This article series is about the tools of popular guitarists or bassists.. What are their favorite guitars or basses and how is it related to them? This time with Hel Pyre (Nervosa, W.E.B. , After Blood).
When you start bass playing and do you remember your first bass?
I think the first time was around 18-19 years old. I had started doing music theory and vocal training and I experimented with various instruments, but the one that got me really hooked was the bass. The first one I got was a very simple Yamaha, but it totally did the work, you dont need expensive stuff to begin playing and explore your music horizons!
What are your influences and which bass players are your favs?
Lots of music influences and from different backgrounds, from melodic to extreme and from classic heavy to old school black metal. Regarding bass players, the top is Lemmy for attitude (and simply because he is God), Cliff Burton for being pure genius and of course Steve Harris for everything haha! And to give it a twist, did you know Prince played amazing bass? He is up there with the multi talents!
How many basses do you own and what are your favorite models?
I used to play with Cort and then with Esp, they have some pretty cool basses, but lately I play only with Dean basses. I totally love their sound, their design and how comfortable the feel to play. I have various styles and shapes, for example the Demonators, the Z Fluence and the Hilsboro, so different between them yet so freakin powerful and they are all killer!
What do you think makes the perfect bass and amp?
Your playing haha! Apart from that, a high quality instrument with the specs you desire and a kick ass rig wont hurt, like the Blackstar amps I’m using for q couple of years now, they are top notch quality and I’m very happy with the sound they deliver.
Which basses and amps were used on the new album or for recordings?
Dean basses and Blackstar amplification.
When you only can choose one bass, which one will you take?
The (very) limited edition Demonator Ultimo in blood red with the pentagram inlay design, signed by David Vincent (Morbid Angel). I absolutely adore this bass, it looks and sounds amazing!
