Michigan Metal Band Nethergate Talks New EP, Rust Fest and More
Nethergate – Story by Anne Erickson, photo provided by Nethergate
This edition of the Local Music Beat column features an interview with Canton, Michigan, metal band Nethergate
Canton, Michigan, metal band Nethergate is coming up on the release of a new EP on May 27. The set, called “Necroasis,” has been in the works for a while, so the band is obviously stoked to unleash it to the world.
Nathergate is one of the many metal bands slated to Detroit’s RustFest, which takes place at The Sanctuary near Detroit, Michigan, in August. The group checked in with Audio Ink Radio to talk about the new EP and why they’re pumped to play Rust Fest. For more on Rust Fest, go here, and for more on Nethergate, go here. Nethergate is vocalist and bassist Matt Soper, guitarist Paul Trunk, drummer Kyle Wagner and guitarist Jacob Schumaker.
Anne Erickson: Congratulations on your new EP, “Necroasis.” Tell me about how this EP came together.
Kyle: “Necroasis” has been in progress since even before our first EP, “Dimensional Purgatory,” was finished. We had multiple other songs written in preparation of a full length but decided to take these five, perfect them, and craft an EP so we could release music ASAP. Just like on “Dimensional Purgatory, I produced the EP. We tracked guitars and bass at my house and tracked vocals and drums at our practice space, aka “The Loft.” I mixed the EP, while guitar re-amping and final mastering were done by Joe Cady (Finality, Among These Ashes). The EP releases May 27, 2022. We also filmed a music video for the track “The Third Oath,” filmed by Aaron Lumsden of Akuro Productions.
Was the EP influenced at all by the past two years and the crazy pandemic?
Kyle: The pandemic hasn’t necessarily affected our music or lyrics in any significant way, but it definitely affected our drive to bring this to light and take the band as far as possible.
Matt: When I go over the lyrical content and factor in the aesthetics brought by the artwork, I would say the overall theme is “life and death.” There’s discussion of reincarnation, metamorphosis, sex, war and unknown lifeforms. These are all things that contribute to the cycle of life and death, in tandem with each other in various representations. It’s a very broad theme to weave into different stories.
You recently released a new single, “Carnal Quintessence.” Tell me about the story behind that track.
Matt: This track is first song I wrote lyrics for. In particular, it’s about Grigori Rasputin and his influence over the late Russian Imperial family, and particularly the Empress. It was always rumored that he had an affair with her and used his sexual… “prowess” to influence her and others, along with his reputation as mystic and so called “holy-man” to reinforce his legitimacy as an advisor to the family. It’s a very particular wild story that blurs the line of history and legend in the most interesting of ways.
Nethergate is playing metal music festival Rust Fest in Detroit for a second year. What did you enjoy about last year’s event, and why are you looking forward to playing this year?
Kyle: Rust Fest is exactly what we need around here: a day to see a huge lineup of killer bands from around the state, even around the country, at the best underground venue in the state, Sanctuary Detroit. The feeling of camaraderie and support is ever present there. This year is going to be even bigger than last year without question, too, we can’t imagine how insane this will be.
How would you describe the metal music scene in the Detroit area and across Michigan? Do you think it’s strong?
Kyle: It is ABSOLUTELY strong. There are local talents around here that compete with the best of the best, among every genre. There isn’t a lack of any style around here.
What are some of your favorite venues to play in Michigan and beyond?
Kyle: Obviously, The Sanctuary Detroit is our favorite, but The Loving Touch, The Shelter and The Crofoot are all awesome places to play and attend.
When it comes to local music, what are some Michigan metal bands you think should be on people’s radar?
Kyle: The list goes on, so we’re sorry if we forget someone! Manic Outburst, Recorruptor, Throne, Dagon, Centenary, Fell Ruin, Boreworm, Tormentous, Iron Mountain, Asylence, Funeral Wake, Reducer, Bleak Life, Carnis Immortalis, Yokai, Variform, ObsElite, Archthrone, Portal of Pazuzu, Among These Ashes, Finality, Imminent Sonic Destruction, Pick Axe Preacher and many, many more.
Anne Erickson’s column appears regularly in Audio Ink Radio. Have a band or concert to share? Contact her at anne@audioinkradio.com.
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