An Interview With WOUNDED GIANT

 

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.

Mark: We're currently setting up tours for mid and late summer, so expect to see us later this year.

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.

Vae Victis will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via STB Records from April 01st 2017.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Wounded Giant - Vae Victis (Album Review)

Release date: April 01st 2017. Label: STB Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Vae Victus – Tracklisting

1.Vae Victis 09:30

2.Dysthiest 06:20

3.Immanentize The Eschaton (Jim Jones Instrumental) 04:43

4.Scum Of The Earth 07:03

5.The Room Of The Torch 07:36

6.Green Scar 06:09

Members:

Dylan A. Rogers. - Bassworshipper

Alex Bytnar. - Drumworshipper

Bobby James. -Riffworshipper

Review

Wounded Giant make a welcome return after a lengthy four year absence from their debut album - Lightning Medicine. Sure they've released an EP's and split record but this time they've come back stronger than ever with their new album - Vae Victis. Newly signed to STB Records, the guys have not only teamed up with that awesome label but they have also called upon the talents of legendary producer Billy Anderson to produce their new album.

Vae Victis sees Wounded Giant create a more diverse and progressive sound heard on their debut album. Though fans of their debut album will be treated to some familiar sounds spliced throughout the album. Vae Victis has a more Melvins/Soundgarden influenced style of sound. It works as their familiar Doom/Stoner riffs hold everything together.

The opening title track is ten minutes of twisted and distorted noise rock driven sounds that owes a huge debt to The Melvins but it's still a song that sees Wounded Giant create their own sound. The song is quite political at times with sharp, bleak and social conscience lyrics adding quite a rebellious punk feel to Wounded Giant's sound. The song offers moments of heavy pounding sludge grooves and it's perhaps the albums standout track. The sound is very raw from the start but with Billy Anderson involved it still sounds superb.

Second track - Dysthiest - offers a more gloomy style of Doom/Stoner Rock with grungier sounds making a commanding appearance with the band offering another subtle take on the modern world. The heavy drumming and guitars are the main standout with the vocals not too far behind. You can hear elements of nineties style Noise Rock slowly playing in the background as the band move that little further away from the music they created on their debut album. This has song has a more world weary approach but fans of Doom and Stoner Metal can fully appreciate this track.

Third track - Immanentize The Eschaton - is the most gloomiest and depressing song on the album as Wounded Giant blend gloomy atmospherics with a touch of Occult Rock appearing with the cool organs playing throughout. The band adds heavier moments as the song progresses. Another standout track on the album. The song has a very minimal approach but the political message contained within the song that speaks major volumes.

The final three songs on the album - Scum Of The Earth, The Room Of The Torch and Green Scar carry on the political and social messages the band delivers but told through the power of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal. The atmosphere can be very experimental at times as Wounded Giant play a wide different style of sounds though remaining a true Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal band. The vocals are once again sung with precise anger and that blends perfectly well with the heavy grungy sounds the band surrender themselves to.

The final three songs range from six to seven minutes in length. So expect moments of pure distorted heaviness and sonic experimentation.

Truth be told, it took me a long time to fully appreciate this album as my first listen it left me rather cold by the whole experience. I've only enjoyed it with multiple listens and listening closely to the lyrics that I started to fully appreciate what an epic and stunning album this really is. My final thoughts on Vae Victis are that Wounded Giant has exceeded themselves with this album. As it's a spellbinding take on all things Rock, Metal and everything in between.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jadd for the promo. Vae Victis will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via STB Records from April 01st 2017.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp