Metal Inside(r) Home Quarantine is Metal Insider’s new column during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked artists five questions on what’s been keeping them busy ranging from their favorite movies, food they’ve been eating, music they’ve been listening to and more. We caught up with Artach’s Sruthán (guitar, bass) as he’s been spending this time working from home.

What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?

Working from home, which has been fantastic. The day is fast approaching and we shall return to the office, but with luck, a hybrid model will be permitted. Also, getting lots of walking in the woods to get away from the screens etc. And of course, we spent a lot of time working on the new Artach album SWORN TO AVENGE which is being released June 25, 2021. 🙂

Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?

I listen to music every day. I’m old school, so most of it is vinyl and CD. I don’t make playlists, even though I do check out music on YouTube. If you want some recommendations of newer things to check out some albums I’ve been enjoying recently include the newest albums from: Frozen Crown, Uada, Mgla, Necrophobic, and of course the classics from Immortal, Celtic Frost, Darkthrone, etc etc etc. Way too many to list.

A lot of people have been spending this time cooking, including making their own bread. What food have you been prepping during this time?

I’ve spent more time recording and writing songs and lyrics than I did cooking lol. I do cook, but it hasn’t changed or increased because of COVID. Maybe for people with no major hobbies, being home more meant they did something new, but for me, I just got to do more of what I already do like playing guitar etc.

In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?

Besides listening to more metal, I did have a bit more time for TV/Movies so in the past year plus, I’ve re-watched: all the James Bond movies, the original Star Trek TV show and movies, all the Aliens movies, all the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, etc. I re-read The Hobbit, and I’m currently re-reading LOTR again as it’s been 20 years since I last read it. I’m not a gamer at all. 

What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?

Create your own fun. Being around people can be draining for many of us, so limiting exposure to humanity hasn’t been 100% terrible. Sure, we miss concerts, but take the isolation time to do more of whatever it is you love or re-discover things that you haven’t done in years. Read, get out in nature, listen to music, get off your ass and turn off the news sometimes as it’s depressing anyway.  And lastly, check out the new Artach release 😉