By now, I’ve been writing for Stormbringer for over a year. Technically, I’m an editor for an online heavyzine. Technically. But imposter syndrome says otherwise, so let’s not get carried away. I don’t get paid. It’s not a job. It’s still a hobby—just one I absolutely love. At this point, I know the drill. Our promo lord feeds the promos into the system. I pick an album that sounds promising. I listen. I write. The article is being edited. It is send back to the promo agency sending it out in the first place. It’s routine. Comfortable. A system that works.
So, when ISTAPP’s promo landed in my inbox, I did what I always do—I took it. I listened. I reviewed. I handed it in. Standard procedure. Been there, done that. And then something new happened. The PR agency responded. They asked if I wanted to do an email interview with ISTAPP’s drummer, Fjalar.
Not a huge deal, right? Except—I’d never done an interview before. Reviewing albums? Sure. Standing in the photo pit, camera in hand, trying not to get kicked in the face? Been there. But this? This was uncharted territory.
Of course I said yes. What are you crazy? I wouldn't miss this. Why?
a) Because I genuinely loved the album.
b) Because it was an email interview. (No live interaction required. Perfect for the socially anxious metal monk.)
c) Because, let’s be real—FOMO. If I had said no, I’d have spent weeks wondering what I missed out on.
d) Because I always feel like I’m underperforming anyway, so I keep pushing. Another challenge. Another step. Another thing I should probably prove to myself I can do.
Lucky for me, Stormbringer has an interview blueprint, which saved me from staring at a blank page in existential panic. I tweaked the questions, made them right for ISTAPP—frosty, glacial, properly infused with icy metal vibes. I made them mine. And honestly? I had a ridiculous amount of fun.
But the best part? Fjalar rolled with it. He didn’t just answer—he matched my energy. He played along. He made it fun. And that, my friends, was the moment I realised: this wasn’t just another task. This was fun. And it made me happy.
So yeah, I guess this is just another first. Like the first time I wrote a review. Or the first time I picked up my camera. Just another notch on the ever-expanding belt of things I didn’t think I could do until I did them.
No big deal.
(Except, secretly, kind of a big deal.)
Here is the link to the interview: ISTAPP - Fjalar