Barrows Interview

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



All in all, we're just a band who loves to play music. We infuse all of what we've learned through life experiences into creating a sound that describes all of us in one. But, in essence...there's not a whole lot more to tell, haha. We're a group of guys, trying our hardest to do what we love. We don't have some epic story or some crazy coincidences that brought us forth. This is just our favorite thing to do and we'd love to keep on doing it.





2. So far you have recorded one album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?



It's always been a little tough to describe what musical sound we have. We're kind of like the textbook definition of entropy, “an equilibrium from organized chaos”. We're fast, we're hard hitting, sometimes slow and crushing, have our mixed bag of tempos, and we're technical where we see fit. It's a mash up of our influences and our own specific styles that we've developed over the years of learning how to voice our instruments.





3. The band has been around since 2008 but waited until 2015 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the 7 year wait?



We started out as a band that was more of a hobby than anything. We'd play shows here and there locally, taking our time with writing. There was also a lineup change, and a few persistent medical issues that held us back too. But about 2 years ago, something changed. Like it clicked in all of our heads at the same time that this felt 'right', it felt 'real”. From there on, we wanted to do this seriously. So, we started to work our asses off, tried our best with writing, and picked out nine of our favorites to record. After that was done, we got our own little studio and recorded forthwith. And that was that. We're as focused as we've ever been as a band now.





4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?



There's a lot of hatred in the lyrics. A specific kind of hatred, born from sadness and abuse. Homicidal hatred, hatred from misogyny, a lot of hatred and wanting destruction of the world, self hatred, and suicide and self destruction.





5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Barrows'?



Well, the word Barrows in itself is a very ambiguous word. We chose the almost archaic meaning, derived from the Old English word bearg, which is a castrated male boar, or swine. The inspiration is from us playing brutal metal. Gotta have a brutal name to support the sound.



6. What are some of the best shows that the band has done so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?



Sometimes the best shows we play are at smaller venues. Generally the crowd is closer, you get to be more intimate with the fans which is a real fun experience. As to our stage performance, we try to put on a show by shying away from the simple - set up, play, tear down, fin. We set up fog machines, lights, strobes, samples, whatever we can get our hands on to make the experience more engaging and interesting for the crowd. We also work at practices to try and get ourselves as tight as possible for when show time comes. Don't want a sloppy show and a tight sounding album.





7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?



Currently, we do have future show dates. Some booked locally, we have a CD release show happening, out of town show in a metal festival. We look to book shows when they come at us. As for touring, we want to spread our name as much as we can and establish as much popularity as possible before any big tour is announced.





8. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?



Yes, and yes. We've received some interest already, and been approached about our full length album. Which is almost surreal to see. Receiving more interest is always really awesome. And, as a band we'd like to reach out and get more people/labels interested in us as well.





9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal and grindcore?



So far, response has been good with how we've been spreading out. Sometimes it can be a challenge for a band from a smaller city to reach out to the world. But thankfully, they invented the internet haha, which makes it way easier. From spreading as much as we have to the online world, and also in our own region, response has been very positive. We really hope to maintain that path of positivity.





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



We're kinda taking it one day at a time. As of now, we're just spreading the word about us, and focusing on writing more material, and setting up more shows. What the future hold for us is a mystery, so we do our best and hope that charging into the unknown brings us good fortune.





11. 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?



Joey: Right now, I'm into the new Cattle Decapitation album, The Last Ten Seconds of Life, and Hands Like Houses. My inspirations range from Frederic Chopin, to Dave McGraw from Cattle Decap. Also Mario Duplantier from Gojira.

Lee: Grindcore and death metal have been my biggest influences, CODC, CIC, and Cattle Decapitation. Right now I'm really going though the original metal that started me off like, Sadis Euphoria, Killtheslavemaster, and Upheaval to name a few. And Wormrot is always being played.

Owen:  Bands like Immolation, Dead Congregation, Axis of Advance, and a lot of West Coast bands (In particular Crackwhore, Abuse, and Sinned) all have a certain feel to them and I'm drawn to that. Songs that you'll rewind back several times just to hear this super awesome riff where every instrument is perfect. Lately it's been a lot of Jayke Orvis, Bethlehem's Dark Metal, and the new Drudkh album.





12. What are some of your non musical interests?



Joey: Well, I'm really into bodybuilding, writing poetry and short stories, and being a biology/anatomy nerd.

Lee: I'm getting into drums a lot more now, getting out of the house and biking and music always has it's place with my other hobbies.

Owen: Love the documentaries, basketball (NBA 2k15), and putzing around the house and yard.



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



Absolutely. A big thanks to you for wanting to interview us. We are moving forward on the locomotive of progress, and would like to thank all who will check us out, whether you're into our style of music or not. New fans are good fans. A shout out to families and friends, we couldn't have done anything like this without the support from you guys. And also thank you to everyone who has ever come out to our shows. It really means a lot to us. This is our favorite thing to do, and we're excited to see where it leads us.