February 2023
Formed when? 2008
Based in what city? Joplin, Missouri
Social Media accounts/website/contact info? https://linktr.ee/Gravehuffer…
Artist members/rolls? Ritchie Randall – Guitars, Mike Jilge – Bass, Travis McKenzie – Vocals, Todd Morrison – Drums
Subgenre(s) of your music? Metal, Punk, Grind, Sludge, Crust
RTA: What was the story in forming the band?
Ritchie: Mike and I formed the band in 2008 after being in a previous band in the late 90s. Our first drummer Larry was also in the band. We basically picked up where we left off.
RTA: What is the inspiration in your music?
Ritchie: A lot of our inspiration comes from the mood we happen to be in when we write music. If we are in a bad mood it comes out fast and angry. If we’re in a good mood, it comes out, sometimes more technical sounding. If we’re bummed out, the music tends to be slower and more deliberate.
RTA: Favorite artist(s) (not yourself)?
Ritchie: Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, Napalm Death, Brutal Truth, Genesis, RUSH, Voivod, etc.
RTA: Favorite movie(s)?
Ritchie: The Exorcist, The Shining, Heavy Metal Parking Lot, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Repo Man, Godzilla, and lots of documentaries.
RTA: Last album/EP/single release?
Ritchie: Our last album NecroEclosion released in January 2021.
RTA: Any upcoming music releases? When?
Ritchie: Our newest album comes out February 17 and it’s called Depart From So Much Evil.
RTA: Upcoming shows/tours?
Ritchie: We have about 20 shows booked this year. So far we’re playing everywhere from Colorado to Florida to Michigan and everywhere in between including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa and I’m sure will add more to that.
RTA: What is a venue you always wanted to perform in? Why?
Ritchie: The Buddakan in Japan simply because so many classic live albums have been recorded there.
RTA: What artist(s) would you want to tour with?
Ritchie: We were talking about wanting to tour with Napalm Death. That would be the ultimate but there’s lots of bands we’d love to play with; Cattle Decapitation, Carcass, Morbid Angel, Voivod, and the list goes on.
RTA: What brand instrument(s) do you play? Any favs?
Ritchie: We are endorsed by several brands, such as Solar Guitars, SIT, strings, Custom Audio Mutation amps, Coffin Cases, in tune, guitar picks, Firebird straps, and various other pieces from WB Gear.
RTA: What is a favorite story you’d like to share about the band?
Ritchie: One of the coolest things we’ve ever done was last October when we played Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest. There were 1200 people there and all of the bands were absolutely amazing! The stage crew and sound man were on top of their game and this was the first show these people had ever put on! Metal Devastation Radio, who we’ve been friends with for many years put this together. We hope they continue to keep doing this for years to come.
RTA: What is the song of yours that means the most to you?
Ritchie: There’s a new song on the new album called brainstorm that is very very personal to me and my battles with anxiety and depression. On a personal level, that song means the most.
RTA: What was your most memorable performance?
Ritchie: I’d say our most memorable performance was again the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest, but there is also a runner up where we played a show here in Joplin at a place called Blackthorn Pizza & Pub, and a bunch of the crowd showed up with foam swords, clubs and shields, and proceeded to have a battle in the mosh pit the whole time we were playing, so that was pretty cool too!
Check out our review of Gravehuffer’s new album Depart From So Much Evil here!
