Build – Destruct – Rebuild – Destroy is the current path for the members of Northern California based hardcore band, And Came Back Brutal. Garnering the attention of labels such as the Artery Foundation and working with bands the likes of Norma Jean, the young men of And Came Back Brutal continue their fight to make Bearcore a mainstay in the heavy music scene. Hurdcore.com presents this follow up with And Came Back Brutal, you can also catch the 2010 full length interview with vocalist Scott Gallagher.

One of your songs that personally means a lot to you and why? They all mean something to me. I really couldn’t pick one out of the line-up. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… An 808 machine and triggers. Current trend in music/scene that bugs you… Commercial ideas. Copying what is seen. Lack of originality. Current trend in your scene that you think is a positive evolution? The music has been getting noticed more, which is nice. Currently reading… Hell Blazer, John Constantine and Berserk Comic Books. Currently watching… Hellsing – Anime. Top 5 songs in your personal iPod right now? That’s a hard one, I can name 3 albums that are continually playing: a) Outcasts: Speaker Box; Atliens. b) Nicki Minaj: Mind Tape Beam Me Up Scotty. c) Impending Dooms newest CD. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? No, none at all LOL. I do like going out to listen to the opening bands and supporting them. Best memory that comes to mind from a show? Best memory was being picked up to play at the Boardwalk. We had a great turn out and got Artery’s attention. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show? Probably our earlier shows, playing for virtually nobody and close minded people who are only interested in current trend and local fad.

And Came Back Brutal (Hardcore – Sacramento, CA) is: Scott – Vox; Marc – Guitar; Peter – 7 String Leads; Will – Bass; Eric – Drums. Check the ACBB FB for music, concert dates and news.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” To refresh your memory on the year that was in 2010 we offer these recaps of interviews, reviews and events. Reconnect with the best of local and national music that shared bits of themselves through the medium of hurdcore.

Interview w/ Andy Atkins of A Plea For Purging A Plea for Purging combines lightning fast brutality with refreshing blasts of sincerity and a grounded layer of humor to their unique blend of hardcore/metal. On the eave of the release for their full length album, The Marriage of Heaven and Hell on Facedown Records, we were able to steal a few minutes with lead singer Andy Atkins for a behind the mic session to discuss life and music.

Interview w/ Kyle Benecke Kyle Benecke took the helm for Sioux Falls, South Dakota based hardcore band Nodes of Ranvier in time to record and tour what would be their fourth and final album, “Defined By Struggle” as 2007 was the end of an era for Nodes. Kyle sheds some light on the breakup and encourages us with words of wisdom for today.

Interview w/ …And The Sirens Sang If you identify with pain and have a consuming drive for an expanding depth in sound then you may have no closer musical avatar than Portland, Oregon based melodic hardcore band …And The Sirens Sang. Combining screaming vocal harmonies, breakdowns from dueling guitars, layers of emotive keys and an ingenuity that filters through every aspect of their collective expression through music ATSS is hard at work in the studio and on a stage

Interview w/ Ashylus If fans dare to participate in live performances from these Tri Cities, Washington rockers, they may want to bring protective gear as no fan will be guaranteed to escape without a proper bruising. Their name which stands for Ambition | Strength | Heart | Youth | Love | Understanding | Sacrifice serves as a certain rallying cry that has set these young men well on their way to establishing themselves as a presence in the hardcore/metal circles throughout Washington and Oregon.

Review: The Book of Eli The Book of Eli is cast in a post-apocalyptic setting which takes artistic license to showcase some of what humanity unrestrained might be like, a torrential wasteland of hopelessness and lawless deterioration. Eli stands out in his composure as well as his values, reminiscing upon the world that was with quotes such as, “People had more than they needed, people didn’t know what was precious and what wasn’t, people threw away things they kill each other for now.” Eli is a film that calls for a simplicity in values and a course for life that while far from easy, may allow humankind to experience a taste of what they were created for.

CHECK OUT Hurdcore.com 2010 Recap Part 3

Hurdcore.com is local music, local art and local entertainment. Local music reviews, interviews, event promotion, art and entertainment collaboration. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

As a Washougal, Washington based thrash/hardcore band, Mourning For Memories is bringing a positive message in a dark and hefty package. Hurdcore.com first experienced Mourning For Memories live as part of the mega-gathering of local heavy music talent at Savage Fest 2010 hosted by members of …And The Sirens Sang and King Arthur Booking. Connect again with these aspiring artists as hurdcore.com presents One More with Mourning For Memories, you can also view the original full length interview with the gents of MFM from 2010.

