Chris Brock (Early Graves / The Funeral Pyre)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2011? (in order 1-5)
Some of my favorite records released this year have been Craft "Void", Today Is The Day "Pain Is A Warning", Crowbar "Sever The Wicked Hand", Ghostface "Apollo Kids" (I realize this was a 2010 release but it came out at the very end of the year and it really is that good) and I really liked the Book Of Black Earth record "The Cold Testament" a lot. Deafheaven "Roads To Judah" is also awesome and they are really nice dudes and good friends. I listened to that new Chelsea Wolfe record a lot too.
What band did you discover in 2011 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
I cant think of a band that really did this, but I really rediscovered my love of music in general this year. I took a while away from listening and playing music for a couple of months and it wasnt until midway in the year where I put music back on and really listened to it deeply again. It has had a huge impact on me because it makes my whole life better. There was not really one band or even genre that really did it either, it was just what my ritual of listening to music is and how it makes me feel that really made appreciate how amazing music really is and how it can enchance someones life deeply if they let it.
How will you remember 2011 (in terms of music)?
The Funeral Pyre did a tour with some old friends mine in The Secret that was a lot of fun, and Early Graves got a new singer and started writing music again. I am just grateful that I am able to play music and that there might be people that care enough to read what I say about it or listen to what I write musically. I would also like to RIP Makh Daniels, we miss you everyday.
What can we look forward to from you in 2012?
I am looking forward to touring a lot with Early Graves and recording/putting our third record out, and I am looking forward to recording and doing the same things with The Funeral Pyre. Theres nothing set in absolute stone for either band now, but we are both going to be busy.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2012?
If Slayer puts out a new album. Morbid Angel, please make a good album with Pete Sandoval to make up for whatever that bad album was. Im looking foward to seeing Black Sabbath as well. I dont know when the records are coming out but Im excited to hera new music from Converge, Clinging To The Trees Of A Forest Fire, Ghostface, Tragedy, Slayer, and Gorgoroth. Whenever these do happen, Ill be buying.
What did you expect to be huge in 2011 which never made it?
Lulu
