For those who’ve been paying attention, Translation Loss records have issued a number of memorable metal moments semi-recently including platters from Swampbeast, Witching, Caged, Re-Buried, Come To Grief and, more importantly, Thra’s stunning ‘ Forged In Chaotic Spew.’ Featuring (9) tracks including some killer atmospheric interludes, the album should be taken in as a whole rather than in separate parts.
Standout tracks include the epic “Blistering Eternity” clocking in at over 7 minutes, ‘Cosmic Scourge,” and the nauseatingly heavy riffs found on “Primordial Engorgement.” Unlike other acts in the doom / sludge metal diaspora, Thra excels at creating atmosphere comparable at moments to Blood Incantation, Oak (Portugal), and Pantheist.
For the uninitiated, the Thra quartet is rounded out by Robert Wolfe (vocals/guitar), Zach Nixon-Sandberg (vocals / bass), Grey Smith (drums), and Matt Marquette (guitar). We caught up with the band in Las Vegas while on tour.
Capital Chaos TV: How much touring have you done since the last album’s release?
Robert Wolfe: We haven’t done much touring, but we have been planning tours, writing new music and playing a hometown show here and there.
Capital Chaos TV: Were there any songs that didn’t make the record that will find its way on to the next release?
Robert Wolfe: Not full songs, but pieces of songs. We were super focused on that release so we didn’t make much time to work on anything outside of it until now. There are definitely pieces of music that we wrote during that time and certain riffs that didn’t make the record. We definitely want to feature them in the next release.
Capital Chaos TV: What bands in the Arizona scene can you recommend?
Thra: Our scene rips. Definitely check out Skin Ticket, Ugly, Wit-Sec, Eternal, Writhen, Pigcity, Hernia, and Rotting Yellow. There are so many more.
Capital Chaos TV: Any new tours / shows in 2024 aside from the most recent?
Thra: After our West Coast tour in March, we’re playing with Conan at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix on 4/13 and then with Wayfarer at the Nile Underground in Mesa on 5/4. We’re currently finishing up the booking for a 3-week Midwest / East Coast tour in August 2024.
Capital Chaos TV: How do you balance work life and being in an underground metal band?
Thra: We all have jobs that allow us to take the time we need to go and do the things we want. We spend most of our time either working or working on music. This (touring) is all we want to do.
Wretched Earth presents Thra at the Cafe Colonial located at 3520 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento. Rounding out this underground doom and death metal-leaning bill are labelmates Re-Buried along with Ethos and Tentacult. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 here at cafecolonial916.com. Cafe Colonial is located at 3520 Stockton Blvd.. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 7:30pm. As always, all ages are welcome. Get there early to score some fine Cafe Colonial food fare.
(Capital Chaos TV)