Interviews: Beware Of Gods

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal/Post-Metal/Post-Hardcore band Beware Of Gods from the USA. Check out this interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or come out like that?

I actually initially received what I call a ‘spiritual’ or ‘psychic’ download regarding the name I Nomad that came through the song ‘It Sleeps’ from PT I. This became the name of the protagonist in the concept narrative of this 4 part album. Nom is French for name & AD came through as After Death so it meant I Am Named After Death, which is the first track on PT I & the sub title of the album as well. There are a lot of bands with Nomad in their name, so briefly I had names like: Arctic Funeral, White Worm, Blood Vulture & House of Locusts (the name of the last track on PT I. Ultimately, my good friend & fellow guitarist/songwriter Tom Law sent me a poem that referenced the phrase Beware Of Gods as it relates to Cortez first arriving on the shores of Mexico. The indigenous peoples there had never seen ships or weapons or battle garb like that so they’re eyes didn’t see them coming until they reached the shore, at which point, they welcomed, unbeknownst to them, their murderers as Gods. I just loved the name & how it could be applied to so many concepts, whether the Gods of our own ego-driven minds, Self Worship, addiction, politicians, celebrities, and/or corrupt preachers, religious icons, false idols.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I’d say my music isn’t one genre & I’d say it’s less a matter of ‘want’ than ‘need’. I have been writing, producing, performing & recording heavy metal (at the root) for decades. My issue had been most of the bands I was in weren’t heavy enough, bold enough, dark enough or dangerous enough so when I found myself receiving these ‘downloads’ during the lockdown, I committed to following my Muse down whatever Unknown path she chose to lead me & it has culminated this far in an amalgam of Proto Doom, Post Metal, Stoner Rock, Psych Rock, Sludge, Groove Metal, Post Metal & Industrial.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

This is not a traditional band. I work with Kellii Scott, the drummer & he has become a friend & a mentor. We have mutual friends & contacts in the music business, but we did not know each other prior to Beware Of Gods. My Sound Designer Feederwire, aka Alex Stilts (Projektor, Mesa Verde, REKT) has worked on a previous project together. I am solidifying a live band which includes Trey Bogworth of Black Road & Faces Of The Bog, two incredible Doom/Stoner Metal bands in Chicago. We got connected through our mutual friend Feederwire.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

I can only speak for myself. I have favorite bands from different genres. As far as metal goes, my top 2 fav bands right now are Prong (forever) & Mastodon

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Creative Intelligence, Spirit of the uh inverse, God. Whatever you choose to call it. I am inspired by something outside of myself most of the time. Outside of that esoteric answer, definitely inspired by films & in particular, Sci Fi Horror & Noir. Also literature from HP Lovecraft to Stephen King to William James, Herman Hesse, Greek Mythology, John Milton, Dante, Melville & The Bible (Jonah & The Whale inspired a track from PT II called ‘Submerged By The Ghost Of A White Whale’.

6. Where was your last gig?

No gigs yet, but have received invites to play at Burlington Bar, Livewire & a couple of other venues here in Chicago, IL. I got my sights set on gigs outside of the US, honestly. America is the never ending pissing contest.

7. Where would you like to act?

Do you mean play? Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, the UK. Wherever really.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Mastodon, Deftones, Failure, Conan

9. Whom not?

Probably not bands that ‘apologize’ for their heaviness by playing it safe with cheesy emo pop choruses.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I can have it. I have had it. You have to not try to fight the fear but just accept it & do the ‘thing’ anyway. Jump into the Deep End with faith & trust.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Chat Pile recently, Deftones, Failure, Quicksand, Prong, VOIVOD, Anthrax, Conan, YOB, Skinny Puppy, Mastodon, Faith No More, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

When I had longer hair, I was in the Bay Area in CA. The band was Suicide Saloon & a girl wanted a lock of my hair.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I am beyond grateful for every fan. Most of them are outside the US & their support is priceless.

14. What do you think of our site?

I love it. It’s different & feels very driven towards genuine support of independent artists.

15. Something to add?

I would simply add that I take little credit for where I’m at in my musical journey. I’m actually lucky to be alive & have been sober 7 years. My life, every breath, every note, every word of every song is a miracle.