One of our songs that personally means a lot to me? Echoes and Shattered Yesterdays both tie for our most meaningful song. Echoes tells of a life of former addictions. Shattered Yesterdays is about heartbreak. Both are meaningful and strong and are meant to portray hope and a brighter side to darker motives. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… Either a P.A or new guitar amps. I play music because… We love music. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me… People that stand around at shows. Currently reading… the questions in this interview. Currently watching… Terminator Salvation “We have no fate but what we make” -John Connor. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? Airplanes by B.o.B, Machine Gun Mouth by Our Last Night, Sex Education by I Set My Friends On Fire, The Escape Artist by August Burns Red, and No Bragging Rights (Whole CD).

Any crazy pre-performance rituals? We stretch…..like really hardcore stretch…and some of us aren’t very flexible to it looks pretty weird, and we pray. Best memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? The Hawthorne show we played, or Savage Fest. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour? We played a show with two acoustic acts cause the other bands dropped out so it was an odd show.

Mourning For Memories is: Tyler Duff – VOKILLZ; Steven Murphy – GEETARS; Dylan Pollard – GEETARS; Kyle Van Zitteren – SLAPPIN DA BASS; Mike Towell – PERCUSSION. Keep up to date with songs, releases and tour info at the MFM Myspace

Music news, reviews and interviews posted weekly at hurdcore.com. Partnering with artists, fans and venues to fan the flames of local ambition. Hurdcore supports local rock, pop, hip-hop and metal from Northwest to the Midwest. Keep reppin’ local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12

J Philly has been known for sometime throughout local hip hop circles within the Southern Willamette Valley, but for the aspiring artist 2010 was a year of leaps and bounds. From mainstay at Eugene hip hop extravaganzas such as Summer Jam, to charismatic host of Oregon Duck flash mob inspired Flock The Village to feature tracks on Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing, J Philly and his Phil-Da-Beast Records are taking tremendous strides to Reach The Top of the music mountain. Now joining forces with Balou The Sasquatch to form the rap duo known as Cave Dwellers, J Philly is making feel good music that gives more than lip service to faith and doing hip hop in a positive way. J Philly is vested in every aspect of music, making his mark with crisp beats, fresh flavors and tight flowing rhymes that are rooted in classic hip hop. Keep an eye out for the Cave Dwellers debut album Out Of Hibernation dropping late Spring 2011.

There is a lot of thanking “God and my mother” within rap, what is different about your approach faith and hip-hop? I use Hip-Hop as a ministry tool, so my faith in God gets thrown into a lot of my music. As far as bringing the people closer to Christ, I leave that up to them, not pushing my views, but opening doors. I try not to push my faith on anyone, kind of like honey to vinegar, because nobodies trying to hear an arrogant Christian Rapper.

Do you remember the first album/song that got you hooked on hip-hop?
Yes! Sir Mix-A-Lot’s first album “Swass”. As cheesy as it was, I was only 4 years old and didn’t know any better but, Posse On Broadway and Iron Man were definitely the prime cuts, then I moved onto De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising and developed an obsession.

You talk about “the original elements of hip hop,” what is hip-hop to you?
Hip Hop to me is another way to express yourself through a vastly growing culture; you always have to stay relevant and know what sounds good. If you come out with something wack, you’re automatically labeled as “just another wannabe” or “not serious with your music”.

Is there a difference between hip-hop and rap? Yes, there is. Which pertains to your last question. Rap is just one element of the Hip Hop culture. Rapping is what an MC does, where as you’ve got the DJ on the turntables, Graffiti artists, B-Boys and B-Girls break dancing, beatboxing, and knowledge of the culture, so study up!

Are you at a point where hip-hop is paying the bills or do you still have the 9 to 5? I am happy to say that I quit my job a few years ago to focus on my music! It’s been a great ride so far, and I don’t see myself going back. My wife keeps a 9 to 5, but the ultimate goal is to make enough doing what I love to let her stay home.

