Interviews: Thorndale

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Groove Metal band Thorndale from the Netherlands. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Zigor: It's a funny story. We originally had another name in mind and then realized some chaps down there somewhere in Mexico already had it so we changed it. One day Gus and I were in Singapore having beers I think and after the 3rd beer I started joking around with names and just went ahead and translated his last name into English and boom, that was it - we loved it. It’s not an exact translation but it’s pretty close and it sounded pretty cool so we kept it! 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Zigor: We all have other bands where we explore other genres. At least for me and Gus this was an itch that we had to scratch. We’ve always been lovers of the subgenre and wanted to do something within this realm.

Peter: I’ve always been a big fan of Black Sabbath and Black Label Society so the mid-tempo, classic-sounding metal comes naturally to me. In the past, I’ve been part of death metal projects, prog-metal projects, and even some deathcore, but when I sit down to practice and write I’m usually playing the type of music you will hear from Thorndale.

Gus: I'm all about that classic hard rock vibe too. Always dreamt of making a record where I could just belt it out instead of the growls. It was a challenge, no doubt, but it was a blast and a ton of learning.

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

Zigor: I knew Gus from Singapore and of course @adarrakband. I got to learn about Peter from his band, Primal Charge. I loved his playing and immediately thought I wanted to write with him. Go check ‘em out if you haven’t yet! Pure Canadian hair in the chest metal.

Peter: HA! Thank you Zigor. I didn’t know these guys until Zigor reached out to me, but we hit it off really fast!

Gus: Seven years deep with Zigor and thanks to that connection, met Peter. The energy has been solid, and it's been one hell of a ride. Good times, good peeps. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Zigor: ha! Tough question to answer.

Peter: My kids ask me this all the time as they are becoming little metalheads. However, I can’t answer with one band. Devin Townsend and Black Label Society are 2 of my biggest inspirations, and currently, I really love a newer band called Illumishade.

Gus: Impossible! But, if I had to throw one into the ring, Sepultura might just take the crown. Total legends.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Zigor: all kinds of things. Everyday stuff I see or read about. I’m always writing down pieces of lyrics or a sound idea for a riff. There’s also a ton of stuff from personal experiences. I’ve always wanted to tell stories so there you go.

Peter: I’ve actually thought about this a lot recently. Zigor told me the other day, when talking about one of my guitar solos, that I “have a lot to say musically”. That hit me hard. I love writing riffs and arranging songs. I do feel like I have more to say through musical phrases than I do with actual words. It rarely starts as a specific message though, I just want to make sounds that feel emotionally impactful. I don’t think about any sort of “meaning” until after I’m done.

Gus: Everyday stuff, books, movies, they all play their part. But when I'm writing vocals, that's when the music hits me with a flood of images and ideas. It's like a creative lightning strike.

6. Where was your last gig?

Peter: Oh man… I haven’t hit the stage in a while other than a couple quick appearances with friends. I haven’t been in a steady gigging band since 2018. I miss it.

Gus: It's been a while for me as well. My last proper show was Knotfest Mexico 2019. It was a shitshow.

7. Where would you like to act?

Zigor: there are so many festivals and great venues here in the Netherlands. That would be a great start

Peter: I would actually like to get to the Netherlands to get on stage with Thorndale.

Gus: I'd love to play anywhere with Thorndale, but it would be great to start in Netherlands.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Zigor: The Man the Legene James Murphy is still on my list… watch this space!

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

Peter: Hell yeah I have! My ritual used to be 1 beer and a shot of Crown Royal before getting on stage. That helped. Now I tend to rely on practice to feel comfortable. I do a fair bit of public speaking for work so I’m sure that makes a difference.

Gus: Ah, the ol' stage fright dance. It's like an unwelcome guest that eventually leaves the party. My tip? Embrace the nerves. It's part of the game. Once you kick off, the vibe takes over, and it's a wild ride. Just try to soak in the fun and savor those adrenaline-fueled moments.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Zigor: again, too many to mention but anything from Sabbath to Brutal Truth. 

Gus: Too many as I have mentioned to Zigor before, anything from Chuck Berry to Cannibal Corpse.

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

Peter: I was on stage, guitar in hand, once when a fan handed me a business card that invited me into the “Oshawa Facial Hair Alliance”. Honestly, I was flattered. Gus: I can't remember anything weird, to be honest.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Peter: I appreciate anyone who takes the time to listen to music I’ve been a part of and I’m honored if they feel some connection to it. One of my favorite feelings in the world is being on stage and watching a crowd mow to something I’m playing. 

14. What do you think of our site?

Peter: It’s an incredible database! I love thorough documentation, so your website is right up my alley. It’s impressive.

Zigor: I love the site. I got to e-meet Jon a few years ago when @adarrakband was featured on the site. It’s great to have a Basque brother involved in such a site. There aren’t that many of us around so here’s my shout-out!