December 2015

LOCAL METAL BAND GRAVESHADOW PREPARES FOR THE DOMESTIC RELEASE OF THEIR NEW ALBUM

Graveshadow

Photo by Julian Mendoza

Bring on the Night

The rise in popularity of symphonic metal and its many musical subgenres over the last two decades has been alarmingly substantial (to say the very least) both in the United States and abroad. Not only have many bands in the genre been catapulted into arena and stadium headliner status, the once-underground style has now become one of the strongest concert draws on the touring circuit.

Unfortunately, groups like Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Delain, Xandria, Leaves’ Eyes, and many others get unceremoniously lumped together since they all have a lead female vocalist. Upon further inspection, however, it would seem the similarities of the aforementioned acts are also rooted in a melodic approach that takes cues from classical and progressive music.

Sacramento’s Graveshadow is one of the few female-fronted symphonic metal bands in the region to have successfully incorporated elements of gothic, black, thrash and even doom metal fare with great effect. Rather than sounding dated or derivative, the eight songs on their forthcoming record, Nocturnal Resurrection, show a band ready for the road and, more importantly, world domination.

Since their inception in 2012 by guitarist William Walker, the group has become one of the area’s strongest and most consistent headliners and have already signed a deal with Belgium-based boutique record label Mausoleum Records. The label was founded in 1982 and previously released albums by Voivod, Anvil, Nazareth, Omen, and has many other heritage rock acts and newer signings.

Whether you’re into brash screams or soaring vocals, standout songs like “Exhumed” and “Namesake” offer something for everyone. From mid-tempo rockers laden with keyboards to plodding guitar riffs that complement a wholly able rhythm section, this is one band that has benefited greatly from a twice-a-week practice regimen.

And while the group has no immediate plans to leave the area, it would seem they are poised for bigger and better things outside of our fair city.

Submerge caught up with vocalist Heather Michele, keyboardist Valerie Hudak and Walker to get the skinny on Graveshadow’s new album and more.

It seems your album is already out overseas. What is the exact street date of Nocturnal Resurrection and why did you choose your current label over doing things yourselves?
William Walker: You are correct. It was already released back on Nov. 13, 2015, in Europe, but it will be available everywhere starting on Dec. 13. Oddly enough, a friend of mine named Norman Skinner was in a band called Imagika that toured and were on the label. When I knew they were signed, it made me feel really good about the label since it seems they had a good experience. We are signed for one album and the label has an option to release a second album if they want to. We are fully committed to this album since we spent much time, effort and money to make it. The album was mixed and mastered by Emil “Nightmare Industries” Nodtveidt from Sweden. He is also currently the guitarist of Deathstars who shares the same management as us—Jeff Keller Management. It worked out really well, and we couldn’t be happier with the results.

What about bonus tracks? Surely you’ve recorded some extra tracks to use later on.
WW: Actually, we only recorded the ones you hear on the new record. We went into the process with the idea of recording just these songs and nothing more. Our drummer Roman Anderson and I tend to write all the rhythms together and thought it best for consistency. Consequently, all of the rhythm guitar tracks you hear were recorded by myself and the leads, of course, were done by our lead guitarist, Matt Mitchell. However, all of our songs are very collaborative since everyone adds something.
Valerie Hudak: We have a couple of different remixes of “Blood and Fire” we were thinking about using for digital download cards. Unfortunately, we had no extra songs on the record. It is something we thought about doing later on. Currently, we’re focused on writing even more songs for the next record.

