Stake Driver Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

We’re a five-piece symphonic black metal from Dayton/Cincinnati Ohio. We formed in July of 2020 with the intention of playing the type of black metal that we as fans of the genre want to hear. Our goal is two produce black metal that is aggressive but also compelling to listen to. We don’t give a fuck about anything else.

2.Recently you have released an album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording? 

With lycanthropy we wanted to produce a record that was a pure and unforgiving black metal assault on the listener. It has elements of thrash and hardcore blended with first and second wave black metal influence that we like. We wanted to produce something that is epic and theatrical but also heavy. 

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Lycanthropy is a concept album, that is something from the start of the band that was important to us. The themes on the record were influenced heavily by the work of Junji Ito and Gary Bradner’s The Howling. On a face value level, it explores story elements of lycanthropy and body horror. I wanted to describe the human form in the most disgusting and demented ways I could. It’s an analogy for the destructive nature of religion in our society, especially Christianity, but also a commentary on how life is meaningless except for the meanings we place on it. End of the day we’re all just ground beef that learned how to think.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Stake Driver'?

As a band all of us are horror movie fans. It’s a riff on the idea of driving a stake into the heart of some marauding ghoul.  We wanted a name that instantly produced a visual of gothic castles and Transylvania upon hearing it.

5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?

The artwork for the record was done by a gentleman by the name of Mourtous. You can find their page on Instagram. Very talented artist. We wanted something visually striking. It says, “this is exactly what you think it is.” It is a “fuck you” to Christianity which we like a lot.

6.Has the band had any opportunities to do any live shows or open to the idea?

Unfortunately, no. Whenever shows become an option again we plan to play wherever will have us.

7.The cassette version was released by 'Cemetery horror Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Cemetery Horror is a black and death metal label out of Pennsylvania. They’ve put out some great releases by Vanen, Eulogist, and Isolated A.d. The head of that label is someone who has an ear to the underground and genuinely wants to help build up young bands. They have been very supportive of everything we’ve done since we dropped our first song. BUY RECORDS FROM THEM!

8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal?

So far, the reaction to us and what we do has been great. When we started the band we didn’t care or expect anyone to enjoy what we were doing so it’s been quite a nice surprise.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

To continue to produce the most pure and heavy black metal we possibly can. To continue what we did on lycanthropy but bigger. 

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays? Our biggest influence is Emperor, specifically in the nightside eclipse. Early Dimmu Borgir, obviously Darkthrone and Mayhem. Urgehal and Enthroned.  As far as first wave bands Bathory and Venom. Some of the less obvious bands like Motorhead, Sodom, Slayer, Agnostic Front, and Necrophagia. 

Currently we really like the new Hulder record, Hellmoon’s Undying blackened glory. The last few Paysage D’Hiver releases are flawless. I’d highly recommend the new Vanen demo and Saidan’s Jigoku. Revenant Marquis, Youth in Ribbons. Pyromancy Arctic Isolation and Kelam’s new demo. Since Pan-Amerikan Native Front released Little Turtles War I’ve been listening to it constantly.  It’s a great time for new black metal, consistently excellent new stuff coming out all the time. 

11.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

There is definitely ideas of Satanism expressed in our lyrics. The occult plays heavily into our visuals and the way we present our band. 

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thank you for interviewing us. Buy records, support small bands, start your own band. The only thing that truly matters in life is music and creating.

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Stake Driver/Lycanthropy 666/Cemetery Horror Productions/2021 Full Length Review

 

  Stake  Driver  are  a  band  from  Dayton,  Ohio  that  plays  a  symphonic  form  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2021  album  "Lycanthropy  666"  which  will  be  released  on  cassette  by  Cemetery  Horror  Productions.

  A  very  fast  sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  a  great  amount  of  tremolo  picking  and  blast  beats  while  symphonic  elements  are  also  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  sections  of  the  songs.  Vocals  are  mostly  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  adding  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  music  is  also heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  era.

  Elements  of  thrash  metal  can  also  be  heard  in  some  of  the  guitar  riffing  while  the  songs  also  add  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  also  done  in  a  very  melodic  style  along  with  a  couple  of  the  songs  also  having  brief  interludes  in  between.

  One  track  also  introduces  clean  playing  onto  the  album  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  also  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well  as  the  vocals  also  deeper  sounding  briefly  as  the  recording  progresses,  classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  briefly  and  spoken  word  parts  are  also  added  on  the  closing  song  which  is  also  very  long and  epic  in  length.  The  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Satanism,  Anti  Christianity  and  Darkness  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Stake  Driver  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Engorged  Remains"  "Beyond  the  Cemetery  Gates"  and  "Washed In  Cursed  Blood".  8  out  of  10.

https://stakedriver.bandcamp.com/album/lycanthropy-666