Doomed Confessionary: Lars Pontoppidan (Dying Hydra)
Dying Hydra is an atmospheric sludge metal band from Copenhagen, Denmark.
Formed in early 2018 by Lars Pontoppidan (guitar/vocals), Patrick Fragtrup (guitar/vocals), and Tejs Kyhl (drums), Dying Hydra consists of members with extensive experience in the Danish underground metal scene, having previously played together in a now-defunct band. Upon playing together, as a trio with no bass but instead with octave pedals added for low end, the trio’s efforts spawned a new vigor and inspiration materializing in what has now become the band’s own unique heavy, atmospheric and sludgy sound.
Dying Hydra is gearing up to release their new album »Strange And Beautiful Things« on November 1st, 2024 through Black Grain Records in collaboration with distributing partners minoRobscuR, Virkelighedsfjern, Vinyl Trolden and Quebranta Records.
»Strange And Beautiful Things« delves into the mysteries of the great oceans, exploring themes of human impact on the environment, the awe-inspiring marine life, and the profound vastness of the abyss. Each track encapsulates these narratives both lyrically and musically, delivering a relentless onslaught of crushing heaviness, dynamic shifts, and atmospheric compositions unique to Dying Hydra’s sonic universe.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a 3 piece band from Copenhagen. We’ve played together for around 13 years in different constellations. Dying Hydra was formed in 2018 and we will release our second full-length album November 1st, 2024.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our social media skills 🙂
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think we are proud all our achievements, getting some awesome gigs along the way and playing with bands that we look up to, but we are probably most proud of our two full-length albums.
What was your biggest regret?
We do not really have any regrets since everything we’ve done is what have led us to where we are now.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
All of them. Every gig is a major experience for us and we always grow a little with every step we take forward.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It is surprising how much social media presence has an influence on your success and ability to get gigs. But also how the digitalization and streaming gives access to amazing amounts of great underground music and networks.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
A lot! YOB, Slomosa, High On Fire, Opeth, Black Tusk, Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats, Primitive Man, Mastodon… and so on and so on 🙂
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Music has to be fun.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Die Antwoord and sexy R’n’B music from the sixties.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Copenhagen?
The music scene in Copenhagen is alive an thriving and have a lot of active bands.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Currently we do not have any more live shows planned this year. Focus has been on recording and releasing the new album. However we hope to fill the calendar with gigs and hopefully a tour in 2025.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Keep on going, play more gigs, make more music, have more fun!
How can people best support your band?
Listen to our music, buy our records if you like it and support the underground metal scene in general.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening and supporting – we appreciate it more than you know. Stay tuned for the new album on November 1st!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well