GRAVERIPPER

The last few years have seen a real influx of younger bands that are ready to step up and take the reins from the forefathers of extreme metal. Names like ENFORCED, HIGH COMMAND, FROZEN SOUL and BLOOD INCANTATION come to mind.

Now get ready to add Indiana’s GRAVERIPPER to this list. Their new album “Seasons Dreaming Death” is a snarling mixed breed pitbull that combines balls-out thrash with some black metal malevolence. One listen to this album and I was sold on these infernal cats. And also compelled to seek them out and speak to them.

Mission accomplished! Here’s a chat with vocalist/guitarist Corey Parks….

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: Greetings and hails to GRAVERIPPER! Since your name will be relatively new to our readers, give us a brief rundown of the band history and members.

COREY PARKS: We are Black Metal inspired Thrash N Roll.

Keegan Hrybyk - Lead Guitar

Corey Parks - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

Chris Pilotte - Bass Guitar

Jacob Lett - Drums

That's our current lineup. We've gone through a different guitar player and a couple drummers. Been around for 4 or 5 years ….maybe somewhere inbetween.

WC: Is GRAVERIPPER the first major band for you to be involved in or do you have some background with other bands?

CP: I don't know about "major"...all members have backgrounds with bands of similar caliber. 

WC:  Your debut full length “Seasons Dreaming Death” is now out. First impressions are super important in today’s crowded scene. What was the main impression you wanted to give first time listeners with the album?

CP: An ass kicking record.

Apart from that, refined expansion. Double down on what resonates with us, but also introduce some new arrangements, ideas, themes, and influences. With this being a full length record there was a lot more room to do that. We introduced more teutonic thrash worship that teeters on the line of death metal. Also took this as an opportunity to prove we can really play some straightforward malicious black metal riffing as well. All while keeping the overall sonic goal of sewing black and thrash together in our own unique ratio.

WC: I understand the new album has increased some of the black metal influences on your sound. What were some of the main black metal bands that influenced you?

CP: Too many to list. Let’s just say second Wave Norwegian.

WC:  As I listened to “Seasons Dreaming Death”, I thought it started out with ripping thrash metal and the black metal vibe subtly increased until the last couple of tracks “And I Curse Reality” and “Only Coldness” really kicked those vibes up. Would you agree and if so, was that the way you planned it or did it just naturally happen that way?

CP: Just happened naturally. Which is great because those last two are very "ending" songs, contextually. 

WC:  As far as band lyrics go, is it just story-telling, or is there a real belief system or ideology you are trying to get across?

CP: Both. For example, "Into the Grave" is about completely devoting yourself to a cause/belief you find to be true to yourself.

"Resist Against the Light" is a continuation of a theme we introduced on RADIATED REMAINS. We had a song that was a sci-fi thrash influenced ripper, so we expanded its concept. The original spoke of an army of machines powered by forgotten occult magic unleashing nuclear war on man. This song tells the story from the other perspective, the small remaining humans waging war against the machines. Yeah, I am a huge Terminator fan.

WC: How do you come up with songs? Is it a collaboration or is there one “general” that directs everything?

CP: Mostly me, but this record was much more collaborative. We did a lot of self editing on this record. There are some songs that did not make it that might show up on future releases or never see the light of day. We really wanted to raise the bar for ourselves. We're extremely proud of it. There are some parts on this record where it feels like the earth is crumbling beneath your feet, like the end is here.

WC:You guys are from Indianapolis. What’s the scene like there? Is it flourishing or is it rather difficult to operate there? I know the band WRAITH is from your neck of the woods.

CP: It's flourishing. There are a lot of great acts from Indy and the surrounding areas that span a vast landscape of genres who are putting out killer releases and hitting the road to put the work in.

WC: Is the band active on the live front? What’s been your most memorable gig if so?

CP: We are. We've played some cool gigs, Chicago with WORMWITCH, Indy with BEWITCHER, we played FTA, did a show in Los Angeles, so those are cool. We're going on tour around the midwest to support SEASONS so I'm really looking forward to that. 

WC:  When it comes to thrash, would you say you get more influence from American/Bay area type bands or the European/Germanic stuff?

CP: Both. Depends on the day.

WC:Who would be on your “Mount Rushmore” of thrash bands?

CP: Just us 4 times, haha!

WC: Do you have any ideas for new material after “Seasons Dreaming Death” or is it too soon?

CP: Always. Never too soon, we’re always cooking.

WC: I understand Joel Grind from TOXIC HOLOCAUST helped you out on the new album? What was that process like and did you get to meet him in the flesh?

CP: He didn't really help on the new album. He mastered one of our older releases. No, have not met him in person yet.

WC:  Has GRAVERIPPER ever had a “Spinal Tap” moment where things went haywire that you could share with the fans?

CP: Oh yeah, I can't talk about most of them haha.

WC:  Any last words for the fans?

CP: Thank you so much for the support! Hope to see all of you very soon at some gigs!

GRAVERIPPER