Channel your inner 2010s emo self for the intoxicating metalcore meets post-hardcore sound of Nevada band Preacher. The band take pride in hailing from the “biggest little city in the world” Reno, where they’ve honed a nostalgic sound they describe as “energetic, unique and captivating.” And, without wanting to show any favouritism, this is absolutely one of our new favourite bands.
The quartet of Nate Garrison (vocals), Stan Neill (guitar, vocals and bass), Chris Yancey (guitar) and Alan Terry (drums) grew up playing in the Reno music scene together from a young age. Nate, Stan and Chris previously played in a nationally touring band while Alan was also in a separate touring band. After a brief hiatus, Nate, Stan and Alan met for lunch to discuss starting a band, which turned into a four-hour event of exchanging demos and led to writing their first song at the end of their first practice. Three years later, Chris completed the lineup and the band has gone on to release an album and two EPs.
Our latest taste of the Preacher sound is Live, Laugh, Lobotomy, which was released at the end of last year. The track opens up with a jaunty little synth sound that ushers in a heavy guitar riff imitation under vicious screamed vocals. That builds up to a catchy chorus led by engaging high-pitched clean vocals, which drop into a bouncy riff and more intense screams. Second time around, the chorus gives way to chunky guitars and vicious screams that bring the track to a heavy conclusion, with a cheeky little “Yeah” at the end.
On the track, Nate tells us: “We weren’t quite sure what to expect as this song was vastly different than anything we have previously released. So far it is holding up to be our strongest release yet and our fans seem to really be enjoying it. Anyone who hasn’t listened should expect a breath of fresh air and something you have never heard before. This song is absolutely going to kick down the door of your listening comfort zone!” Check it out in the video here:
That track followed on from last year’s EP Dream State, from which we particularly love the sound of Mora. It dives straight into a lively intro of wild guitars then a cheeky little synth line comes in as brutal vocals take over. A vicious cry of “Then I wake up” ushers in crushing guitars and doomy cymbals, before the pace drops with a light guitar lick and echoey vocals.
Out of nowhere, huge high-pitched vocals take over with a screamed retort, which ends on chugging guitar chords before the clean vocals return again. This time they give way to a fast-paced spinning riff and rolling drums under intense screamed vocals, which sets up a brutal conclusion. We absolutely love this and you can check it out in the video here:
The EP also features the entertaining The Man Who Laughs, the powerful Drifting, and excellent title track Dream State, which opens up with the clean vocals then kicks into fast-paced guitars under screamed vocals. And for something a little heavier, check out Sleep Like The Dead from their 2020 EP Deadline, because who doesn’t love a metal band killing it in the desert?
Preacher tell us they draw collective influence from bands like Architects, The Ghost Inside, Polaris, Underoath and Heart in Hand.
And on what inspires them to write music, Nate explains: “If we had to really narrow it down, our own individual life experiences (traumas, achievements, life lessons) have really driven the creativity for our material from the get-go.
“We feel that being as honest as possible is the best way to relate to an audience who may be feeling or struggling the same way you are. Another recurring theme would probably be reflecting on the current state(s) of the world and how people are being affected by the ebb and flow of it all.”
Live, Laugh, Lobotomy is the first track from Preacher’s new EP Blur, which will be released early in 2023. The band is already gearing up for not only that release but also new music to follow the EP and are booked out for shows through until April.
And intriguingly, you shouldn’t expect their new music to be too similar to previous releases due to Preacher being a fully DIY band. As Nate tells us: “We produce all our own designs, music, and social media content in-house. You can always expect something new from us. We never want to be the band that comes out with music and the response to be ‘That sounds just like their last album.’ We are constantly changing things up and doing our best to make sure that we never get stagnant and maintain a sound that is distinctly us.”
You can follow Preacher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and check out their music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Listen to Preacher on our Spotify playlists GigRadar Core and GigRadar Metal
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