All Hails, Scarlett!
Citadelians, welcome our latest Valkyrie of the Citadel, Scarlett. This UK-based shield-maiden started off listening to some classic metal hits before going into the more extreme pits of black metal. Read what Scarlett had to say and leave your comments below!
Introduce yourself for our readers - tell us your name dear Valkyrie and where you hail from
Hi! I'm Scarlett from Sheffield, England.
Does your town/city/village have a good metal scene?
Sheffield City Centre has a great up-and-coming metal scene! With clubs like Corporation, the Alt scene has never been so good.
How did you discover your love for metal music, and what drew you to the genre?
This is actually a funny story, as a kid I had a next-door neighbour who would play the same Metallica song (One) over and over again till the early hours of the morning. He got a lot of noise complaints! But I wasn't complaining, and it snowballed from there. It went from Slipknot and Metallica to Mayhem and Gorgoroth more quickly that you'd have thought.
Who are your top three favourite metal bands/artists at the moment, and what makes them stand out to you?
Lorna Shore is definitely crashing the scene at the moment, and I absolutely love Will Ramos' vocal style. Whitechapel as well have always had a great blend of melody and top-notch growls.
More recently, I've found Sylosis to be my favourite, their new single Deadwood is absolutely amazing!
As a woman in the metal scene, how do you navigate and overcome any challenges or stereotypes you may encounter?
I've been so lucky to have such a kind and respective following on my Instagram, so I haven't had to overcome much negativity online (as of yet). I feel that the culture of “name 3 songs if you're wearing a band-tee” can be quite discouraging for any woman who wants to show off their new merch as being labeled a poser can be upsetting. I think some men in the scene find it hard to believe we have the same musical taste!
You’re at a gig do you mosh, stand at the front crushed against the barriers, or stand in the back arms folded nodding along?
Mostly, I'm either being crushed from every which way at the barrier, or watching the mayhem from the outer ring of the pit.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done at a gig?
I wouldn't say I'm too crazy, but I love a good crowd-surf! I crowd surfed to Choke by Bury Tomorrow at Download Festival and got dropped straight over the barrier. Still worth it.
Are there any up-and-coming female-fronted metal bands or artists you'd like to highlight and recommend?
Conquer Divide have a great blend of harsh vocals and melody.
Finish this sentence: “____ is the sexiest metal artist alive!”
Winston Mccall of Parkway Drive.
What’s your favourite piece of band merchandise or memorabilia?
The first battle jacket is very close to my heart! Even though the bands are definitely tamer than what I listen to now, I found that collecting my first patches and hand sewing them myself was definitely a right of passage every metalhead needs to go through! More recently, I caught a pick at Amon Amarth last year thrown by the one and only Johan Söderberg that I treasure.
Are there any metal albums that you consider underrated or overlooked?
I'd say Endless Return by Murder Made God!
How should a fellow metalhead approach you if they want to know more about your metal tastes?
I'd like to say I'm quite approachable! So just asking for a quick chat or sending me a DM is the best way.
Have you got any tattoos or piercings?
No, I actually haven't, which a lot of people find surprising! I love tattoos and piercings on others, I just never really found an interest in having them done myself yet! Which may change.
What’s your drink of choice?
Kraken Rum and Coke.
What’s your favourite band shirt
My Burzum tank, however I got told off by Instagram for posting it. Oops.
This or That:
Satanism or Paganism
Paganism
Slayer or Black Sabbath?
Slayer
Elf or Orc
Elf
Corpse paint or leather jackets?
Leather Jackets, I think I own more than 5 now.
Blast beats or guitar solos?
Blast beats
Metal festival or intimate underground show?
Both! Any live music is great for me!
Bullet belt or spiked wristbands?
Bullet belt
Clean vocals or harsh growls?
Harsh growls! Sexy.
We at the Citadel want to thank Scarlett for stepping foot in our haunted Citadel and taking the time to share her thoughts.
