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 Crossfaith’s Kenta Koie (vocals) and Hiroki Ikegawa (bass) as they’ve been spending this time reading books and focusing on hobbies.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
Ken: I’ve been stuck in my house for about a month… Since starting Crossfaith, I’ve never had this long off, so I’m kinda confused how I should spend my time. I’m spending time on my hobby of building plastic Gundam models. I’ve already built two of them, it’s a good distraction from the fear of coronavirus.
Hiro: Making new merchandise for Crossfaith, practicing the guitar which I don’t usually play, reading books or old books, digging new directors for music videos/documentaries etc..
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
Ken: Now is the best time to dig into new music and I’ve been listening to the playlist for ‘Ghost In The Shell’ and ‘New Metal Tracks,’ both on Spotify. The new season of Ghost In The Shell just started on Netflix and I always find inspiration in the show. I always need heavy music and New Metal Tracks is one of the most popular playlists for it. It’s perfect for getting rid of quarantine boredom.
Hiro: I’ve been listening to U-Void Synthesizer/Machine Girl, California Cursed/DRAIN, Curtain Call (Live 1995)/Blind Melon, Eastern Promises – EP/Arms and Sleepers, Symphonik/Thievery Corporation
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
Ken: I actually don’t cook a lot and it’s a huge problem for me. But I got back to Osaka before the situation got worse so I’m lucky that I’ve been eating home-cooked meals.
Hiro: Water, tea pack, and rock salt. I’ve been trying 14 days fasting and I feel so much better now.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
Ken: I just bought the Final Fantasy 7 Remake and PlayStation 4, so I’m spending a lot of time on that. I played the original version of FF7 when I was 8-9 years old so it’s very nostalgic and a throwback to the late 90’s. It could also be an inspiration for new music. This is my first PS4 game and I’m surprised at how crazy technology has become!
Hiro: I’ve been watching movies like The Lobster, Magnolia, We Are Little Zombies, Wildlife, and Good Vibrations
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
Ken: This situation is terrible but we still need to stay home for a while to turn things around. This is an opportunity to have long term days off which is unusual in our normal lives, so it’s a good time to do things we’d normally put off. I’m actually enjoying quarantine as I’m making music, working on my hobby, and thinking about the future.
Hiro: It is a good time to learn new things or improve your skills. Even if you don’t feel like it, just keep reading books until we can go out again.
Order Crossfaith’s new EP, Species, at this location.
