Doomed Confessionary: Roland Hickmann (Grey Czar)
Grey Czar is a four-piece heavy rock band from Salzburg, Austria. Featuring two guitars, keys, bass, drums and up to three vocals, their music is melodic and riff-driven, oscillating between heavier and mellow sounds, while having a flair for progressive elements.
The band was founded in 2010 when its four members came together to share their mutual passion for music. Taken by the idea to play stoner rock the band quickly discovered new grounds and as the group’s personalities evolved so did the music, which continues its natural development.
Since their self-titled debut LP in 2012, Grey Czar has released an EP »The Men Who Harvest The Sea« in 2014, and their session-recorded sophomore long player »Boondoggle« in 2018, which was well received in the scene. The upcoming full-length »Euarthropodia« is slated for release in 2025 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records.
Grey Czar are Roland Hickmann (guitar, vocals), Wolfgang Brunauer (bass, vocals), Florian Primavesi (guitar, vocals, keys) and Wolfgang Ruppitsch (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Grey Czar a heavy prog rock four piece from Salzburg Austria existing for over a decade. Our musical path together as a band started in 2010 and continued ever since. We wrote and recorded three LPs and one EP so far and do not plan to stop.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge was and is balancing four different lives with family and work and still being creative.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our new LP »Euarthropodia«, into which we put a lot of heart and soul, passion and patience and our current label cooperation with Argonauta Records/Octopus Rising. But above all, we are proud that, despite all the changes that life brings, we have managed to stay together as a band and to constantly develop further. Creating music is such a fulfilling thing and to share a common passion with people you can call friends for years is a valuable gift you can’t take for granted!
What was your biggest regret?
There is nothing to regret. We are happy to have the possibility to follow our passion for making music and we still have the drive to do so as a band, with all bandmembers still in the same boat. Making music together is one of the most fulfilling activities you can have. We are very grateful for that.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
One of my favorites was a gig at Dome of Rock Festival, at Rockhouse Salzburg, after a long abstinence of playing live. The stage sound was perfect, and the endorphins kicked in. I flew on a high the whole evening.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
When you start to deal with a corner of the music landscape, it’s unbelievable how many great bands and musicians there are that you’ve never heard of and would never have heard of, if you hadn’t happened to look there.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
There is so many great music out there and no year goes by without killer heavy tunes! Mammoth Volume, Dozer, Lie Heavy, Deathchant, Melvins, Judas Priest, Orange Goblin, JIRM, Green Lung, Rival Sons, Abrams, High on Fire, Yob, Greenleaf, Hermano, The Fizz Fuzz. Praise heavy music!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
At least wear earplugs during rehearsals if you’re playing a 100-watt JCM 800 and have a crazy 6’3″ drummer around you who beats the crap out of his drumkit.
What are your guilty pleasures?
There is lots of stuff. Like for example having a glass of heavy red wine while answering interview questions… especially those from Doomed Nation.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Austria?
There is a very vibrant underground scene in Austria with a load of great bands. Tentacula, Daishi, Gmyas, Auszaat, Parasol Caravan, Timestone, Chango, Porn To Hula, Deadzibel, Ever Given, Mothers Cake, Mothers Of The Land, Headrawkers, Whitchrider, Ultima Radio, Swan May, High Transition, Minus Green, Our Survival Depends On Us, Steaming Satellites, Gnäd, Pastor, Speck, High Brian, Great Rift, The Heavy Minds, and so on, and so on. It’s totally worth checking out and it would deserve more attention and love.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
Our next gig will be on May 9, 2025 at KAPU Linz and we are currently setting up our release plan for »Euarthropodia«. So, there’s something to come. Details will follow!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
For and foremost we plan to continue our journey as a band for at least another ten to fifteen years and try to keep our passion, play some club gigs and festivals, continue writing and evolving and we’ll see where it takes us.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Not as a band. We are celebrating with our beloved and closer family, but we will have a last rehearsal in 24 to celebrate and close the old year and open a new chapter of bands history on our first rehearsal in January 25.
How can people best support your band?
They can follow us on all social platforms, buy merch and music, come to our concerts, share and spread the word.
Do you have any messages for your listeners?
We are extremely grateful for your support and love, it’s an honor for us delivering our passion for music directly into your earshells. You rock! Thank you so much for listening!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well