out that the important thing is to progressively work through different phases and as they progress and they then will see what direction they should take.
“We are faced with a lot of challenges.
“The minimal amount of equipment that is suitable for recording metal.
“Metal-built Amp is an important accessory in metal music production and that is something we are planning on getting.
“We hope that we will get an Amp suited for recording metal music by next year. At the moment we are using one that belongs to our guitarist and also hiring others when needed.
“Another challenge is finding a suitable place to practice. Metal music is loud and needs an isolated place. The last thing we want is being arrested by the police for terrorizing the whole community or neighborhood,” Floyd jokingly expressed.
Floyd advises musicians, talented individuals, or professionals in workplaces if you’re a musician, talented individual, or professional in a workplace there’s always an aspect of art involved in what you’re doing.
“Our advice is to keep sharpening your craft, talent, and skill.
“If you’re a musician, talented individual, or professional in a workplace there’s always an aspect of art involved in what you’re doing. Our advice is to keep sharpening your craft, talent, and skill.
“Don’t believe the hype or negativity around you. There’s this tendency where people are easily amazed or either put you down if you’re improving or doing something that’s getting attention.
“Don’t believe easily in what people say. Stay the course and keep improving. It’s not about what people say, it’s about pushing your limits and pushing the standards.
“You never know at the end of the day, you might be the one at the forefront of your career in music, sports, office, or organization setting new standards and reaching new heights,” Floyd said.