Which song or songs are your favorites?
WW: I really like “Namesake” since I wrote and arranged all the guitar and the lyrics. I love playing that song. It was a very emotional song written after my grandfather died and deals with some of the issues I experienced afterward since I’m also named after him.
VH: I really like “Namesake” as well. I like the construction of “Namesake,” which has some really good riffs in it and “Winter’s Come to Call” as well. The most difficult problem I encountered while recording was dealing with all of our many tempo changes, because we’re really a live band. When you do a studio recording, you have to set the rhythm, set the click and play to it. You really have to give a perfect performance, unlike a live show.
Heather Michele: I would say “Lycan Lust,” which was a tricky one to finagle around. I was given a sheet of paper with what the song was supposed to be about. As it turned out, I liked some of the notes, but I wanted to phrase things differently and change things around. It was one of the most difficult to write but ended up being one of my favorites.
How did the band originally meet? Please don’t tell me Craigslist.
HM: [Laughs] It was a Craigslist ad. I talked to Will initially. The founder was Will and another member who is no longer in the band, whom we haven’t spoken to in quite a while.

Where have you played outside of the area and what plans do you have for 2016?
HM: We’ve played Reno and we played Hollywood a couple of times. We originally played with Edge of Paradise and have been getting shows in Southern California through promoter Metal Sanaz.
WW: We don’t have an agent overseas yet, but we do have a national tour booked that’s not announced yet. Unfortunately, I can’t say who it is, but it is a short tour with a well-known national act and another one of our favorite bands. We’re opening first of three. Also, we now have a proper booking agent here in the States named Andrew Roesch, who also works for Artery Foundation. He will start working us and booking stuff the beginning of next year. From the conversations we’ve had with him and our manager, we all decided the band wants to simply play out-of-town markets opening for national acts. Later on, however, we’d to like start touring nationally after we’ve built up something.

Which bands are you fans of whether regional or local?
VH: We really like Crepuscle. They are really good melodic death metal from Redwood City. They are also playing our CD release show.
WW: Astral Cult are a great band from Folsom, and they’re also playing our Boardwalk show. I also like a band called Blessed Curse. We just recently played a show with them as well, and I was really impressed.

What do each of the members do for work during the day?
WW: I work at Apple on the Elk Grove campus, our drummer Roman Anderson sells car parts, lead guitarist Matt Mitchell does political analysis and our bass player Ben Armstrong works at a plant nursery.
HM: Valerie and I actually work at the same company at different locations. We’re tutors for kids with autism from 2 to 6 years of age.

What is the end goal for the band?
WW: I have been playing in bands since I was 13 years old. All I ever wanted was to make a living off making and playing music. I would totally quit my job.
VH: I totally feel the same. We are 100 percent into this. I would really like to make Graveshadow my only career.
HM: I would just like to make a living working part-time and be in a band. I take it back. If I could work at Starbucks, be in a band and be self-sufficient, I would totally be be good.
WW: Heather’s idea is my fallback plan.

Mausoleum Records recording artist Graveshadow will host a CD release show at The Boardwalk located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2015. Tickets are just $10 in advance. Crepuscle, Zeroclient, Conceived in Chaos and Astral Cult open the all-ages show. Doors at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

(Submerge)

FAMILY NIGHT AT FORMOLI’S BISTRO WITH PASTA VINNY! • DEC. 21, 2015

Pasta Vinny

Photo by Carl Costas

Life is too short not to splurge on events like the upcoming family night at Formoli’s. For one special weekday night, there will be a five-course dinner featuring pasta made by Vinny Lazzaretto of Lazzaretto Pasta Company. For those who’ve never been to this J Street restaurant before, you’re in for a real treat. Lazzaretto has offered up some of the best pasta in this region and has spent years perfecting and hand-crafting his delicious eats for both the Hook & Ladder and Grange restaurants. For $45 (kids are only $10) you won’t have to prepare a thing or do any dishes afterwards. Instead, you can prove to your significant other they really are the cat’s meow and you both can gorge to your stomach’s content. This night also offers something special for your little ones, who can indulge in ornament making, cookie decoration, and a screening of the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movies. You’re encouraged to make reservations in advance to avoid missing out, since this will probably sell out. For the vegetarians in your party, please let the folks know in advance so their chefs can accommodate any dietary restrictions. Visit Formolisbistro.com for more info and to reserve your spot.

