Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dow.
Hi Eric, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello,
I am the lead singer for Helsott. I am the last remaining original member. It will be easier if I just attach our Bio.
Formed February 2010…Helsott, meaning “Fatal Illness” in Old-Norse, are a Pagan Death Metal band from southern California. The band proudly pay homage to pagan cultures and ancient mythologies while keeping true to their American influences.
In 2011 Helsott won a Battle of the Bands competition in southern California and their prize was time in the Vault Recording Studio in Temecula California. They recorded their first EP titled “Folkvangr” and self-released it in early 2012. In 2013 the band embarked on their first North American tour as part of the Paganfest festival tour line-up which included Ensiferum, Tyr, Heidevolk, and Trollfest which included a performance on the Main Stage at the New England Metal and Hardcore Fest. In 2014 the band successfully crowd-funded their debut full length album titled “Woven” and was self-released to great reviews all over the world. 2015 saw the band touring the U.S. again on a summer headlining tour in support of “Woven” and a fall tour supporting Arkona and Heidevolk.
In 2016 Helsott recorded their follow up EP titled “The Healer” which was recorded in part at Trench Studios and mixed and mastered by J-F Dagenais (Kataklysm/Ex Deo). January 2017 Helsott signed to M-Theory Audio owned by former Century Media USA president. In May of 2017 Helsott embarked on their first European tour in support of I Am Morbid featuring members of Morbid Angel, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Metal Church. In June 2017 Helsott toured the west coast with Tennger Cavalry and Felix Martin. In August of 2018 Helsott embarked on their final and headlining tour in support of “The Healer” EP alongside Labelmates Sicocis and friends Malphas. Helsott also headlined the Maryland Folk Metal Fest on that tour. On October 12th 2018, Helsott released their second full length album “Slaves And Gods”, via M-Theory Audio. They toured the west coast with Arkona and Korpiklaani in direct support of the release of “Slaves And Gods”. 2019 saw the bands return to Europe playing the Wacken Winter Nights and Cernunnos Pagan festivals in February. In July they played the 30th anniversary of the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany. In the Fall they toured Europe along-side Skyforger, Finsterforst, and Enisum on the Pagan Warriors Across Europe Tour.
In 2020 Covid-19 halted all of Helsott’s plans to play live and instead they recorded their 3rd full length album “Will And The Witch”, which is a concept album about the wild west gunslinger Billy The Kid. In 2021 Helsott re-signed with M-Theory Audio and will release the new album in the Spring of 2022.
In 2022 Helsott toured USA in support of their new album and played HRH Vikings in England alongside Moonsorrow and Heidevolk. In 2023 the band played several USA shows and started working on their next full length album. They wanted to take as much time as necessary to make sure their next effort could match the artistic achievement that Will And The Witch became.
In 2024 they played several shows in the US and played Hellsinki Metal Fest, marking their first time playing in Finland.
2025 marks Helsott’s 15th anniversary. They were invited to play Wacken Open Air 2025 and played an official Wacken Open Air Warm Up Show at Brick By Brick in San Diego. After Wacken Helsott are going to continue to write their much anticipated 4th full length album.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is never a smooth road in underground metal. Especially those who choose to go on the road or tour internationally. The main struggles are going through many different lineup changes and the financial hardships that come with playing all over the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in music. It’s what I wanted to do my entire life. I am a drummer. I sing for HELSOTT who are signed to M-Theory Audio. I manage bands including fellow M-Theory Audio artists MYTHRAEUM and solo misfit MORNINGSTVR. I am the USA Rep for the Wacken Metal Battle, which is an international competition for unsigned bands to get the opportunity to play Wacken Open Air in Germany. I am also the proud Production Manager for M-Theory Audio, the label owned by ex-Century Media USA President Marco Barbieri.
I thing the thing that sets me apart in the music industry from others is that I am understanding of every angle. I look at the industry through an artists eyes. When I book a show I cater to the bands having a great show. But at the same time I can also explain to younger and unexperienced bands the way the industry works as a business. Not to hurt their egos but to make them understand how things work and that at the end of the day for most of the music industry executives that have never played an instrument in their lives…that it is a business.
I also, feel like I have a special way to communicate to both sides of the table when it comes to business vs. the art of the music industry.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the San Diego Metal community. We have worked so hard to grow it into one of the best scenes in the USA and I am so proud of what we have accomplished.
San Diego has an incredible amount of quality breweries.
The Mexican food is beyond amazing.
I hate the traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helsott.com
- Instagram: @helsott
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helsott
- Twitter: @helsott
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/helsott
- Other: www.helsott.weebly.com
