Sean Mackay of On My Command

Here are some interview questions for Sean Mackay of On My Command about their upcoming album Conquer and their latest single Burning Desire:

About “Burning Desire”
Burning Desire is described as a “sing-along metal anthem” with influences from Judas Priest. What inspired the song’s theme and lyrics?

What came to me first was the vocal melody and the lyrics about “desire still burning“ inside you and learning from the lessons of life. From there the concept took hold.

2. The song focuses on resilience and coming back stronger. Was this inspired by personal experiences or something more universal?

It’s probably more universal. We all experience set backs of some kind, to varying degrees, in life and its how your respond and learn from that that ultimately defines you. I think that was an important message.

How do you approach writing a metal anthem? Is there a formula, or do you let the song evolve naturally?
Most of my songs evolve naturally rather than to a preconceived plan. It can start with a riff, a melody, a rhythm, a word or lyrics and then builds from there.

The single is part of Conquer—how does Burning Desire fit into the larger themes of the album?
The album is not a concept album- however a lot of the songs, as with the previous ON MY COMMAND albums, has themes of battles, fortitude and overcoming adversity. So I think it fits in well with that.

About the Album “Conquer”
You mentioned that Conquer picks up where Prey left off. How has On My Command evolved musically and thematically between the two albums?
Thematically, I see Conquer as a continuation. Musically I think it is perhaps a little more balanced with a touch more melody, while still keeping true to the same sound.

You’ve described Conquer as your most complete work yet. What aspects of the album make it stand out from your previous releases?
I think that the songs are overall just stronger and keep the listeners interest from start to finish. Nothing was rushed and it turned our exactly how I wanted it to.

The album blends traditional metal with elements of thrash and power metal. How do you balance those influences while maintaining On My Command’s unique sound?
As mentioned the songs kind of evolve naturally. Some songs develop into something a little heavier or thrashier, others more melodic. However they turn out however, I still try and imprint On My Command’s signature- nothing dull, keep things energetic.

You worked with session drummer James Knoerl on this album. What did he bring to the band’s sound?

James is a great drummer and added more complexity to the drum parts. I write the basic drum parts of how I want it to sound and what feel I want, and James is adept at fleshing those ideas out.

Andy Kite handled mixing and mastering, and Andreas Marschall returned for the cover art. What was it like working with them on Conquer?

They are both easy to work with. Again, I provide some instructions or concepts to them of what I am after and they build on that for me.

About the NWOTHM Movement & Metal Scene
On My Command is part of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM). How do you see this movement evolving, and where does On My Command fit into it?

The thing about NWOTHM, in my view, is not so much that it is a specific genre, but rather it is aimed at recapturing some of the energy of metal from years gone by. Metal with speed, melody and a power behind it – and sometimes with dose of cheesiness or fun. On My Command is just happy to play a mix of some of those ‘classic’ and timeless sounds’

As an Australian metal band, how does the scene compare to other global metal markets? Are there any Aussie metal acts you’d recommend?

There are so many great Aussie metal acts that, by rights, should be bigger overseas. If thrash is your thing, Hidden Intent are releasing some killer material, while Valhalore, from my backyard in Brisbane, play a style a metal up there with their northern European counterparts

You’re influenced by classic metal bands. What modern artists do you think are carrying the torch for traditional heavy metal?

I love bands like Eternal Champion playing that epic style, while still loving bands like Hammerfall continuing on that kind of melodic traditional heavy metal.