Barren Path: A New Grindcore Force Emerges with “Grieving”

Introduction to Barren Path

Barren Path is set to unveil their debut album, Grieving, on October 31 through Willowtip Records. This release is significant not only for its music but also for the band’s impressive lineup, which consists of seasoned veterans from the grindcore scene. With over a century of collective experience among its five members, Barren Path delivers 13-and-a-half minutes of relentless sonic intensity.

Band Lineup and Formation

Fans of grindcore will recognize guitarist Takafumi Matsubara and drummer Bryan Fajardo as founding members of the influential band Gridlink. As Gridlink was winding down, bassist Mauro Cordoba joined for the final studio album, and guitarist Rory Kobzina completed the lineup for three live performances in 2023, all captured by the legendary Frank Huang. Adding vocal prowess to the mix is Mitchell Luna, who has collaborated with Fajardo in Noisear, Cordoba in Maruta and Shock Withdrawal, and Matsubara on Strange, Beautiful and Fast. The chemistry among these musicians feels like a culmination of years of shared experiences and creative battles.

The Birth of “Grieving”

The genesis of Barren Path can be traced back to the release of Gridlink’s album, Coronet Juniper. After the band disbanded due to creative differences, Matsubara and Fajardo reached out to Luna to develop new material, marking the beginning of a fresh musical endeavor. Luna recalls, “Before that could come to fruition, they had some creative differences with Jon Chang and Gridlink disbanded. They reached out to me to work vocals for the material that they started to write, but we would make it an entirely new project. I, of course, couldn’t turn it down.”

Creative Process and Collaboration

Once the lineup was finalized, the band dove into the writing process. Matsubara and Fajardo took the lead as primary songwriters, aiming to evoke the raw aggression of their earlier works. As the other members contributed their parts, the album began to take shape. Matsubara expressed pride in how the tracks evolved, noting that his riffs enhanced Luna’s lyrics, creating a powerful synergy: “That was my proudest contribution.”

Musical Influences and Style

Matsubara humorously cites his influences as “cats, karate, and Tony Iommi,” reflecting a playful approach that translates into his intricate guitar work. The resulting sound combines brutality with finesse, creating what can only be described as an intense auditory experience. Luna, on the other hand, emphasizes a more metallic approach to grindcore, positioning Barren Path as a band rooted in metal rather than punk. He notes, “Everyone in Barren Path is way more of a metal musician than a punk musician.”

Track Highlights

Tracks like “Whimpering Echo” and “Subversion Record” showcase the band’s precision and agility. The experimental “Isolation Wound” features a sci-fi spoken word segment layered over tech-thrash, while “Lunar Tear” presents melodic black metal riffs that burst forth from the album’s dense atmosphere. Luna aims for a unique sound by blending elements from various genres into their grindcore foundation, asserting, “The mission statement is always: a sound that attempts to be somewhat original while still keeping it rooted in grindcore.”

Finding the Band’s Identity

Despite their extensive backgrounds, the band struggled to find a name until Luna discovered the phrase “Barren Path” within his lyrics, finally giving the project its identity. He admits, “In the end, I just looked at all of the lyrics from the songs I wrote, and pulled ‘Barren Path’ from a line. It was right there in front of me the entire time, I just never realized it.”

Conclusion

Barren Path’s debut album, Grieving, promises to be a landmark release in the grindcore genre. With their collective histories and innovative approaches, the band is poised to make a significant impact. Fans should prepare for an exhilarating ride when the album drops on October 31.

FAQs

When is Barren Path’s debut album “Grieving” being released?

The album is set to be released on October 31 through Willowtip Records.

Who are the members of Barren Path?

The band consists of Takafumi Matsubara (guitar), Bryan Fajardo (drums), Mauro Cordoba (bass), Rory Kobzina (guitar), and Mitchell Luna (vocals).

What style of music does Barren Path play?

Barren Path leans towards a metallic style of grindcore, incorporating elements from various genres while maintaining a strong grindcore foundation.

What are some influences on the band’s sound?

The band draws inspiration from various sources, including classic grindcore acts like Assück and Discordance Axis, as well as the late 90s and early 2000s Pittsburgh death/grind scene.

Is there a follow-up album planned?

Yes, Takafumi Matsubara hinted at the anticipation for a second album in the future.