1. When it comes to Hagraven’s origins until today, what is the toughest aspect for the band to conquer, given the current state of metal and the lack of proper major media support?
The toughest challenge presently is writing and recording new songs. We haven’t released enough material yet to really promote anything other than what we have so far.
2. You both started jamming in early fall of 2021, however you took almost 2 years to release some music. What have you been up to?
Haha, I guess almost 2 years is a long time. Many of our jam sessions at the start were intermittent. Probably in the spring of 2022 is when our songs started to sound like songs. We really didn’t know what HAGRAVEN was to become. At a certain point, there was some consideration to change many aspects including the band name. Originally, I think for both of us it was an escape from other peoples take on things. We’ve both also been working on other music projects off and on in addition to working day jobs.
3. What are you best remembrances of the GORO years? Was it rather about some good gigs you played with this grindcore band that should be remembered because of the great aura?
I think my best GORO memory is when we did a short west coast tour in 2016. We played a few decent shows. Our best show on that tour was probably in Spokane Washington, at some house. We sold most of our merch that night in addition to the audience going crazy. We also camped outside a few nights. One night we camped off some desolate road in Northern California and heard shrill growing and screaming from multiple directions from the ridges above where we camped. It was a strange area with a few masonic lodges scattered about in any case.
4. Trevor, you are the main composer. Do you have to feel something special in the riffs to be sure it's "Hagraven riffs"?
As far as riffs are concerned, I try to combine different elements of old school heavy rock/metal with elements taken from raw and atmospheric black metal. I tend to use longer measures with less counts. The riffs have to be dark and aggressive with a sometimes gloomier feel when they’re more black metal oriented.
5. What are the most challenging aspects when writing a song and how do you go about the approach?
One challenging aspect is figuring out how to end songs. There’s been a multiple cases where I’ve rewritten song endings. I try not to use the same formula for every song which can make the process more challenging. So far we’ve been getting down the songs with drums and guitar before lyrics are written. It seems easier for me to right lyrics after the guitar and drums are solid. Some songs are more traditional heavy metal with others more raw black metal, which can alter how I approach my vocal style. So with vocals I basically just have to feel it out until it sounds right.
6. Your first release as a band is a three-song demo. Tell us about the recording sessions, any specific challenges, surprises, or obstacles to get through?
We originally tried recording the guitar first and then the drums on a separate track. But after a few attempts we just decided to simultaneously record two tracks with one mic focused more on the drums and the another on guitar. I’ll track another guitar over that followed by bass and vocals on separate tracks. We didn’t use any sound proofing so there’s a lot of sound bleeding everywhere. We both knew it wasn’t going to be a clean recording. but that’s not what we wanted anyway.
7. Do you have some specific piece of gear or software that greatly facilitates your job?
I have a Tascam Digital Portastudio DP-03, which is how we record. I like it because I don’t have to deal with a laptop as you can mix and master directly on the mixer.
8. The production on your demo is really raw and crushing. What can you tell me about the recording process and what kind of sound you were going for?
The music in of itself is already raw and crushing without much need to edit in post. Aside from very minor things what you hear what we sound like in rehearsal. We definitely wanted our sound to be raw and heavy but also leave room for more delicate harmonies down the road.
9. How much time does it take to put a record together? Do you have extra material that’s left out after choosing what fits you most?
I don’t know. I think it depends on how satisfied you are with the songs on the album you want to put out. Sometimes writing and recording can take longer than expected. And that’s just the recording process, never mind pressing vinyl or any physical copies in mass numbers. If you have deadlines that are predetermined by a label I imagine that forces you to get things done quicker. And yes, we have lots of unfinished material that we will release in the future.
10. How much of a DIY scene is there still left around the world that can support you if you want to tour or release an album on your own?
There’s the local scene here in Salt Lake that are starting to become aware of our music. So I know that at least a few people are willing to help with merch distribution and booking shows. We are almost to that point but we’re in the process of finishing up some new recordings. Then we can start getting the word out a bit more.
11. You guys seem to be very old school in your approach to metal. When in your opinion was the best metal produced?
Mostly the 80’s to the mid 90’s era. There’s also a handful of bands from the 60’s and 70’s that might not be considered metal but still had a darker and/or more aggressive feel.
12. Had it not been for Bandcamp I had not heard of you. How important are the social media in helping spread a band’s name?
Right now it’s very important to have a presence on social media. It’s very helpful in sharing music with people around the world. It can help get the word out faster for anything you’re trying to do as a band. It isn’t the end all be all though. It’s no substitute for having merch, writing awesome songs, and playing shows.
13. Do you know anything about the Southamerican Metal Scene and specially Peruvian one?
The first bands that come to mind for me are SEPULTURA, SARCAFAGO, and HOLOCAUSTO. Recently I’ve become familiar with Peruvian black metal like CEREMONIA OBSCURA and FORSHUFVUD among others. Of course there’s MEGATHERION, who will be featured on the upcoming compilation. We’re fans of the more raw black metal sound which Peru seems to have in abundance.
14. It might be too early, seeing as you’re working on it right now, but what can we expect from the forthcoming album?
The plan for the upcoming release is to combine the 3 songs that we have with 3 more to be released that are almost finished. The digital release will likely happen around mid July. Soon after we will release it on cassette. We haven’t decided on a name for the album but we don’t want to call it “demo 2”. We have ideas we just have to agree on a name. Not sure if it will be considered a demo or an album. We will be continuing to complete and write more material regardless.
15. The last word is yours. What would you like to say to those who support you and by extension the readers of Rotten Pages?
Hail, and thank you to all our supporters. Thank you Rotten Pages for giving us the opportunity to sure our thoughts. Saludos!
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