We’re very glad to have the opportunity to present you an interview with John Gallo and Mike Puleo from US Doom Metal band Orodruin. Enjoy reading!

Hi, how are you doing? How are you dealing with the current situation? Did the pandemic destroy a lot of your plans with Orodruin?

John Gallo: Thanks, doing good André. It’s been tough as we have had to cancel/postpone about 3 fests we were planning on doing this year. Luckily, we have amazing memories of playing Hammer of Doom which was a big break for us after the release of our album. But yes, it has been bad timing with the pandemic.

In October 2019 you released Ruins of Eternity – in my opinion one of the best Doom Metal records since years. Can you tell us something about the feedback you received?

John: That means a lot, we had a special feeling about this album when we made it and we’re glad it came off that way to our fans. Like you the feedback has been overwhelming with fans and critics alike referring to our album as such.

Mike Puleo: Yes, thank you for your kind words. Being part of an underground scene for many years, it’s surreal to know that our music is being listened to all over the world. I think it’s great that people are still discovering our band and I hope we can continue to connect with our fans and keep making music.

How do you judge Ruins of Eternity 13 months after its release? Can you point out a favourite song?

John: Still proud of it and my favorite track is probably »Into The Light of The Sun«.

Yeah, that’s my favourite track, too – very epic…

Mike: We had so much fun making this record. Everything finally fell into place to make it happen and it’s been almost two years now since we recorded it. Like John, I’m still proud of our work. My favorite tracks are »Grave Illusion« and »Hell Frozen Over«.

Just now I called your latest output »Doom Metal« but I think there are a lot of epic elements on it. Do you agree? And how would you define the term Epic Metal?

John: Yeah, even more so on this release just because of the traditional Metal elements. I define Epic Metal as Legend – From The Fjords, Solstice – New Dark Age, Thin Lizzy with songs like »Emerald«, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep!

Mike: I agree there are some Epic elements to our music. Epic Metal bands like Legend, Manilla Road, and Cirith Ungol definitely had an influence on our writing.

I define Epic Metal as Legend – From The Fjords, Solstice – New Dark Age, Thin Lizzy with songs like »Emerald«, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep!

John Gallo

Are you already working on your next studio album?

John: We have bits and pieces we are all coming up with.

A year ago, I witnessed your aforementioned magical gig at the Hammer of Doom festival in Würzburg, Germany – front row, of course. How did you experience that evening? And what do you think about German Metal fans in general?

John: Almost speechless, an outstanding experience! Man, fans already knew our lyrics from the new album, unbelievable!

Mike: It was something that we anticipated for 16 years. It was such an honor for us to return to Germany and play Hammer of Doom! Thank you for being there with us, we always felt a kinship with German Metal fans. We hope to see you soon!

We hope so also! What’s your favourite festival? And are there any striking differences between festivals in Europe and North America?

John: Hammer of Doom for sure! Europeans are the best, haha! Seriously we have good fans over here too and we are honored to play any shore where there needs Doom!

2020 is a catastrophe but fortunately there are lot of stellar releases. Are there any records that you would strongly recommend, especially for Doom or Epic Doom Metal fans?

John: I’m digging the new Blue Öyster Cult, Cirith Ungol, Wytch Hazel, Eternal Champion, and the Anchorite album !

What are your favourite (Epic) Doom Metal records of all time? Is there a German album that you appreciate very much?

John: Solstice – New Dark Age, Candlemass – Epicus Doomicus Metallicus and Tales of Creation….and does Mirror of Deception – Mirrorsoil count for German Epic Doom? Cause I love that too!

Sure! Last question, related to Black Sabbath: Ozzy or Ronnie?

John: Both!

Mike, John, thanks a lot for your time. Stay healthy!