1. Congratulations on the release of Burn the Ships. What does this EP represent for Gallowglas at this stage of the band’s journey?
Thanks! I think this is the most complete set of songs sonically for Gallowglas. We really captured the mood of the band on BTS. Compared to the first two, we really found our groove and it was obvious that we’ve been together for as long as we have.
2. The title Burn the Ships carries a powerful meaning of commitment and having no turning back. What inspired the title, and how does it reflect the themes of the record?
That phrase actually shows up as a lyric in the song “Bloodbuzz” and we all dug that line so much that it became the title. It holds the meaning of a complete reset in general terms. Many of the songs lyrically are about identifying things that hold us back and conquering them with fervor whatever that thing is. I hope that fans of our music find them empowering in their own individual lives.
3. Your sound balances aggression with technical precision. How would you describe the evolution of Gallowglas since the band’s beginnings?
At this point, we’re a lot more comfortable with what each of us brings to the table in terms of writing style. That comes with familiarity. Each guy has a role and we’ve managed to allow them to play out nicely over the years.
4. Fans of Lamb of God, Gojira, and Heart of a Coward will definitely hear familiar influences, but what elements make Gallowglas unique?
We only ever compare ourselves to other bands because it’s a common question that every band gets asked. I’ve never been too keen on putting us in a box. Yes, we are metal. No question. But we’re all influenced by multiple genres and I think that shows up in our music. I always hear from people who aren’t necessarily metal fans that they love our music and that speaks to my point about influences outside of the pure metal genre.
5. There’s a tremendous amount of energy throughout the EP. What was the songwriting process like, and did any tracks evolve unexpectedly in the studio?
Songwriting can be a tenuous process. Writing lyrics always inspires a feeling of anxiety in me because I try to be unique in my approach and not use normal “metal” words or phrases in our songs. Axiom was a song that stands out as one that evolved throughout the recording process. The chorus in particular was originally very wordy and bombastic. We ended up stripping it down significantly, and the feedback has been very positive from our fans. People seem to enjoy that track quite a bit.
6. With decades of combined experience among the members, how has that experience shaped the chemistry and direction of the band?
Truthfully, because many of us have lived the touring life and were in really busy projects earlier in life, I think we prioritize family now more than ever. We are all happily married with kids and that always comes before the band where in past bands, we may have sacrificed for the good of the band to detrimental levels. We’re all a little older and wiser than we used to be.
7. The production team included Don Belch, Brian Durost, J. William Heitmann, Duy Loufik, and Brian Faychak. How collaborative was the recording process, and what did each person bring to the project?
Being a DIY band, it helps that one of our members has a full blown recording studio at his house. That’s where all the magic happens. Don is our primary sound engineer but everyone chips in throughout the process, especially with their respective parts of the songs. We all have input. Brian D. did a great job editing his drum parts, Brian F. and Duy were key with determining the proper mixing levels. I (J) just come in and wail on a mic and hope people like it.
8. Don Belch handled the mixing and mastering. What were some of the goals sonically, and how important was it to capture the intensity of your live sound on the record?
It was very important to capture the intensity of our live performances and I think we accomplished that on BTS. One thing we paid more attention to this time than in the past were the bass levels. Duy is an exceptional player and we wanted to make sure his parts were audible. The low end on this EP shows up better than any in the past and so now that we have the template for that, future recordings should reflect what we’ve learned on this one.
9. Metal has changed dramatically over the years. How has Gallowglas adapted while staying true to its roots?
Honestly, I don’t think we have adapted to anything. We write what we want to write and damn the popular opinion. We’re all too old to give a shit what everybody else thinks. This is for us and that’s how it will always be.
10. For listeners discovering Gallowglas for the first time through Burn the Ships, which song best represents the band’s identity and why?
My favorite track to date is “Bloodbuzz” and that includes the other two EP’s. Musically you get a little bit of everything. It’s heavy as hell, melodic, fast, slow, and precise. It’s absolutely crushing. Vocally, there’s highs, lows, gang vocals, and some melody. And I love the lyrics. Normally I’m very hard on myself, but this one just makes me smile everytime I hear it. We even left in the “Yeah!” at the end. You can hear how much fun I’m having singing that one.
