Deathgrave Returns with Hell is Evil

San Jose, California’s deathgrind luminaries, Deathgrave, are making a thunderous return with their third studio album, Hell is Evil. Decibel Magazine is thrilled to offer an exclusive early stream of this highly anticipated release. Formed over a decade ago by the seasoned musician and engineer Greg Wilkinson, known for his work with Autopsy and Brainoil, Deathgrave has consistently delivered a barrage of releases and live performances.

Musical Evolution and New Influences

With Hell is Evil, Deathgrave broadens their sonic horizons, infusing their signature sound with eclectic influences from thrash, death metal, punk, noise rock, and even industrial elements. This ambitious 32-minute record is a whirlwind of intensity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its chaotic beauty. The album officially drops on August 21, courtesy of Tankcrimes, and fans can dive into the music through our exclusive stream below.

Interview with Greg Wilkinson

The Impact of Time: Changes Since the Last Album

“It’s been about three years since the last Deathgrave album. What’s changed in that time?”

“Literally, the world has changed in ways that aren’t particularly great. For Deathgrave, however, we took the opportunity to explore new musical boundaries and fully develop our sound. When we began writing It’s Only Midnight, many songs felt outdated by the time of its release. With Hell is Evil, we all musically aligned, allowing us to expand our sound with a more solid focus. This album was freshly composed from start to finish, bringing excitement to the creation process.”

Musical Directions: Blending Genres

“What musical ideas guided your work on Hell is Evil? Some tracks have a very grindy feel, while others lean more toward punk. Was that intentional?”

“We’ve always been a band that straddles multiple genres. This album is no different, but I focused on blending styles and transitions more seamlessly. Each song was crafted with a specific musical motif, leading some tracks to lean heavily in one direction or another.”

Lyrical Themes: A Diverse Narrative

“Does the album title relate to the lyrics throughout the record? The title track seems to depict a fictional Hell, while ‘Born from Death’ addresses Georgia’s anti-abortion laws.”

“Not really; each song has its own distinct theme and lyrics.”

Collaboration with Chris Reifert

“Chris Reifert is featured on ‘Hard to Swallow.’ Did that collaboration stem from your time in Autopsy?”

“Yes, it certainly made it easier for him to come down! The brief story is that Andre wanted a rant during the section where Chris sings, but he hit a creative block. While tracking, Andre and Fern suggested Chris, and I reached out to him. He was in the studio within an hour, quickly writing his lyrics after discussing the song’s themes with Andre.”

Recording Process: A Seamless Experience

“You also recorded, mixed, and mastered Hell is Evil. Does this give the band a smoother experience and allow for more creative control?”

“Absolutely. I wrote the basic structure for every song before anyone learned their parts. Everyone contributed their sections immediately, which made our recording process feel almost like ad-libbing. We could have recorded anywhere, but doing it ourselves on our schedule was ideal. When mixing and mastering, I aimed to preserve the raw, untamed essence of Deathgrave. Who better than ourselves to capture that?”

Embracing Improvisation in Creation

“What about the improvisational aspect of your writing and recording?”

“When I record my music, I seize the inspiration as it comes. If something doesn’t fit, I won’t force it. There were times on this album where I altered sections in real-time during tracking because they didn’t align with my vision. This flexibility allows us to capture the essence of inspiration in our work. If a song doesn’t flourish during its creation, it might be best to let it go for now. The key is to keep generating new ideas and embrace the improvisational spirit throughout writing and recording.”

Conclusion

With Hell is Evil, Deathgrave proves their ability to evolve while staying true to their roots. This album showcases their commitment to pushing musical boundaries and delivering intense, thought-provoking content. Fans eagerly awaiting this release can stream it now and anticipate the chaos that Deathgrave is known for.

FAQs

When will Hell is Evil be officially released?

The album is set to officially release on August 21.

Where can I stream Hell is Evil?

You can stream the album exclusively on Decibel Magazine’s website.

What themes are explored in the lyrics of Hell is Evil?

Each song has its own unique theme and narrative, covering a variety of topics and issues.

Who contributed to the album besides the main band members?

Chris Reifert, known for his work in Autopsy, is featured on the track “Hard to Swallow.”

How did Deathgrave approach the recording of the album?

The band recorded, mixed, and mastered the album themselves, allowing for a more flexible and creative process.