Blackened Horde: How did the band get started? How did you meet and how long have you been together?
Leland: I started Windham Hell as a one man recording project in the late eighties. I recorded two demos (in 88′ and 91′) before teaming up with Eric Friezes in 1993. We then signed a deal with Moribund Records.
Blackened Horde: How would you describe your music?
Leland: It’s something dark and euphoric but I’m not sure exactly what it is.
Blackened Horde: What are your biggest musical influences?
Leland: Classical based epic structures deluged in icy granitic spires of Melancholic bliss
Blackened Horde: Who if, if any do you consider the bands idols?
Leland: Face number three. This is because on and two were buried under the ceiling fan and the immense suffering spilled onto the carpet was felt by all.
Blackened Horde: What made you want to be in the band? And if you weren’t in the band what would you want to be doing now?
Leland: I never wanted to be in the band but the band was just me so I really didn’t have any choice. I’d much rather be spending more time rock or mountain climbing. The two mixed together works the best.
Blackened Horde: What are some of your favorite bands that are really popular today?
Leland: I don’t know but I think what I had for breakfast this morning is coming back into style.
Blackened Horde: How many demos/albums do you have? Tell me about them.
Leland: I made two Windham Hell demos, one in 1988 and another in 1992 called “Complete Awareness” which has been re-released. It is only available mail order from the band ($6 US/$7 World). Our debut album “South Facing Epitaph” was released during “the mid- December Frost” of 1994 and our second album “Window of Souls” was released in the spring of 96′. Both are through Moribund Records.
Blackened Horde: If you could play with any band who would it be and why?
Leland: I really hate to move. You see I’ve been places and now I just want to stay where I am.
Blackened Horde: Who writes the majority of the music?
Leland: I do most if the writing although it wold be totally useless without Eric coming in and making it sound good.
Blackened Horde: Who has been the favorite band you’ve played with? Why?
Leland: They’ve all been so great it would be impossible to pick one.
Blackened Horde: Where did you get the band name from?
Leland: I pulled Windham Hill out of the cellar back in 1968. Several years later I tried to stick into the VCR but it wouldn’t fit so I modified it and in 1988 it became Windham Hell.
Blackened Horde: Describe what the band is like live?
Leland: It’s hard to say because actually we’ve never played live.
Blackened Horde: If you are gonna do any kind of video what would be in it?
Leland: It’ll be better if I keep that a secret. I’d hate to spoil it anybody.
Blackened Horde: Are there any tour plans made, if so tell me about them?
Leland: No plans yet.
Blackened Horde: Where do you think the band will be in 20 years from now?
Leland: Probably doing another interview with you. Hope all goes well with the zine and thanks for the interview!
Contact them at:
Windham Hell
P.O. Box 1846
Snoqualmie, WA 98065