11. Your music combines melody with crushing heaviness. How do you strike that balance without sacrificing either side of the equation?
We’re not thinking about that when we write. I think that goes back to the question of who brings what to the table. Some guys are more likely to bring the heavy, and others the melody. There’s a really good synergy between us throughout the writing process.
12. What themes or messages run throughout the EP lyrically?
A lot of these songs can be perceived in the eye of the beholder. I try to write no-bullshit, hard-hitting, uplifting songs in general terms so that listeners can glean their own subject matter from it. I have managed to include a song on every EP with historical significance. On BTS, that song is Himmelsbrief which was written about the infamous “Hex Murder” case where a local pow-wow’er was murdered by three guys who thought he had cast an evil spell on them. History fascinates me and makes for good storytelling opportunities.
13. Were there any particular challenges during the writing or recording process that tested the band creatively?
Not too much. The one thing that can get in our way is ourselves. We start to over-analyze things sometimes when we should just trust our guts and roll with it.
14. Gallowglas has built a reputation for delivering a powerful live experience. How important is the stage to the band’s identity?
Honestly, I think it’s everything. As a band, you want people to see you perform. You can put out a great album, but if you’re not willing to give everything in a live setting, I think it either turns people off completely, or sways a future decision to come out and see you perform. We want to leave no doubt. People spend their hard-earned money to buy tickets, make arrangements, make time etc. We respect that.
15. How does the energy of performing these songs live compare to hearing them in the studio?
There is no comparison, and the common denominator is the people in the audience. Of course, not every audience is the same, but even on a bad night you can get a handful of people bought in and vibing with us. The exchange of energy between us and the fans is addictive and I think it’s one of the things that continues to drive us.
16. Is there a track on Burn the Ships that holds special meaning for the band members personally?
Not really. They’re all personal to each one of us.
17. Looking back, what lessons have you learned from previous releases that influenced this EP?
18. Pennsylvania has a rich metal scene. How has the local scene in York shaped Gallowglas and its development?
It definitely does! York in particular is a funny place. It’s very hot and cold, and much of that has to do with venue availability. We’ve seen SO MANY places come and go throughout the years. Some good, some bad. We lost two really great venues in recent years for various reasons. While it can suck in the moment, it keeps us nimble and creative. One thing that will always remain is the intensity of PA metal. It hits different. We’ve got a great community of musicians, and with only a few exceptions, we try to help each other out as much as possible.
19. What bands or artists outside of metal have influenced your songwriting and approach to music?
Speaking only for myself, I love good hip-hop (Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, Mos Def etc.), jazz, punk, hardcore, and southern rock. I think many of the guys would concur. I can also tell you that Don has a healthy love and respect for classical music as well.
20. The modern music landscape is dominated by streaming and social media. How has that changed the way Gallowglas connects with fans?
To our detriment, it hasn’t. We like the old-school personal connections of an in-person show, rehearsal, or hang. We’re not trying to be influencers which probably hurts our visibility a bit.
21. Are there plans for videos, touring, or special live performances in support of Burn the Ships?
Right now, we’re just trying to cobble together some live performances. There has been talk of a video. No concrete plans yet.
22. What kind of response have you received from fans since the EP was released?
It’s been very positive. Thanks to everyone who has contacted us. We really enjoy the feedback.
23. If you could share a stage with any three bands—past or present—who would they be and why?
Black Sabbath because they’re the GOATs. I personally would love to share the stage with Down because they’re one of my all-timers. And I’ll put Lamb of God in there mostly for my drummer. It would be fun to watch him geek out. I would also love to meet and perform alongside Randy Blythe.
24. Looking ahead, do you see Burn the Ships as a stepping stone toward a full-length album?
We most definitely do and I think that’s the goal for the next release.
25. Finally, what message would you like to send to longtime supporters and new listeners discovering Gallowglas through Burn the Ships?
THANK YOU! If you see this, we love you. We truly appreciate you. Keep checking in, listening, and introducing us to those who don’t yet know about Gallowglas.