Phil-Da-Beast Records is another venture of yours, are you involved in all aspects of recording? Phil-Da-Beast Records is a label I started back in 2007. I needed the business aspect of things to give it a professional feel and push myself out of a 10-year slump. I do everything including production, editing, recording, mastering, DJing, and self-promotion. I’ve always gone by the independent rule, “do as much as you can, for as long as you can, then ask for help”.

Do you produce artists other than yourself? I’ve produced for a bunch of artists, mostly local, but if you want a taste of the Phil-Da-Beast flavor, you can check out Todd G, The Cave Dwellers (Balou The Sasquatch and myself), Incyte, Endr Won, The Reward System, Mack Dub, KB The New, Brittani G, Fish Martinez, and recently a 12-year-old singer named LeLe. I’m always looking for people to collaborate with as well.

Your last release was a Mixtape titled Leak Of The Week, was this a compilation of previous songs or all new material? It was all new. I wanted to come out with something to get a buzz, and to stay relevant, something for the fans between LPs. I decided to leak a free downloadable song to anyone that wanted it every Friday for 3 months. I gained quite a few fans from around the way, and got a lot of people to admit they know me, haha!

Obviously in these parts the Ducks have always been a big deal, but this past year was one for the ages. How did you get involved with the Flock The Village event? I was brought in to the project because I had auto tune, an effect needed for the track. The song we did was a rendition of The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got A Feeling”, so they needed to make someone sound like Will.I.Am. They also wanted me to be the hype man-rapper guy. They didn’t really know much about me until I started suggesting crucial ideas, then I became the vocal editor and go-to what sounds good advisor. I even gave the band the name “4toFly”. That event went so well that there’s talk of doing an annual pep rally for the fans. Being a part of that project also stemmed off so much business for me, I’m still reaping the benefits.

2010 was a big year for you with popular local shows, Flock The Village and inclusion in Eugene Weekly’s Next Big Thing compilation album. What did you learn/discover in 2010 that you want to expand upon in 2011 as an artist? I really got a feel for how to conduct myself as an artist here in Eugene. I received loads of respect and head nods, and plan to keep pushing the envelope, giving the people what THEY want and not exactly what I want to give them. It’s an ongoing balancing act, but I think I’ve gained more knowledge of how to keep my music personalized, yet catchy.

With all that you were involved with in 2010 – what are some of the “must attend” events for local music coming up in 2011? Here in Eugene, the must attend Hip Hop event is always “Summer Jam”. That’s where they bring out all the heavy hitters. There’s talk of The Cave Dwellers opening for KJ-52 so be on the look out. Other than that, anything that Cool Nutz is at and anything that doesn’t involve a janky promoter.

When/how did J Philly and Balou The Sasquatch become The Cave Dwellers? Actually, it started with a weekly bible study. After each study, we would talk music. We became best friends and decided because we collab so much, it might be a good idea to do a project together. Thus, The Cave Dwellers were in full effect!

Is there any meaning or story behind the selection of the name? Yes! Since Big B is a Sasquatch and I am a Beast, we wanted to come up with something mutual. The only thing we could find was a cave. It’s for the people too! I believe that we all feel like we are stuck in a cave in some point in our lives, so it’s a metaphor for finally seeing the light and doing something about it.

How close are we to seeing an EP/LP from The Cave Dwellers? Very close, in fact it might be available before this interview comes out. We have a 17 song LP slated for April/May 2011.

J Philly (Hip Hop – Eugene, OR) solo hip hop artist as well as member of the rap duo The Cave Dwellers w/ Balou The Sasquatch and point man for Phil Da Beast Records. Look for Cave Dwellers to release their first full length album, Out Of Hibernation, April/May 2011.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

Get another taste of Raw Rock – if you missed the full length hurdcore.com interview with Showbread HERE, you need to link back to their in depth perspective on the state of music and what they are doing to take it back.

I perform music because…? Too much school required to dig up dinosaur bones. One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… People love music that sucks. Best Place to eat in Guyton [Ohio]? Smokehouse BBQ. Currently reading… A Confession by Leo Tolstoy.
Currently watching… Repeated viewings of the Iron Man 2 blu-ray, but District 9 might be my favorite movie at the moment. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now? The first five songs on Who Can Know It? [Showbread - Come & Live Records]. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? I always have to pee but there’s never enough time, so I pee in whatever opened bottle is lying around backstage. Craziest thing that happened to you during a show? Ivory peed his pants mid-song.

