Here is an interview that we did with Godhunter’s guitar player extraordinaire Jake Brazelton.
WC: Tell us about the band name, Godhunter, and where it came from.
JB: The name Godhunter actually came from a Beta Ray Bill comic book. Slap an upside down cross next to it and a couple of AKs and people flip their shit on it.
WC: Tell us a little about the history of the band.
JB: Godhunter was formed in 2009. After a few line-up changes we have released a split with Methra in 2010, the Wolves EP in 2011, a split with Inoculara in 2012, a split with Anakim in 2013 and we just released our first full length here in 2014.
WC: What were your thoughts about what you wanted “City of Dust” to sound like?
JB: We didn’t go into City of Dust with any one particular sound in mind. We didn’t want to limit ourselves or the music we were going to make. We just got together and started writing. We tried to push ourselves as much as possible by doing things we hadn’t done before. City of Dust is the result of that experimentation.
WC: What are your favorite tracks from “City of Dust?”
JB: I personally dig all the tracks but as far as playing them live I like doing Snake Oil Dealer, Plague Widow, and Palace of Thorn/City of Dust. I like playing the longer songs.
WC: What are your upcoming tour plans?
JB: We have an tour June 6th-June 14th with our good friends in Secrets of the Sky. The tour in going to start at Doom in June in Las Vegas, go up to Oakland and then back down the west coast. We also are going to have a tour in the fall that is going to hit the Pacific Northwest.
WC: What are your major influences musically?
JB: Eyehategod, ASG, Goatsnake, Asthma Castle, Baroness, Thrice, The Decemberists, basically every band I like.
WC: Do you have any recent bands that you are a fan of?
JB: Oh yeah. Windhand, The Lion’s Daughter (their work by itself is brilliant and their collaboration with The Indian Blanket is phenomenal), Lethal Dosage, Uncle Acid, and Asthma Castle among others.
WC: What are your thoughts on the metal scene in Arizona?
JB: The metal scene in Arizona is filled with talent. We have a bunch of great bands out here, more than we get credit for. The problem is show attendance. People here don’t seem to want to go to shows. They would rather stay home and watch bullshit videos on Youtube or hang out on the smoking patio while bands play.
WC: What are your thoughts on the metal scene in the U.S.?
JB: I think it is a good scene overall. Bands and fans seem to becoming less interested in where a band is from and more interested in how good the band is. Genres that normally are reserved for one area of the country are popping up all over the place. It is a refreshing time for music in America.
WC: What music/people/events influence and inspire your music?
JB: Our music is generally inspired by atrocities and disgust. The corruption and lies of the government, the apathy of the masses, serial killers, natural disasters, shit like that.
WC: What kind of music do you listen to? What are your favorite bands?
JB: Right now my favorite bands are Amigo the Devil, Goatsnake, Rwake, The Mars Volta, Modest Mouse, and Miley Cyrus. #teammiley
WC: How do you feel that living in a desert environment has influenced the sound of your music?
JB: Of course it has. Living in a place of little water, extreme heat, and red state politics definitely makes the music more aggressive.
WC: Where would you like to see your band in the next five years?
JB: I would like us to still be together and writing music. Anything beyond that is gravy.
WC: Any last thoughts that you would like to leave your fans with?
JB: Start fights, cause problems.
