Yellowknife metal band Gnarwhal have created a concept album exploring technology versus humanity. New single Circuits encapsulates a darker, more hypnotic sound.
They started recording the album last spring, although their writing process started the year before.
“We put in a solid four months leading up to our studio sessions in January to get the songs dialled in and all rehearsed, written and ready to go,” said guitarist Benji Straker.
“We took a bit of time on it. We wanted to get it right.”
Gnarwhal worked with producer Dan Ponich, from Park Sound Studio in BC, who previously produced their Altered States EP.
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The band members hope listeners will be pulled into the heaviness of the riffs and the catharsis that comes from surrendering to the music.
Listen to Circuits by Gnarwhal.
The band played songs from the album while spending the summer touring.
“It just went over really well,” Straker said of the single. “It encapsulates the sound of the record. It starts off like a more rockin’ tune, and then the second half of the song, it’s a bit more doomy and sludgy and slowed down. So we kind-of cover that spectrum throughout the record.”
Another single will drop in October. There will be a limited first round of vinyl for the album once it releases next spring.
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Still fully independent, the members of Gnarwhal are working on lining up shows to support the album release and encourage other, newer bands to look beyond playing their hometown market.
“It’s just so much fun to play to new audiences,” Straker said. He encourages musicians to apply for grants because of the cost of travelling to other parts of Canada.
“It’s not easy and it’s not cheap. I think we do have some really good support here financially, too. So it’s nice that we’ve been able to access some of that, to be able to have the opportunities that we’ve had,” he said.
If you’re not sure the heavy sound is for you, Straker believes Gnarwhal’s music is still accessible to a lot of listeners. “I think the casual listener, even if you’re not a heavy music fan, could enjoy it,” he said.
“This next album, it’s the next step toward the heavier side. I think any heavy music listeners will like it. But at the same time, I think you can tap your toe to it, you can drive to it.”
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