Alissa White-Gluz & Doyle: Metal, Veganism and Speaking Up for Animals

Interview at Vegan Camp Out

Alissa White-Gluz and Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein discuss veganism, animal activism, and speaking up for their beliefs.

How They Became Vegan

Alissa says her mother became vegetarian as a teenager after seeing a lobster cooked alive. She raised Alissa vegetarian without forcing the choice on her. As a young child, Alissa learned that ham came from a pig and decided she did not want to eat an animal’s body; she later became vegan. She credits her family’s example and home cooking as important influences.

Doyle says he first tried vegan food while dating Alissa, found it delicious, and began eating that way too.

Animal Activism

Alissa describes joining Sea Shepherd activists in the Faroe Islands to document the Grindadráp hunt of pilot whales and other dolphins. No hunt took place during her visit, but she says the practice can happen multiple times a year and can kill entire family groups. The experience left a lasting impression on her.

Films and Awareness

The speakers recommend that people who aren’t vegan watch documentaries about animal agriculture, saying these films can challenge assumptions about the food system. The interview refers to Forks Over Knives, Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead, Vegucated, and Dominion.

Health Claims and Media

Alissa cautions against taking health advice from influencers or trusting before-and-after photos at face value, since lighting, angles, and posing can affect appearances. She suggests using common sense and consulting a doctor or nutritionist about health concerns.

They also discuss dairy marketing and a planned documentary examining the dairy industry, What Do You Really Know About Dairy?.

Speaking Up

Alissa says she has faced hostility for being vegan and for her political views. She argues that people shouldn’t be reduced to labels or treated as enemies because of one aspect of their identity.

Veganism’s Visibility

They reflect on the rise and decline of vegan products and restaurants. Alissa believes the movement can rebound and suggests that paid influencer promotions may have affected public perceptions. This is presented as her view, not an established fact.

Work and Travel

Doyle mentions upcoming shows in Mexico and South America and says he is writing an album. Alissa says she has shows with Blue Medusa, is touring with DragonForce, and is also working on a Blue Medusa album.

People, Places, and Names Mentioned

Alissa White-Gluz; Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein; Vegan Camp Out; the Faroe Islands; Sea Shepherd; Tanya O’Callaghan; Arch Enemy; the Misfits; Blue Medusa; DragonForce; and HappyCow.