Goatwhore has really been making a name for themselves this past year. You never know where you will find these gentlemen next, as they practically live their lives on tour. But hey, that is the life of an Indie Black Metal Band. “You got to stay in peoples faces,” says Ben Falgoust on lead vocals. “Be on tour as much as you can… its easy to be forgotten if you’re not constantly reminding people of your presence.”
While on their way to their home in New Orleans from their summer tour with Emperor; I had the opportunity to speak with Ben about their newly released album and upcoming fall tours. Ben was surprisingly energetic and gung-ho to get back on the road, even though they had just spent much of their summer coasting across the US spreading the gospel of Goatwhore to suspecting fans of all generation and walks of life.
Besides Ben as lead vocal; the band consists of Sammy Duet on guitar and vocal, Nathan Bergeron on bass and vocal, and Zack Simmons on the drums. Together they create an unforgettable stage presence that fans have become rather accustomed to; or should I rather say addicted to. Fans know that Goatwhore is all about keeping it real and upholding the tradition that first began with bands such as Slayer, Venom, Bathory, and Celtic Frost.
Of course when you’re talking about black metal it is hard to even fathom tradition. The entire formulation and ritual is based on breaking traditions as well as sound barriers. “Chaotic… in your face… extreme… fast beats… slow beats… everything must be practiced well… really good live performances.” This is what encompasses the tradition of Goatwhore according to Ben.
On September 5th, Goatwhore’s long awaited third release since Funeral Dirge for the Rotting Sun was finally laid to rest upon our transient souls. The new album is called A Haunting Curse, and is composed of everything from Black Metal to Death Metal. “We don’t want to be pigeonholed; people hear a label and shut you off… we don’t want to step too far (and) lock ourselves into that grid… we are diverse.”
To start their release off right, Goatwhore is set to be on tour through mid December in the US starting this September with eight headlining shows followed by a slew of openings for Celtic Frost. October 11th at the Gothic Theater in Englewood is the date to remember. They will be tearing up the house with Celtic Frost for an evening that is guaranteed to haunt you through this Hallows Eve… as well as the rest of your life.
To hear a few samples of their new album as well as catch a glimpse of their touring dates; you can visit their website, www.goatwhore.net, or catch them on their My Space page, www.myspace.com/goatwhore. You will also find a free song download off their new album there, of which I will tell you is well worth the listen.
After a short Christmas break, Goatwhore is looking forward to a European tour that will break-in a new era, goal, and foundation to their music. “Our music has only been available (in Europe) as imports; so they have not really heard of us yet.” And yes, Ben did say ‘yet’; as once they get a hold of them, they will not want to let them go. But Goatwhore is all ours; their loyal fans here in the US who found them first, and we’ll be damned to let them go that easily without a fight!
Towards the end of my interview with Ben, he wanted to address a message to all of their loyal fans. “Don’t get locked into certain groups… don’t let your friends pick on you for what you like… like what you like, if you enjoy it… be open to different styles and passions… just go with it!” Amen Ben, all I can say to you… is don’t get locked into Europe… don’t let your demons be too kind to us loyal fans… do what you do, ‘cause we can’t get enough of it… and for those who challenge your own passion and style… to hell with ‘em!