Interviews About Albums: Spiral Grave - Ill Repute (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Doom Metal band Spiral Grave to ask questions about their album, "Ill Repute".

1. What can you say about Ill Repute?

Ill Repute is our “COVID album.” During lockdowns, we wanted to be productive, and with live shows not happening we started writing. I think the songs here really capture the emotions of what we were feeling at the time.

2. What is the meaning of the Ill Repute name?

When Willy (Rivera, guitar) and Lou (Strachan, bass) brought in the main riff to that song, it immediately made me think “Where would be the worst place to die?” For me, that place would be in a crack house in South Cumberland MD, and that’s what the song is about. When it came time to title the album, this seemed like a great title to run with.

3. Which one is the composer of the Ill Repute?

All of the album’s tracks are by Dee Calhoun (lyrics) and Willy Rivera/Louis Strachan/Jason Waldmann (music).

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

That is almost impossible to decide; it would be like choosing one’s favorite child. Every song and its subject matter is something very personal to me. In the live setting, the ones that I get the biggest charge out of are probably The Death of Ronnie M. and Lungful of Blood.

5. Is there a special message in Ill Repute? If there is what is it?

There’s nothing hidden or that needs to be deciphered. It’s all right out in the open. If there is something we’re proud of, it’s that we took a very uncertain time in history and used it to craft something that we’re very happy with.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

From the song Ill Repute: “The squalor and the pain forevermore deranged/some chalk has marked the last to go/insidious – oblivious – with claw marks in the concrete/inside the house where you will die alone.

7. Which inspirations have been important for Ill Repute? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Our families, friends, fans, and each other. Again, it was a very strange time for everyone, but we banded together and used the time wisely. The support for our efforts was huge, and we’re very thankful for that.

8. Something to add?

We are very excited for people to hear this album. If our debut (2021’s Legacy of the Anointed) was our Rocka Rolla, this is our Sad Wings of Destiny. Dig in, sit back, and enjoy.