Dubai Metal Festival: Meet UAE's Fatal Qualm

Fatal Qualm is one of the most impressive representatives for the UAE Metal scene. The band not only shared the stage with international names but also set international performances. They give energetic and epic symphonic sound, and catchy stage representation. So, they are a good local addition to Dubai Metal Festival. Here is our interview with the band.

1. Symphonic local band who will share the stage with the famous Lacuna Coil, what is your impression? Do you have any influences from the band?

First, we are so excited. One of the legends will be playing with us, and it is a privilege. Even though we don’t have one influence on their side, we admire their vocals structures with the synth, the riffs, and their lyrics wise.

Having a female metal musician in your band, how much does that represent the presence of female metal players in UAE?

Heavy metal isn’t something popular to strive for when talking about women as musicians, most especially in the Middle East.

It’s almost like a rare find, so Fatal Qualm is overwhelmed and lucky to have these 2 amazing ladies who we think greatly impact the band’s overall presence in terms of musicality and style.

Obviously, their presence in the band and in the metal scene in the UAE is exceptional and remarkable as they not only add spice and power but also advocate and stand for every women’s worth and significance in the scene and possibly to other aspects of society.

 How are you preparing yourself for the performance?

We practice individually and as a group. This is something of great value to us, so as much as time and schedule permits, we try to make ways to see each other and give time and effort to create and polish the songs that we produce.

You will play on Friday with Moonspell, it’s a really recognized metal name, did that bring you the memories of sharing the stage with international bands, you played with Insomnium 2 years ago?

Yes of course. It’s nostalgic and definitely gives us the “butterflies-in-stomach” feeling again!

It’s been a while since we were given a chance to play with a huge act such as Moonspell in a diverse crowd, so we feel excited and anxious at the same time. Although we feel that way, we like to think of purely enjoying the night and avoid instilling pressure on one another so we can make precious and fun memories on the stage with those who’s been at the show, that we’ll remember throughout our lifetime.

Are you working on new music and are you going to introduce any new songs or covers at the concert?

Yes, we have 2 new songs that we are working on at the moment which we look forward to sharing with you all. We don’t want to do a cover this time so we can present what and who is Fatal Qualm through its original music.

Being active in the UAE metal scene, and you are participating in the first-ever Dubai Metal Festival organized by the two metal organizers for metal acts in Dubai: Metal East Records and Joscene, how can you describe the idea? What are your ambitions regarding it?

Being a part of this event is such a humbling experience for us, knowing that there are lots of great bands out there and yet we were chosen to participate. The idea of playing with the big names in the big events would be both exciting and terrifying. So we will make sure that we will do our best and give our all to put on a good show and let our music be heard.

Also, we would love to see UAE become a renowned hub for International Metal festivals in the future through Metal East Records and JoScene’s Dubai Metal Festival.

We hope to see them annually in line with other massive events such as Bloodstock, Wacken, and Resurrection Fest someday. It’s a huge aspiration, but hopefully, it can be possible through these 2 productions.

 Which name you are really looking forward to performing with in Dubai?

We have individual preferences and there are too many to choose from. Bands such as Septic flesh, Dimmuborgir, Cradle of Filth, and Arch enemy are among the favorites.

If you want to send a message to your fans, please do.

We don’t think we do have fans that exist. However, we could probably think of our supporters like our family and friends. And to the people who believed in us, productions namely JMC, Metal East Records, JoScene, DJ Wyn, Rocknation, Nick Automatic, Salario Fam, and Tambay Jam. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. And also to you Ms. Rana for doing this interview with us, thanks a lot!! We appreciate everything. See you all at the Dubai Metal Festival.