Showbread (Rock – Guyton, Ohio – Come & Live! Records) is: Josh Dies (vocals/guitars), Patrick Porter (bass), Garret Holmes (synth/guitars) and Drew Porter (drums). Keep up to date with news and tour dates at showbread.net. Download their latest album Who Can Know It? at comeandlive.com or purchase on iTunes.

Hurdcore.com is “fans supporting local music.” Reppin’ local by teaming with artists, fans and venues to celebrate local efforts. Hurdcore covers metal, hip-hop, pop and rock from Eugene to Seattle to Davenport and beyond. Stay tuned to hurdcore.com, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

The Kingdom of God is near! Turn from your sins and believe this Good News!” - Jesus

Whether you missed the full length interview or you are hungry for more, hurdcore.com is proud to offer you this encore session with Searching For Security guitarist Jason Hartley. To read the entire hurdcore.com SFS interview link HERE to engage a local Midwest metalcore treasure.

I believe music has the power to… To affect a person in many ways, whether it be to inspire, to relax, to enjoy, to escape or just to listen to. The possibilities are endless. Everybody listens to or plays music for their own reasons. Strangest place that you draw inspiration from… sitting in school tapping out rhythms, or humming riffs in your head at Mcdonalds. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… a trailer. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me? All the drama, it gets overbearing watching our fans fight with each other at shows over things that shouldn’t matter so much. Your at a show to enjoy it so just leave the drama at the door and have some fun!!!

Currently reading… History book, ha. Currently watching… Family Guy. Favorite movie… Star Wars. Top 5 songs in my personal iPod right now: Plea For Purging – Eternal Female; August Burns Red – (full album); Black Dahlia Murder – What a horrible to night to have a curse; Whitechapel – This is Exile; Suicide Silence – Lifted. One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… When doing guitar flips, make sure your face doesn’t get in the way.. or your dentist gets an extra visit. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? We have a stretch routine, involving dragon ball z poses and chants. Worst memory that comes to mind from a show/tour… Traveling 3 1/2 hrs to a show that was cancelled 2 nights before..

Searching For Security (Metalcore – Moline, Illinois) is: Aris Hess – Vocals; Cole Elliott – Drums & Vocals; Carl Pierce – Bass; Jason Hartley – Guitar; Mikey Youngs – Guitar. Look for shows, news and the release of their debut EP “Amongst Ruin” at the SFS Myspace.

Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday. Hurdcore.com is working with artists, fans and venues to promote music events from Portland to Spokane to Chicago. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough. – Jesus

“With fans like you, who needs enemies?!” Music fans can be an intense group. If you don’t believe me, listen to the conversations at the cusp of the pit at the next concert you attend. There is nothing more comical than Hot Topic guy or I just learned my first barre chord guy breaking down their favorite (or former favorite) bands before a live performance. Conversations usually digress into pseudo theoretical dissertations about how scene guy could totally shred better than this guitarist or tears shed over how could that band have changed their sound so much. As fans we forget there is a reason that bands are on stage and we are in the audience – someone in the equation put the time in to get their dreams in action and the other party in the discussion paid to observe. Maybe we at hurdcore.com have been asking the wrong questions or maybe some bands are just hesitant to speak their minds, but in our recent interview with the dudes of Showbread we were the glad recipients of an in-depth, insightful and sincere look into the realities of performing music. In an era where the music industry is in serious transition, if not on the verge of death, some artists are taking a very different approach to music. For some, the content of this interview may kick your teeth in but for fans of the art and evolution of music, the path and message of Showbread should be a breath of fresh air.

With this upcoming release and the evolution of your sound, do you anticipate that there will be some initial shock from longtime fans?
SHOW: Shock, frustration, disappointment, excitement… all of these things. It’s very easy and very boring to play to an audience’s comfort. I’d rather divide them, make some of them love us and some of them hate us while challenging the open mindedness of everyone. I love hearing people’s reactions to new Showbread albums, it never fails. Some listeners are so incredibly passionate and enthused and others are completely convinced that we had no idea what we were doing, it’s hilarious.

