Interviews: Gravethorn

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band Gravethorn from the USA. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

These days, it's tough to come up with a name that hasn't already been taken. I was trying to think of something during that time but drawing blanks (which is what usually happens when I try to overthink something) In My last band, we thought we made up a word to dodge that, and even then, after about 2 years of using it, we found out there was a band with the same name. At least they spelled it differently. Most of my ideas just kinda pop into my head at random with nothing influencing the decision. A friend of mine told me that it was the spirits within the Ethyr giving me a gift. I was just watching boxing late one night, and it just entered my head. The word Gravethorn was a cool-sounding band name, and it's not even really a word. So I googled it just to see if there were any bands named Gravethorn, and I went to Encyclopedia Metalum and found nothing of the sort, so I decided that was the name. It's an easy name to remember, and catchy enough to get someone's attention, the name sounds like a metal band, so they already know what to expect.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've always had a love for Death Metal and Black Metal, since the late 80s/ early 90s. Blackened Death Metal is such an underrated genre because you get the best of 2 really amazing genres and they work well together. I've played in many bands since the early 90s, from Death Metal to Black Metal and even Blues Rock, and this is mostly what I have the best mind for. The noise that's always in my head always seems to fall into a black or death metal zone. iI's just such a great genre to submerse yourself in, and in typical metal spirit, there are no strict rules to abide by within this genre. You can break walls down and do unique things and the metal heads love it.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes- Bob Hill (drums) and I were in a band together for 6+ years before it fizzled out in 2022. We were always on the same page as far as the direction of the band goes and shared many common ideas, I knew that if I got into another band, I'd want to do it with him, he's easy to get along with, and a monster of a drummer. I met Robert Emerson (guitars) a few years before Gravethorn formed. I'm a tattoo artist and he came into the shop to get a tattoo, he brought a custom-painted Jackson Kelly in and told me he wanted it tattooed on his leg, so he brought me a challenge right off the bat, hahaha. But his guitar definitely looked like the guitar that a metal guy would have, and he had no problem telling me that he was a metal guy right out of the gate, so we had a lot to talk about during the process. We kept in touch, and he came to see my last band play out.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

That's a tough one, I don't have a favorite band to speak of, because there's so much great stuff. I'll throw a few names out there, but none are absolute favorites. I like Watain, Blackbraid, Belphegor, and Vital Remains... Robert really likes Testament, Lamb of God, Obituary, and even jammed with Akira from Loudness, Bob likes many bands I've never heard of, hahaha, but I'd say Cannibal Corpse, Vitriol, Despised Icon, and Origin.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The noises in my head are a huge factor. I get this urge to just get it out. Of course, music I've already heard is going to probably creep in subconsciously, as it does with everyone. Sometimes when I'm driving in the desert, the landscape can inspire music that I've never heard before, as well as Art- staring at some of the new AI Art I've been seeing has been kinda cool for generating ideas as well.

6. Where was your last gig?

As of now, we have not played any gigs. We're still looking to complete the lineup with the right individuals who have a similar schedule as we do. It's tough to do in Las Vegas because it's a 24-hour city, so everyone has different schedules, and days off. There are great people out there who we'd never see due to schedule differences. 

7. Where would you like to act?

Would love to get onto some of the big festivals. Here in America, we don't have the festivals in the capacity that Europe does, but Milwaukee Metal Fest, and Maryland Death Fest, those come to mind here. For Europe- Wacken obviously comes to mind, Bloodstock looks very good, as well as some of the others that have this ocean of an audience and you're playing amongst not only your fans but the biggest bands you've enjoyed over the years. Such an honor on both fronts! I've seen images and videos of some pretty big shows in Japan, like Budokon (sp?) and others that I just can't remember the names of them off the top of my head.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Wow, so many. Who wouldn't want to play with Emperor, Belphegor, or Dark Funeral? Who wouldn't want to play with Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, or Cattle Decapitation? Who wouldn't want to join Behemoth, Amon Amarth, or Blackbraid? I'd always be down for the task of my dream gigs- opening for Black Sabbath, Metallica, or Iron Maiden. There are just so many fantasy gigs!

9. Whom not?

Pretty open to be honest with you, As long as they're within the same or similar genres.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I used to early on in my musical career, and once upon a time, I was quite the drinker, so I would drink a lot, which certainly can backfire! The funny thing is, after I quit drinking years ago, I don't nearly get the stage fright I once got. I still get very excited, but it's different, excitement is actually very good. So perhaps being as healthy as you can be helps that. Sometimes people get the size of the audience stuck in their heads and it intimidates them, the great thing is, on stage, you typically only see the first few rows when you have the overhead lights dimmed and the stage lights are in your face, and those people you can see are likely your friends and family. so it's like rehearsing on a bigger stage with a better sound.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Many, Many bands have inspired me over the years, I hope it's all mixing together into the best music possible, hahaha. All the way back to Sabbath, Rainbow, Metallica, Bathory, Type O Negative, Deicide, Obituary, Darkthrone, Emperor, Mayhem, this could go on and on.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Honestly, I've never had an encounter with a weird fan. Ever. I'm very fortunate in that case. Maybe they're all weird and so am I, so we get along, hahaha.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Gravethorn is still very young in its career, we haven't developed a fanbase yet, but the few that have listened to us have been amazing, with great feedback from them. Metal fans are the best there is.

14. What do you think of our site?

From what I've seen, it's really awesome and well-put-together. Navigation is easy and there's nothing confusing about it. 5 stars all the way!

15. Something to add?

As of now (August 2023) we are looking for a bass player and an additional guitarist to complete the lineup. We look forward to playing shows and creating more music for anyone who wants to hear it. For now, we have CDs for sale for those who collect, as well as our music is on all the streaming platforms. Listen to it in good health, and stay strong for yourselves and your families.