(Submerge)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT B STREET THEATRE • THROUGH DEC. 27, 2015

Hidden deep in the recesses of Sacramento at the corner of B and 27th streets lies one of our city’s greatest treasures: the B Street Theatre. Christmas time is here, and their talented company of actresses and actors will be putting their skills to the ultimate test. Those who know the traditional holiday story A Christmas Carol will be delighted to know this adaptation changes the storyline around just a wee bit (nudge, nudge). Featured performers include the immensely talented and local actors du jour Greg Alexander as Ebenezer Scrooge, Amy Kelly as the Ghost of Christmas Present and John Lamb as Tiny Tim. The show has already received numerous positive reviews from local papers including (but certainly not limited to) the Sacramento Bee who raved this new version is “[A] sly new version of Charles Dickens’ perennial ‘ghost story.’” The show run started in late November, but thankfully runs through Dec. 27, 2015, with shows Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 4 p.m as well as several weeknights leading up to Christmas Eve. Tickets are cheap ($15–$20) so you have no reason to be a scrooge yourself. Buy some tickets for the family and experience something new for a change. Find out more at Bstreettheatre.org

(Submerge)

Experimental vibes and heavy metal Xmas

Ghostly cheer: It’s getting close to Christmas time and that means one thing for symphonic rock and metal nerds alike: It’s time for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to make the rounds in arenas across the United States. This year is no different—although the group is also promoting a collection of music that was released last month, Letters From the Labyrinth.

TSO was founded nearly 20 ago by composer-producer-lyricist Paul O’Neill, who eventually brought Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli (both from the heavy metal band Savatage) into the fold along with keyboardist Robert Kinkel. Since then, the group has become a headlining sensation.

Wednesday’s show at Sleep Train Arena drew a sizable yet decidedly Caucasian crowd for the early 4 p.m. show. Many of the attendees were couples well over 50 years old with just as many middle-aged women, who traveled in groups, taking selfies throughout the night. This particular tour, dubbed “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve,” found the band playing many fan favorites as well as songs from its latest opus as part of a Christmas-themed rock opera. The marvelous light show was replete with lasers and an ornate castle backdrop of sorts.

As customary, the TSO institution sends two different versions out on the road in different parts of the country, in an effort to capture that small window of time where the show—and records—can get the most exposure.

For those who love Christmas music with a little extra distortion, heaps of keyboards and operatic vocals, there’s little doubt the TSO brand will be routing yet another stop here next year. And the pale-skinned 50-plus crowd will likely be ready.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: American Bach Soloists

Sun., Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Mondavi Center, $13.50-$51

Under Jeffrey Thomas, the American Bach Soloists ensemble will present a special Christmas-themed concert featuring the works of (you guessed it!) J.S. Bach. This gathering features the splendid Christmas Oratorio and celebrates the group’s 27th season of live performance. This particular matinee show precedes a handful of dates at San Francisco’s lovely Grace Cathedral where classical fans and Christmas lovers alike can enjoy Messiah. Whether or not you’re fluent in classical music makes little difference, as Bach’s pieces tend to tease and titillate most everyone’s ears. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, http://americanbach.org.

(SN&R)

BE PART OF AN “OUTDOOR PARTICIPATORY SOUND SCULPTURE” AT UNSILENT NIGHT: SACRAMENTO • DEC. 12, 2015

Audiophiles and Christmas geeks unite! Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night offers anyone with a working mobile device or boombox a chance to participate in spreading some holiday musical cheer without having any musical background. Unlike singing traditional Christmas carols and going from door to door, every sound interacts with one another to create a larger piece that is never duplicated quite the same. Attendees just need to show up at Fremont Park (corner of 16th and P streets, Sacramento) on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at 7 p.m. after downloading one of four sounds from the Unsilent Night website. From there, a procession of people will walk down Sacramento’s streets while playing the tones through a portable speaker. Since 1992, this 45-minute piece has become quite a sensation with many different cities across the United States participating in this special, aural event. Dress warm and wear some comfortable walking shoes since this winter has already proven itself quite challenging. Do make sure you’re punctual as the sounds of the piece rely on timing. There is no cover charge, but your attention to details (starting and stopping of music, walking pace, etc) will suffice. Come out and join the party at Sacramento.unsilentnight.com