What about the vision of Come & Live and the timing for your band made the move from a more traditional and established label right for you?
SHOW: Our contract with Tooth And Nail was up right when Chad was getting Come&Live! off the ground. We had been talking with him about it for months and knew it was where we were being led. The idea that we could eliminate the profit minded motivation behind music as a full-time job meant everything to us. At Come&Live! no one will ever make a plan based on what will sell more records, because there are no records to sell in the first place. It’s all about the art and the message, it’s incredibly liberating.

In regards to the free format through which you are releasing your latest album Who Can Know It, you have stated, “Even considering the sorry state the industry is in, the move wasn’t about reinventing the wheel, it was about believing in a message of hope so sincerely that you’d much rather hand it out as a gift than charge someone for it.” What are some of the biggest changes you have seen in the flow of professional music in your time as a band?
SHOW: An ever-growing disinterest. Nowadays so many music fans are spoiled, narcissistic thieves. There’s this mentality of “How dare anyone try and charge me for music. I don’t care that it took hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of hard work to create this thing, these arrogant rock stars should just stop being greedy and give it to me for free.” As a result artists have to spend as much time thinking of ways to “trick” people into buying a record as they do actually making the record itself. They have to tweet and video blog and give away posters just to get someone’s attention for a moment before it’s lost to the next record they steal and dismantle. I honestly believe that in the not so
distant future professional music will be completely dead (except for maybe rap and country) and someone will be forced to figure something out. As intense as that all sounds, that wasn’t why we decided to give our album away for free, but it was something that made our “career” a tremendous challenge when we were on a huge record label.

As I understand, to fund your album you opened the format to the fans with a 90 day fundraiser and were very successful with that effort. Where did this idea come from and what did you learn from this experience?
SHOW: We used a website called Kickstarter.com that has recently really caught on as an effective way to fundraise for all kinds of projects. What we learned is the complete irrelevance of the record label. We raised more money than our label would have given us to make an album that we own and control, and we’re nobodies. What reason is there for a band to stick with a label anymore?

In a season of big changes, you’ve teamed with a free music format, produced your album funded by the fans and are preparing to embark upon a free tour. What has been the response from fans and venues for the 2011 tour?
SHOW: I’m not entirely sure yet, but I’ve been told some funny things. Obviously, a lot of people seem to be happy about a free tour and the possibilities connected to it. Other people criticize it. Someone told me people on the internet said we we’re ruining the industry and that we cheapen our performance by giving it away. Sometimes you can’t win for losing. It’s hard to tell exactly how this thing will work, our hope is that someone who might otherwise stay home will show up and we can get them thinking a little. That’s the draw of a performance for us, not selling tickets or having thousands of people cheer for you, but connecting with individuals and loving them. That’s our ideal “concert.”

The name for this album, Who Can Know It is taken from Jeremiah 17:9, what about this passage inspired the theme and writing for this record?
SHOW: The hint of resign in the tone. The human heart is such an unknowable thing, why do we try? It is “desperately wicked.”

Your sound has always had a heavy core while you have continually colored outside of the lines of any particular genre. Even with that uniqueness to your sound, have you felt the pressure to meet certain expectations as a band (whether from fans or labels or both)?
SHOW: Absolutely not. We decided early on to never even consider the expectations of fans or labels or anyone for that matter. To us, it only matters that we make a record that we believe in because we know the people who appreciate what we’re doing appreciate it for that reason; our unwillingness to compromise.

Showbread (Rock – Guyton, Ohio – Come & Live! Records) is: Josh Dies (vocals/guitars), Patrick Porter (bass), Garret Holmes (synth/guitars) and Drew Porter (drums). Keep up to date with news and tour dates at showbread.net. Download their latest album Who Can Know It? at comeandlive.com or purchase on iTunes.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus

We Came As Romans is rapidly rising within the ranks of the heavy music scene and themselves raising the standard for all with a sound that is fresh, intense and incredibly diverse. We are posting an encore interview with guitarist Joshua Moore, to read the full length hurdcore.com interview with Mr. Moore link HERE. Our thanks to Joshua and Natalie (Equal Vision Records) for facilitating this interview.

