During a candid conversation with Geoff Waye—founder and creative force behind the metal project Triskelyon—we dove into the origins of the band, the challenges of pandemic-era creativity, and his thoughts on the ever-shifting world of music and technology.
The Birth of Triskelyon
“My name’s Geoff Waye,” he begins modestly. “I’m the brains behind the band—or project—Triskelyon.” Based in Newfoundland, Canada, Geoff explains the inspiration behind the name.
“A lot of people who settled in this part of the world came from Ireland,” he says. “The ‘triskele’ is a symbol that's used a lot in Irish folklore. It represents forward movement, which felt symbolic of what I wanted to do when I started this project back in 2020.”
When asked if any other names were in the running, Geoff laughs. “I don’t even remember. I kind of knew early on that I wanted something with historical significance that connected with this region’s heritage.”
Writing Through the Chaos
Triskelyon’s formation coincided with the global pandemic—a period that disrupted most traditional music projects but spurred new forms of creativity.
“My main band wasn’t able to rehearse or play live,” Geoff recalls. “I was frustrated with the standstill, so I started writing music on my own. It was heavier than what I’d done before, and I decided to record everything remotely.”
And he hasn’t slowed down since. “I don’t really stop writing. I’ve already started working on the third Triskelyon album—just a few songs in, but it’s always moving forward.”
Instruments Over Instincts
While others were panic-buying toilet paper and hand sanitizer, Geoff’s pandemic impulse buy was a little different.
“I bought a guitar,” he chuckles. “But that’s just something musicians do. Always chasing new gear, new sounds. No panic involved—just passion.”
Artificial Insanity and Modern Themes
Triskelyon's second full-length album, Artificial Insanity, is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a reflection of a chaotic world.
“There’s so much division, so much anger,” Geoff says. “Pandemics, wars, social media meltdowns—it’s hard not to internalize some of that. The first album was Downfall, which set the tone. With Artificial Insanity, I wanted to explore both that chaos and our fears of the future—especially around AI. Are we building our own destruction?”
On Twitter, News, and Noise
Geoff admits he’s distanced himself from social media noise. “I stopped using Twitter about a year ago. Every time I opened it, it was just trending hate. It was exhausting. I want to stay informed, not be overwhelmed by negativity.”
Collaboration and Chaos
One standout aspect of Artificial Insanity? The sheer number of collaborators: 11 songs, 9 vocalists, 3 bassists, and 1 drummer.
“Yeah, some people find that wild,” he says. “But I love the variety—having one song with a Rob Halford-style vocalist and another with black metal screams. Some reviewers love it, some prefer consistency. But for me, it’s about creating the best version of each song.”
Geoff likens the concept to the rock opera project Avantasia. “They use tons of guest vocalists. Why not do the same?”
Streaming, Vinyl, and the Search for Sound
Though YouTube is Geoff’s main streaming platform, he still prefers physical media. “I buy CDs and vinyl. YouTube’s great for discovering new stuff, but once I like something, I want to own it.”
He’s also not shy about the realities of music revenue in the streaming age. “Unless you’re Metallica, there’s not much money in album releases. You do it because you love it.”
Influences and Evolving Tastes
Geoff’s musical tastes have gradually shifted. “In the past five or six years, I’ve gotten more into black metal—bands like Immortal and Dimmu Borgir. The only newer band I’ve really gotten into recently is Lord of the Lost. They’re goth metal—very different from Triskelyon—but I love the vocals.”
Festivals and the Scene
While Newfoundland might not host massive festivals, Geoff keeps an eye on what’s happening. “Heavy Montreal is probably the biggest nearby. This past summer they had bands like Pantera—or what’s left of it. I call it a tribute without Vinnie and Dime.”
Looking Ahead to 2024
So what’s next for Triskelyon?
“I’ve already started writing for the next album,” Geoff says. “There’s no firm release date, but I’m hoping for a fall 2024 release. That’s the goal.”
Final Thoughts
Triskelyon might have started in isolation, but it’s clearly a project born from relentless creativity and a deep love for music. Geoff Waye’s vision—uncompromising, passionate, and boldly collaborative—proves that even in the most chaotic times, art finds a way.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Triskelyon on [Bandcamp/Spotify] and catch them live this summer.
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