Godhunter Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?

Mainly just a lot of production of the album itself, like the packaging. And setting up a couple tours and the release show.


2.Recently you recorded a new album, can you tell us a little bit about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from your past recordings?

I think we stretched ourselves a little with this album. Really reached for some new sound sand ideas. Incorporated more influences and put a lot more time into it.


3.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and political samples that you used on the new album?

All of the lyrical topics on the album deal with the fucked up situation we're all dealing with in America these days. The samples are all from people that we highly respect, like Howard Zinn, Chris Hedges and most importantly, Edward Abbey.


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

The name Godhunter was actually taken from a Beta Ray Bill comic book, but it's so confrontational and easy to misinterpret that we just loved it too much not to use. 


5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We've played a shit ton of really fun and crazy shows. I think opening up for Clutch is probably the biggest show ever played. We just try to keep it high energy on stage.


6.Do you have any touring plans for the new album?

Yes, we'll be touring the west coast with Secrets Of The Sky in June, with a stop at Doom In June on that tour. We'll be doing a longer tour in October, then probably hitting the east coast in Spring.


7.A couple of months back you put out a split album with 'Anakim', what are your thoughts on the other band that participated on the split?

They are good friends and brothers from our hometown of Tucson. Love those dudes. Great song. Great band.


9.Can you tell us a little bit more about Battleground Records?

We needed an imprint to put out our half of City Of Dust, and David and his friend Ryan have been kicking around the idea of starting a record label for a few years, so the time just seemed right to do it. Battleground is starting small, focusing on Arizona bands, but they do have plans to expand. 


10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge and hardcore?

It seems to be pretty good. We've shipped merch and albums to every continent. We even shipped some stuff to a guy stationed in Antarctica, so that's pretty cool. People seem to dig it and we love that.


11.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?

Charlie has been playing in hardcore band Gat Rot for almost 20 years now. And Jake and Dick have a side project called Acidalia, which is a female fronted doom band. Andy has a noisy sludge rock band called Methra and Matt also plays in a black metal band called Our Daily Trespasses. 


12.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Not really sure where we are headed. We just recorded a new song for a split with Secrets Of The Sky from Oakland, and we think it's the best, heaviest song we've done yet. We're writing more songs another EP that are a step ahead of what is on City Of Dust. We're also writing for a secret project now that won't come to light for another year or so. Mainly, we just want to always keep writing and expanding our sound.


13.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We all listen to different stuff, so it's really hard to keep track of what anyone in my band is listening to lately. Collectively, we've been listening to the shit out of bands like ASG, Amigo The Devil, Herder and Kylesa. I can say that the album that came out last year from The Lion's Daughter & Indian Blanket has had a huge affect on us. I could see some of those influences seeping in.


14.Do you have any non musical interests?

Mainly we get together for drinks if we're not playing a show or writing songs. Everyone in the band has real jobs and busy lives, so we don't spend a lot of downtime together. Some of us are very interested in smoking weed. I guess that could be called a hobby. Haha.


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

Just want to say thank to everyone that's checking out the new album. We put a lot into it, and we really appreciate people giving it a chance. Thanks!