The first CD that I purchased was…? Either “The Anatomy of Tongue in Cheek” by Relient K or “Proof That The Youth Are Revolting” by Five Iron Frenzy. Craziest thing that happened to you during a show? Well, yesterday I got kicked in the face by a crowd surfer…not really crazy, but it sucked. What are the weapons (instruments) of choice for your band? The very first discussion we had when we went to the studio to record To Plant A Seed is that no instrument would be ruled out. We have everything from tambourine to glass harmonica, from full brass section to an acoustic guitar. Best piece of advice anyone has ever given to me… To be who and what you want to be, and do what you want to do.

Currently reading… Just the questions to this interview, not much of a reader. Currently watching… Just finished Dexter season 4 and Californication Season 1. Favorite movie… either the Austin Powers trilogy, Anchorman, or The Count Of Monte Cristo. Top 5 songs in my personal iPod right now… I don’t even own an iPod, but if I did: “Love Jealous One, Love” – As Cities Burn; “Breaking” – Anberlin; “The Escape Artist” – August Burns Red; “Into The Sea” – As Cities Burn; “Your Hand in Mine” – Explosions In the Sky. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Nope! I just warm up on guitar.

We Came As Romans (Keycore – Troy, Michigan) is: David Stephens (screaming); Kyle Pavone (vocals/keyboard); Andrew Glass (bass/vocals); Joshua Moore (lead guitar); Brian “Lou” Cotton (rhythm guitar); Eric Choi (drums). Keep up to date with the band through the WCAR website and get yourself a copy of their latest album To Plant A Seed (Equal Vision Records) which is available everywhere.

Hurdcore.com is open to new partnerships to promote local music. Contact us to discuss opportunities for album reviews, event promotion or content management – hurdcore@gmail.com (be specific in subject line). Keep rocking local, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – Jesus

Listening to Devils Of Loudun is like the sound track for slaying something evil. Devils Of Loudun bring a core of rapid paced melodic death metal masterfully blended with serpentine vocals and keys that transition from creepy to elegantly macabre. Rising from and with the growing Tacoma, Washington heavy music scene, the gentlemen of DOL bring a creative grit to their technical brand of metal. Our thanks to these Northwest metal musicians for sharing their thoughts in this exclusive hurdcore.com interview with the members of Devils of Loudun.

How do you prepare your throat for the brutality of serpentine vocals?
DOL: It just comes naturally but a little Green Tea or any other smoothing beverage definitely helps.

I was amazed by the prominence and diversity of keys in your music. The keys transition from the classic creepy augmentation to the metal sound to a purer layer of beauty which weaves a lot of depth into your sound. I know the keys are a recent addition, but were keys an original element in the band’s vision or did the concept to add them evolve over time?
DOL: Long before Ben joined the band we had always discussed having a keyboardist and the depth it could add to our bands sound. Unfortunately we were never able to find a keyboardist who shared our vision for the band and so we continued without one but always had kept the idea in the back of our heads. We had actually started writing songs with keyboards included in them a week or two before we had even found Ben’s craigslist add; and once Ben tried out we knew right off the bat that he was the man for the job as he shared our vision, influences and ambition to write intense, dark, melodic death metal.

Keys have become rather sexy as of late in pop and post hardcore but still not as common in sounds as purely metal as yours, how do you find the balance of when to use and not to use the keys?
DOL: When writing a song we do not have any preconceived notions of how many parts need or do not need keyboards. Most of the time while writing we find that we can almost always make a certain part/riff/chorus sound better by adding a keyboard part; and so with most our songs we would say that our keyboardist Ben has a lot more parts than a typical metal keyboardist would have. Keyboards are a versatile instrumental that can really add depth and layers to music when used correctly and so we tend to favor a more keyboard heavy sound.

All genres have their bands that are one dimensional with every song basically blending into the next, you have crafted a very technical sound that seamlessly showcases each component of your band. How much of your sound is painstaking technical efforts and how much of it is a function of cohesion and improvisation during your practices?
DOL: We tend to keep our practices and song writing very structured and down to business, so there is not much room for improvisation or jamming. The songs are usually written well before we ever get into the basement to practice the song, and then while actually playing the song we will tweak or adjust any sections/parts that need improvement.

