interview with Goatfisted

What´s the name of your band? Goatfisted

How was the band formed? An herb-inspired conversation between Shogtha and Ren-Sothoth revealed a love for Black Metal, Doom Metal, and H.P. Lovecraft. The name Goatfisted was humorous at first, but became a serious thing when Jhatanath joined the conversation.

Can you tell about your band? The band is a recording unit only, with no live performances. We write a combination of Black Metal and Doom Metal, inspired by the occult, Satanic folklore, and all things Lovecraft.

Where are all band members from?/Who does what in the band? Shogtha handles vocals and guitars, Ren-Sothoth handles drums and vocals, Jhatanath handles guitars and production, and Geth-Omog handles guitars. The band is based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

What was the ambitions of the band when you started? We started this unit to fulfill our extreme metal desires that weren't being realized in our live bands. As a recording project, we have the freedom to execute our ideas without concern for live limitations.

Could you explain your music to someone that haven't heard you? Ugly, down-tuned metal that shares DNA with Satan, Cthulhu, and Lemmy.

Who writes your songs?/ who writes the music who writes lyrics? Shogtha writes the lyrics, while the songwriting is split evenly between Jhatanath, Geth-Omog, and Shogtha.

Who has the best sense of humor in the band? Easily Ren-Sothoth. He has an amazing vocabulary, and can create hilarious song titles on command.

What's good/bad with the band?/What genre do you feel you are? We love the creative freedom, but the sacrifice is not being able to physically play live shows. Our lives/schedules are too demanding. Perhaps Black Metal best suits us as a genre. Purists might consider it Extreme Metal.

Why did you pick that particular style?/What are your songs about? We all love creative freedom and outlet of being able to express the evil side of music without fear of consequence. The first album was based completely off of H.P. Lovecraft tales, while the second album deals with stories and satirical takes on Satanic worship.

Do you write your own material or mainly covers? All original.

Have you made any albums?/If yes what are they? We have a 2011 self-titled album, and a 2013 album "Alchemy of Flesh".

Do you have any clips on YouTube? Yes, you can view Goatfisted clips and several other projects we work on together. Subscribe to  Eric Reinert

How old are you?/What got you started in music? We are all in our mid-30s to early-40s.

At what age did you start playing? We all started in our teens, except for Shogtha, who started at age 25.

What year was the band started? Summer of 2008.

Which band is the best you´ve seen? We all feel strongly about The Black Dahlia Murder and Neurosis.

What are the plans for the rest of the year? We plan to finish up an EP soon, which should hopefully be ready by the end of 2015.

What are your goals with your music? We just want to enjoy what we've created, and gain a few fans along the way. There's no plans for record labels or world domination.

Is it easier to get your inspiration from older bands or from bands more modern? We are inspired by older bands, but also newer bands that seem to have learned great lessons from their forefathers. It's always great to take what has always worked, but put a new spin on it.

What are your sources of inspiration? Bands like Deafheaven, The Black Dahlia Murder, Young and In the Way, Neurosis, and labels like Youth Attack and Deathwish.

What's the first step when making a new song? Guitar riffs are mapped out on the computer, and arranged accordingly. Everything else is built off of that.

How do you feel about the downloading of music instead of buying albums? There are benefits and pitfalls. While an argument can be made that bands have lost money, the downloading era has led to so many more bands getting exposure, and probably record deals, that the industry is still changing to fit that reality. More opportunity artistically, but less opportunity financially. Depending on your goals, this can be good or bad.

What would be your dreams for the band? We would love to get a record deal for distribution, even if it's limited. We just want people to have the ability to own our music.

Besides your own music, what genres and bands do you listen to? Everything but pop, country, and rock radio. Skinny Puppy, Death, Converge, Pink Floyd, Weedeater, Electric Wizard, Sonic Youth...

What do you hold most dear? Creative freedom!

What would be your greatest fears for the future? Mankind will surely destroy itself through greed and fear.

Have you been part of any other projects? Many! Our core members are also in Vomit A.D., Black Frost, and Lips of Destiny.

Have you been in any other bands? Igloo, SKIF, Shag Carpet, Mast, Amillennial, Various Artists, Collysion, Less Than Popular, Of Dark Design, Stonecrusher...

What do you work with outside of the band and the music? We all enjoy art and graphic design.

What would you do if there was no music? Make movies and art! We have to express ourselves somehow...

How important are your fans? Very important, and we always appreciate constructive feedback... that being said, we need to be satisfied first and foremost with our art.

Name 2 of your own songs you like at the moment? Alchemy of Flesh, and Bearers of Light.

What drives a band that isn't all that famous and renowned to try to make a living on their music and to keep playing? The knowledge that life is fleeting, and true happiness isn't in a distant future supported by small life savings and retirement. Happiness is available NOW, and tomorrow is not a promise.

Do you have any webpages?

facebook.com/goatfisted

reverbnation.com/goatfisted

Any pearls of wisdom for all other bands out there? Don't ever get cocky and lose sight of why you do it.

What are the biggest obstacles for a band? Communication. Band members often have to compromise, and good communication skills can make the process much more enjoyable.

How would you describe your sound in one sentence: Pure evil poured through a filter of Emperor and Motorhead.

What is your favorite crappy instrument? An Ibanez GAX-70. It's a reliable, cheap guitar that provides plenty of crusty Black Metal-goodness.

What was one of the most quarrelsome times for you in the band? The production process, and nailing the overall sound that makes everyone happy.

Do you have anything to add? The Cosmicomicon: Music Review: Goatfisted Writhes from the Black Metal Abyss with Self Titled Album.

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