By Eric the Red
There is an immense amount of highly talented bands being drawn towards our valley. With a soundscape that is beginning to reform itself, stronger than before, bands from just outside the valley have begun to take notice. One such band feeling the pull of our great desert is Execrationer. With pulverizing guitar lines and INSANE blast beats, this 4-piece is breaking their way into our blossoming metal scene.
Hailing from Aguanga, just outside Temecula, Execrationer consists of Chris McCreight on guitar and vocals, Miles Royse also on the 6 string, Kelvin Vavao keeping the low end on bass and James Conant on the drums. When asked where they draw their influence for their music, the band stated, “Most of the current songs we play have lyrics that deal with our creation as a race, the hatred that is eminent in mankind, and the blind belief in a higher power.” With such polarized subjects, it’s plain to see how the band can fit as a part of the California Death Metal genre.
Being a modest 3 years in the making, Execrationer has begun working to spread their brutality throughout all of Southern California. They’ve played at a multitude of venues, including the Tropics Lounge and the Ocean Beach Playhouse. “I think our favorite venue that we have played is Electric Ladyland in Ocean Beach. The shows never have much attendance, but the staff is nice and the place is cool for the musicians. If more people came out, it would be a killer show for sure,” says McCreight. On the subject of show quality, the band had this to say, “A good show is more dependent on people who actually enjoy the music and have a good time. 5 people that are having a great time and going nuts is a lot better than a hundred people standing around with their arms folded.”
The band also had some sound advice for anybody considering starting a metal band in our current scene. “My advice is do what you like, and be ready to have thick skin. There will be good and bad shows. Don’t let anything get you down and keep having a good time,” stated McCreight, and when asked for his “words of wisdom,” he had this to say, “Support your local music scene people! It breeds creativity, and any little bit of support makes a world of difference.” With a surprisingly positive outlook and determination that could stop a freight train, Execrationer maybe be one of the next big names in Death Metal. Be sure to catch them on Nov 16 with In the Name of the Dead, Brain Vat and Drop9 at Plan B in Thousand Palms, as well as on Facebook at facebook.com/execrationer.