Your name derives from 17th Century French “religious fanaticism and demonic possession,” are you that versed in Huxley’s historical narratives or did you discover the tale as you were hashing out potential band names?
DOL: Everyone in the band is interested and influenced by history, mythology, and theology. When we were passing around band names we found that most were either taken, generic or did not represent anything we wanted to express with our music. Our singer Grant had come to us with the name “The Devils of Loudun” from a book of the same name by Aldus Huxley and we immediately found it to be fitting. We loved the story of the book and how it weaved real historical events with themes of religious deviance and political corruption. We also felt that with a name as encompassing and ambiguous as “The Devils of Loudun” we would be able to play any type/genre of death metal we felt; something that is very important to our band as overtime we plan for our sound to evolve and grow.

Devils Of Loudun is in the process of recording and sending out demo’s, are you going totally grassroots or do you have a team helping you get the word out?
DOL: The effort has very much been a do-it-your-self task but we appreciate and respect all of our fans/friends/family who have helped us spread the word about our music; and there have been many. Domo arigatou.

Are you all Washington natives?
DOL: Drew, Grant and Ben were all born in Washington State. Jamey and Scott were born in California, but both grew up on Vashon Island, WA from an early age. Jose was born in Costa Rica and moved to Washington when he was 10 years old. Regardless, we all have much love and pride for our home state Washington.

What are some of the most encouraging things emerging from your local scene that those who aren’t from your area may not be aware of?
DOL: The most encouraging things emerging in our local Washington metal scene are the promoters and venues who go out of their way to help not very well known bands like us get more exposure. One of our favorite promoters who has helped since our very first show would be a man named Lonnie Local. The amount of work he puts into helping book and promote Washington state metal bands is very admirable. He just recently has started his own webisode series which on the very first episode interviewed us, another awesome band named Helles and the owner and operator of Sumner’s D4 venue, Curtis Everett. The interview also contains live clips of both our bands and we encourage everyone to check it out HERE.

Devils of Loudun (Death Metal – Tacoma, WA) is: Guitar – Scott Hermanns, Bass – Jamey Pierson, Drums – Hosbo, Lead Guitar – Drew “Tuelshed” Tuel, Keys – Ben Velozo, Vocals – Grant Loudun. Keep up to date with shows, songs and news about their upcoming release at the DOL Myspace.

Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday. Hurdcore.com is working with artists, fans and venues to promote music events from Portland to Spokane to Chicago. Whether hardcore, punk, indie or rap. Check in throughout the week, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

I have come to call sinners to turn from their sins, not to spend my time with those who think they are already good enough. – Jesus

As a follow up to our full interview with Portland progressive hardcore band Bring Me Solace, we offer this encore blitz with vocalist Josh. Read the full hurdcore.com interview with Josh and Garret of Bring Me Solace from earlier this year HERE.

One of our songs that personally means a lot to me… Of Solitude because I wrote it after going through a stint of depression. To me its a song of healing. If I had an extra $1000, the first piece of equipment I would purchase for the band is… Keyboard or synth! …maybe even a key-tar. One unforgettable experience as a performer that taught me volumes about music… Seeing how intense the pit was and the extremely positive reaction we got at the It Prevails show we played this past June. It was pretty incredible. For me music is… an extension of myself. Current trend in music/scene that bugs me… Pretty much trends in general bug me, it keeps true creativity suppressed. People should just listen to the music based on their personal music tastes. Don’t be afraid to be different.

Currently reading Anger: Wisdom for cooling the flames by Thich Nhat Hanh. Currently watching The Office season DVD’s. Favorite movie Step Brothers. Top 5 songs in my personal ipod right now… “Chrono” The Ghost Inside, “Whether to cry or Destroy” Shai Hulud, “Fever Dreams” Circa Survive, “The Walk” Periphery, and pretty much any song off of the album Diamond Eyes by Deftones. Any crazy pre-performance rituals? Blueberry Green tea and honey. everything the body needs. What are the weapons of choice for your band? A sack of oranges.

Bring Me Solace is a 5 piece Progressive Metal band from Portland, Oregon whose current roster includes: Garret/Drums, Cory/Guitar, Josh/Vocals, Brandon/Bass and Adam/Guitar. Listen to the music, keep up to date via the BMS Myspace and keep an eye out for their debut EP “Nomadic Refuge” to release soon.

Applying the hurdcore.com spin to album reviews, band bios and artist interviews. Covering local metal, hip-hop and indie artists and events from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Illinois and far beyond. Interviews with local bands posted every Sunday, friend us on myspace and join us facebook.

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? - Jesus