Interviews: Stonewielder

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

1. Where did the name Stonewielder come from, and how does it reflect the weight and mood of your music?

The name originally came as a nod to the Candlemass song black stone wielder. Once I settled on the name, I realized it could also mean the following: stone is a rock, heavy metal is a rock, a rock could be a weapon. We wield our music as a weapon. It was a light night, which amused me.

2. Doom and sludge thrive on atmosphere and patience. What drew you to slower, heavier songwriting instead of faster or more aggressive styles?

I spent years back to the late 90s playing in melodic thrash and death metal projects, but always loved just how dark and oppressive slower music could be. Eventually, my admiration for slower sludge doom was the only path before me.

3. The Suffering Ritual feels ritualistic and cinematic. Was there a specific concept or emotional thread guiding the EP as a whole?

I don't really think there was a concept. The only concept I had at the time was that I didn't know if this would be an ongoing project due to internal things, so I wanted 5 songs I could be proud of if it turned to ash. I hope we achieved it.

4. The EP has been out for a bit, but the single “Burning Fire” brought renewed attention. Why was this the right track to spotlight now? 

Well, our second EP is about 3 songs done, and a fourth is almost completed. The first EP has a sadder vibe than the second EP, so this could be a good indication of where the next release will sound and feel.

5. Do you see “Burning Fire” as a bridge between what Stonewielder has done so far and where you are headed next?

Definitely, it could fit in on the first release and the second one, which should be out in 2026

6. Your sound blends classic doom foundations with modern production. How do you balance that old school heaviness with a contemporary edge?

I don't really know. I guess it comes down to I love both styles, and I just let the riffs tell me where to go. The biggest help with the sound, though, is Gabe at Encapsulated Studios.

7. Which bands were the biggest spiritual influences while writing this material? 

Hmm, I would have to say Sabbath, Sleep, High on Fire, Crowbar, Electric Wizard. All the classics, really.

8. Tracks like “Bury Me,” “Suffering,” and the title cut hit with emotional weight. How personal are these songs, and how much is storytelling or atmosphere-driven?

The writing process is strange. I lie down to sleep and imagine the band playing new riffs at a gig. usually I wake up with riff ideas. Due to being a guitar player that does vocals i write the lyrics last once I figure out where I can do both at the same time.

9. What does heaviness mean to you as a band? Is it about volume, tone, emotion, or all of the above? 

Its all of the above for me

10. How important is space and silence in your songwriting, especially in a genre where letting riffs breathe is part of the power?

I tend to go more for a wall of sound than silence, but there will be more silence in the future

11. What was the biggest challenge in capturing your live heaviness in the studio? 

It can be tough to nail the live vibe. I just consider them separate vibes and don't think about it much

12. How did working with Encapsulated Studios and Gabe Usery shape the final sound of the EP?

Very much the sound is owed to Gabe, and the studio magic he does, his eq, effects, and overall mixing are top notch.

13. Do you approach recording as a way to document your live sound, or do you treat the studio as a separate creative tool?

Seperate

14. How do your live performances differ from the recorded versions in terms of energy and atmosphere?

I believe the energy is pretty close, naturally live might have a bit more due to the very nature of playing live and the way the sounds bounce around a room, and the dynamics between audience and band.

15. What kind of venues or settings best suit Stonewielder’s music? Small sweaty rooms, big stages, or something in between?

Small, sweaty rooms are great!

16. Doom and sludge have strong underground communities. How do you view your place within that scene right now? 

We are fairly new. I am not sure how to answer that, but we are well-received when we perform

17. Which bands would you most like to share the stage with in the doom or sludge world?

I have organized a festival called the Midest Doom Fest, and havent announce the headliner yet, but they are definitely a bucket list band for me. I mean, if we are just shooting out shots here, I would say. Electric Wizard, High on Fire, Weedeater, yob, Castle Rat, Grim Reaper, Candlemass, Slumbering Sun, Howling Giant, so many

18. Is there any style or scene you would not want Stonewielder associated with? 

Anything that doesn't make sense. For example, putting us on a country or pop bill wouldn't work

19. What is the strangest or most unexpected reaction you have gotten from a listener so far? 

Had a young man tell me my solo in bury me brought tears to his eyes. I still don't know how to process that a few months later

20. How do you keep the band motivated when writing music that is emotionally heavy and slow-burning by nature? 

When I started this project i told myself to never stop until i couldnt, and that's where I keep my focus. I told myself if I was going to do it i am going to do it

21. What can fans expect next from Stonewielder in 2026? More singles, a full-length, or more ritual in the works? 

We are dropping maybe two more singles, definitely one more. An EP and probably an interesting cover song.

22. What do you hope listeners feel after sitting with The Suffering Ritual from start to finish?

I hope they feel.... entertained, uplifted, and wanting more

23. What do you think about Breathing The Core Zine and its role in spotlighting underground heavy bands?

I feel like you guys offer a valuable resource for bands and fans alike. The more reach we all have, the stronger the scene can grow until it's a force that can't be stopped, and you serve a highly important role in that

24. Is there anything else you would like to add for readers discovering Stonewielder for the first time?

If you like your sludge with a healthy dose of doom and sabbath check us out, and we look forward to seeing you at future shows!

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