(Submerge)

HANNAH JANE KILE TO HOST RECORD RELEASE SHOW AT 24TH STREET THEATRE • DEC. 10, 2015

Hannah Jane Kile

Local Americana artist and Auburn-based Hannah Jane Kile released her new record, Little Blue Heron, back in August but never had a proper release show in the Sacramento Valley. Fans of singer/songwriter ditties and ‘70s radio fare a la Linda Ronstadt or even Bonnie Raitt, should come en masse to hear a young woman who sounds as full and graceful as the very artists she’s influenced by and often compared to. “It took about two months of being in the studio two days a week to record Little Blue Heron,” said Hannah Jane Kile while preparing for her upcoming show. “Little Blue Heron came out on Aug. 28, 2015, and is much more explosive than my first release, Becoming Someone. Also, I have two other bandmates to share my songs with and I’m very grateful for them. My first record was much more stripped down with mostly guitar and vocals with some hints of mandolin, organ and backup vocals. Additionally, I have very dear friends who are extremely supportive of my music and they have friends who work at the theater. I also grew up doing musical theater as well so I am honored to be performing in one of Sacramento’s historical theaters. I also think that it’s a really sweet listening room.” Visit Hannahjanekile.com for music, ticket info, and more.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Wrekmeister Harmonies

Tues., Dec. 8, Starlite Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

PHOTO BY JAIMIN TOWNSELY

Although it seems like you can throw a rock and hit a new doom project’s rehearsal space, this realization can be a positive experience. J.R. Robinson is the mastermind behind the fabulous Wrekmeister Harmonies collective, which just released the two-track Night of Your Ascension opus on boutique label Thrill Jockey Records. And while it’s highly unlikely all of the players (members of the Body, Einsturzende Neubauten, Indian, Yakuza, Buried At Sea) who contributed to his new album will be in Sacramento, expect a lesson in ambiance among well-calculated bursts of distortion and screams. 1517 21st Street, www.wrekmeisterharmonies.net.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Thu., Dec. 10, Crest Theatre, 8 p.m., $38-$125

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT BRADLEE

Variety shows were once a big thing of the past, yet Scott Bradlee has done much to bring them back. The talented pianist, composer and arranger caught attention on YouTube and now he’s a household name in jazz, free-form and pop circles. His method includes making catchy pop songs sound as if they were written in a different time period. Whether you’re into current radio staples or just curious to hear some well-executed versions done with heaps of gusto and pizzazz, chances are you’ll be leaving his show with a big smile. 1013 K Street, http://postmodernjukebox.com.

(SN&R)

BREAKING BAD CREATOR VINCE GILLIGAN COMES TO MONDAVI CENTER! • DEC. 10, 2015

Vince Gilligan purportedly has a net worth of $15 million at present, but it’s probably safe to say that number isn’t likely to go anywhere but upward. Although his production work was noticed over 20 years ago starting with season three of the X-Files, his career has been on an upward trajectory ever since. Fans of both the immensely popular Breaking Bad series as well as his newer Better Call Saul offering will get a chance to hear Gilligan talk about both of these and, of course, newer works waiting in the pipeline. And while Gilligan has been a known and wanted quantity in entertainment circles well before the release of Breaking Bad in 2008, it was this series that seemingly catapulted him to superstar status in the fields of creating, writing, and producing. There will also be a moderated Q&A session following his lecture that superfans should prepare for in advance. Expect questions about the genesis of main character Walter White, a bevy of inquiries about how Gilligan chose his cast for the series, and find out if Vince is as funny as his actors. For more info and advance tickets, visit Mondaviarts.org

(Submerge)