Band Biographies: GRAVESHADOW

Mixing symphonic and gothic metal with elements of doom, thrash and epic progressive power metal, GRAVESHADOW deftly bridge the gap between swords and shred. The California-based group recently unveiled a new single, “Gwynnbleidd,” their first release since their acclaimed 2018 sophomore full-length, “Ambition's Price.” The song – inspired by the popular Netflix fantasy drama “The Witcher” – also marked the recording debut of two new members, vocalist Rachl Quinn and bassist Luci Rae, who joined returning guitarists Will Walker and Aaron Robitsch to create an exciting taste of what's to come.

Before we peek toward the future, though, we first must look to the past. The GRAVESHADOW tale began in earnest in 2014, when the group self-released an EP that caught the attention of Belgium's Mausoleum Records. From there, the band's debut album, 2015's “Nocturnal Resurrection,” hailed by Metal Temple as an “epic melody of steel with a fusion of what we all love in metal,” served as notice of a compelling new arrival on the symphonic/gothic metal scene.

Having built a steady following in the Western United States through regional tours and performances alongside the likes of Arkona, Children of Bodom, Apocalyptica, Marty Friedman, Death Angel, Flotsam and Jetsam and Anvil. GRAVESHADOW signed with M-Theory Audio in 2017 and continued to tour aggressively while working on their second album, “Ambition's Price.”

Produced and mixed by Armand John Anthony (Night Demon, Gygax), and mastered by Colin Davis at Imperial Mastering (Deeds of Flesh, Origin), “Ambition's Price” featured stunning cover artwork by Serbian designer Dusan Markovic (Jag Panzer, Seven Kingdoms). The album saw GRAVESHADOW merging fantasy-based lyrics with crushing guitars, beautiful keyboard melodies, thundering bass, earth-shattering drums and powerful vocals that range from operatic highs to unearthly growls, creating a rich and dynamic musical atmosphere ripe for storytelling.

GRAVESHADOW supported “Ambition's Price” by touring and performing with acts including Sirenia, Angra and former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen. Although the album was well-received and the band's live prowess bolstered their reputation, the group experienced some growing pains in 2019, to the point where Walker and Robitsch considered starting a new group from scratch. A friend of the band had other ideas, however, and recommended that they contact vocalist Quinn (ex-Shokker).

“When we heard Rachl's audition tapes,” Walker says, “there was no question that GRAVESHADOW had a chance to come back stronger than ever,” Walker says. Adds Robitsch, “Words cannot describe my excitement for what this lineup has in store! I will cherish the memories shared with the ‘Ambition’s Price’ lineup, but I'm confident that new team is worthy of the GRAVESHADOW name!”

“Gwynnbleidd” is expected to on GRAVESHADOW's forthcoming EP, which is on track to be relesed before year's end. Stay tuned for additional information, as well as more new music.