By Phil Lacombe
From sweaty desert shows to international metal stages, Reid Balog is helping lead a new generation of thrash into the future. As the frontman, guitarist, and primary creative force behind Mourning High, Balog blends old-school speed, razor-sharp riffs, and modern urgency into a sound that feels both classic and dangerous. With Mourning High earning serious momentum on the metal circuit, including major competition wins and global festival appearances, Reid is proving that thrash isn’t just alive, it’s evolving. We caught up with him to talk origins, pressure, growth, and what’s coming next.
CVW: Mourning High has a very old-school thrash feel but still sounds fresh, what bands or eras shaped you the most when you were first picking up a guitar?
Balog: Bands like Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, AC/DC, Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, and Iron Maiden were foundational influences early on, along with artists from outside the metal world. As a band, we draw from a wide range of genres, and that broad collective palette helps us find our own unique sound.
CVW: You’re pulling double duty as lead singer and guitarist, how do you balance aggression, precision, and endurance when performing live?
Balog: It’s simply the role I’m in, and I approach it with that responsibility in mind. With proper technical, physical, and mental preparation, it becomes natural to find a flow state, lock in, and deliver the intensity and precision the music demands.
CVW: Thrash metal has always been about rebellion and urgency, what are you angry or fired up about now, and how does that come through in your lyrics?
Balog: Our passion and determination come through clearly in the lyrics. We’re a young band with a focused vision, and we use the music and words to paint that picture with intensity and purpose.
CVW: Winning major metal battles and earning international recognition is huge, did that moment change your confidence or your expectations for the band?
Balog: It was definitely a reassuring experience, and we’re honored to be given that recognition and to represent the scene on an international level. That said, our confidence and expectations as a band have remained the same. We’ve always believed that with persistence and action, we’re capable of achieving whatever we set out to do.
CVW: What’s the songwriting process like for Mourning High? Do riffs come first, lyrics first, or does chaos win most of the time?
Balog: Riffs usually come first, and from there the drums, bass, and lyrics are built around them. The process is structured, but it leaves room for ideas to evolve naturally as the song takes shape.
CVW: You’re part of a younger wave of metal artists, how do you see your generation reshaping or preserving the thrash scene?
Balog: We’re in a unique position to bridge generations. Our music connects with younger listeners by introducing them to the sound and attitude of thrash, while also resonating with longtime fans who grew up with it. That balance allows us to help grow the scene with new audiences while preserving the spirit of something many felt they had lost and never expected to experience again.
CVW: Touring and high-pressure shows can either make or break a band, what’s something you’ve learned the hard way on the road so far?
Balog: The biggest lesson is that it’s never easy. There’s no shortcut or golden ticket. Anything truly worth achieving takes effort, sacrifice, and often a fair amount of struggle along the way.
CVW: When fans see Mourning High live for the first time, what do you hope they walk away feeling?
Balog: Excited, refreshed, and hungry for more.
CVW: Looking ahead, what’s next for you and Mourning High, new music, bigger stages, or something unexpected?
Balog: We’re keeping the pedal to the floor, focusing on creating more music, hitting more tours, and building an even stronger experience and community for everyone who’s with us on this journey.
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Balog: Supporters can find us with a quick Google search. We’re on all major social media and streaming platforms, and our website is www.mourninghigh.com
With blistering energy, disciplined musicianship, and a deep respect for metal’s roots, Reid Balog is carving out his place in thrash history one stage at a time. Mourning High’s rise feels earned, forged through relentless practice, fearless performances, and a refusal to water anything down. If the past year is any indication, this is only the beginning of a very loud, very fast future.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
