Wounded
Giant first came to my attention back in 2013 when they released
their excellent debut album – Lightning Medicine. Fast forward 4
years later and the guys have returned with their stunning new album
– Vae Victus.
A
different sounding album to their debut album but one that will still
appeal to long-tme fans of the band. The sound maybe more
experimental, doomier and progressive but it's good to see that
Wounded Giant haven't lost the art of writing a PURE HEAVY FUCKING
EVIL RIFF!!!
Wounded
Giant have teamed up with STB Records to release the album and
managed to drag legendary producer Billy Anderson along for the ride.
It's time to find out more about Wounded Giant. Alex (Drums) and Mark
(Bass) from the band have kindly agreed to this interview.
Can
you give a brief history of how the band came about and where it is
today.
Alex:
Bobby James & I started Wounded Giant about 6 or so years ago.
We both worked at the same bar in Seattle and liked each others other
bands we had going on. When those bands started fizzing out we were
like, " shit man lets jam." We always called having a
safety meeting/ "shift drink" at work "Getting
Wounded" so I brought forward the name Wounded Giant, based off
the ol'groomer that came out of a tunnel cave in Colorado and spoke
of such groom. But that's a whole other story and night of drinking.
I
was jamming with Dylan in another band called O.S.S. (occult secret
service), he loved heavy rock n roll, so it worked out perfect
bringing him in on bass. We hit the road hard for 4 years or so, then
some devastation occurred after recording Vae Victis so Bobby & I
decided to go our separate ways from Dylan. Mark Haber had been a
long time homie and fit the part perfectly so it was an easy addition
bringing him into the band, and here we are today.
Mark: The band had been around for years before I joined. Alex and Bobby approached me in late 2016 about coming on board and playing bass with Wounded Giant, and I jumped at the chance. I've known these dudes for years, and it was a natural fit to play with them. They liked what I brought to the table, so when they offered me the job after the second practice I of course said yes. Easiest decision ever!
How
would you describe your overall sound?
Alex:
Heavy Rock n Roll, Groom from the womb to the tomb.
Mark: Heavy af.
So
we are here to talk about your new album – Vae Victus. What can
people expect from the album?
Mark: They can expect to learn it's the second album. Haha!
Alex:
Definitely a change from Lightning Medicine. A bands first album
your all about finding & exploring your groove and sound. With
Vae Victis we found it.
What
influenced you all when recording the album?
Alex:
Devastation & being pissed, losing a massive amount of friends
over the years, getting fired from jobs, being broke, and overcoming
drug addictions.
Was
it a fulfilling or frustrating experience recording the album?
Alex:
It was amazing
What
is the overall theme of the album?
Alex:
Pissed.
Vae
Victus has a different and progressive feel to your debut album –
Lightning Medicine. Was that the plan to release something different.
Alex:
Yes
I
loved that album as it was one of my faves in 2013. Looking back
would you change anything about that album or would you leave it the
way it is?
Alex:
The production could have been bigger, but honestly probably one of
the funniest recordings I've ever done. Wouldn't change a thing. We
camped out 4 days at our buddies recording studio, bbq'd it up,
smoked ridiculous amounts of weed and drank a stupid amount of
tequila.
You
recorded with Billy Anderson for your new album. How was that
experience like. What does Billy bring to the Wounded Giant sound.
Alex:
It was great working with Billy. We have been friends for years so
there was already that level of comfortable-ness. He really helps
find a bands best and bring it out, nailed the drum sound I was
looking for to a T!!
Did
Billy give you any important tips when making the album.
Alex:
He let us do our thing, but would chime in if something sounded off.
Will
you be touring this record heavily in the United States.
Alex:
Yes, and hopefully getting overseas as well.
The
album is being released on STB Records How did that come about. One
of the best DIY labels around.
Alex:
Nothing but love for Steve and STB
Did
you have any offers from other labels.
Alex:
STB rules, Steve approached us awhile back with a split offer.
That's when the Wounded/Goya split happened. We developed an awesome
relationship with his since then. We had many other options and
offers when Vae Victis came along but STB is just us!! our style
D.I.Y. punk hardcore metal roots and the overall love for the bands
and the quality of work put forth. Not these other labels that jump
on a cool hot sound for the moment.
It's
being released on the legendary vinyls that Steve STB produces. Did
you have any input into the overall design of the final package. Or
did you let Steve STB do his thing.
Alex:
We're all about Steve doing his thing.
What
is the song-writing dynamic in the band. Is it a group participation
or down to one individual.
Alex:
Bobby writes the words, and presents a good amount of the riffs,
then we as a whole structure and create the song.
Mark: As the new guy, I've only had the privilege of writing one song with WG, but I can tell you it's definitely a collaboration.
Are
you all involved with different musical projects or is Wounded Giant
your main band.
Alex:
At the moment Mark plays bass and fronts 'Blame the Wizards' and I
play drums in UN (Seattle's heaviest funeral doom)
Mark: My other project is called "Blame the Wizards". We're kinda stoner-rock GWAR. It's a newer project, but we have our self-titled EP out on Spotify.
Before
you go, do you have anything to say to your fans.
Alex:
Thank you for all your support and hope to see you out on the road
soon
Mark: The ride so far has been amazing. So happy to be a part of the Wounded Giant family. Can't wait to get out on the road and support "Vae Victus"!!!
Well
guys, thanks for doing this. All the best with the new album.
Stunning record. Loud and noisy as hell.
Words
by Steve Howe and Wounded Giant
Thanks to Jadd for
arranging this interview and for Wounded Giant for doing the
interview.
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