THRONE – Interview with Nathan Barnes (guitar, vocals)

Nathan Barnes plays in two fast-rising bands in Michigan’s underground death metal scene, THRONE (guitar, vocals) and JESUS WEPT (bass). Although both bands encompass a death metal sound, both bands sound quite different from each other. Both have released Eps—JESUS WEPT released “Crushing Apartheid” in 2017 and THRONE issued “Altar of the Dying” a year later. JESUS WEPT released the group’s first full-length early this year, “Apartheid Redux.” THRONE has a forthcoming, debut full-length titled “Pestilent Dawn.” Read onward to find out more about these crushing releases.

“Apartheid Redux” from JESUS WEPT was released in August. How have fans and publications responded to it?

Since we dropped the record via Redefining Darkness the response has been pretty overwhelming. We weren’t sure how it would’ve been received since we weren’t following the popular trend of death metal that has been coming out in recent years with the cavernous production.

The “Crushing Apartheid” EP was released in 2017. “Apartheid Redux” was released as a full-length. What are the differences between the two?

The difference between the two releases is quite substantial. We went through and re recorded the guitars for the original songs from the first EP…beefed them up…and Redux also has 3 additional tracks.

The EP was self-released while the full-length was released via Redefining Darkness Records. What has signing to a label done for this release?

It really put us in a much bigger spot than what we were in. Prior to signing we were just a part time band. Didn’t really put much time and effort into it. It was more something we all did when we could.

How would you describe the sound of JESUS WEPT? Who are some of your influences?

The sound is quite simple…CARCASS with a sleazy ‘80s attitude. Our influences for the band vary between members. But our core sound is definitely taken from “Swan Song”/ “Heartwork’-era CARCASS and ‘80s Heavy Metal.

You live in Jackson, Michigan, but the Metal Archives lists the band as being from Detroit. Are the majority of the members from Detroit? Is that where you practice?

I am from Jackson, but the rest of the band is located out in that area aside from our drummer who is located closer to Saginaw. We usually practice at our drummer’s house we can get time to do it.

Please talk about some of the shows you’ve played with JESUS WEPT.

Wept played some fun shows. We have gotten to open for DEMILICH, BLOOD INCANTATION, UNDEATH, MAMMOTH GRINDER, SANGUISUGABOGG and quite a few others.

In addition to JESUS WEPT, you sing and play guitar in THRONE. How do you divide your time between the two bands?

Like I said previously, JESUS WEPT practices when we can. THRONE is much easier to devote time to since we all live in the same city.

THRONE’s debut LP “Pestilent Dawn” is forthcoming. What do you need to do to release the album? When can our readers obtain a copy?

Right now we are shopping the unreleased album to labels in hopes to see if we can release it through a label. As of right now were not sure when the record will be out. We are HOPING sometime in the spring of 2021.

How does THRONE compare to JESUS WEPT? How would you describe the sound of THRONE? Who are some of your influences?

To me they’re not comparable—two completely different sounds. The sound THRONE has is just blisteringly fast blackened death. Our influences for THRONE are pretty streamlined to MORBID ANGEL, HATE ETERNAL, SUFFOCATION, BELPHEGOR, DARK FUNERAL and ANGELCORPSE.

THRONE released “Altar of the Dying” EP in 2018. How does that EP compare to the full-length? Has anything changed since that release?

To us it’s like night and day. You can hear our progression as a band in “Pestilent Dawn”…much tighter.

What are some of the lyrical themes on “Pestilent Dawn?” Why did you choose “Pestilent Dawn” as the title?

My lyrical themes for really any of my songs are just about dark things…anything from hell, Death, dark entities, madness, etc. “Pestilent Dawn” as an album title came to me from trying to tie it to a zombie apocalypse. It sounded very cool to me so I just went with it.

David Gregor of MORTA SKULD provided guest vocals. Are you friends with him? How did you get him to appear on the album?

We actually opened for them in Lansing, Michigan last year at the famous Macs Bar. David was a huge fan of our set. So just through networking we linked up on Facebook, and I just messaged him to see if he was interested in doing a guest spot and he was all about it. It was awesome having him on the record. He killed it.

THRONE have made their mark in the Detroit area playing concerts. You’ve also won a contest. Tell our readers about some of the artists you’ve opened for and the contest you won.

THRONE opened for some of the biggest extreme tours that came through Michigan from 2018-2019 such as BELPHEGOR, SUFFOCATION, EXHUMED, REVOCATION, GOATWHORE, AT THE GATES, TOMB MOLD and many others.

The contest you’re talking about was a Battle of the Bands we participated in and won to open the Michigan date of the Summer Slaughter tour in 2019, which included bands like CATTLE DECAPITATION, CARNIFEX, THE FACELESS and many others!

What have you been up to since COVID-19 hit? Have you been able to play shows?

Since COVID-19 things have become pretty slow for music. All we’ve been doing is working a ton and practicing with the bands when we can. THRONE has played a couple shows since COVID hit we were starting to book a little more has the restrictions are pulling back.

What’s next for the two bands?

Hoping to get back to playing shows and putting our name out there. Touring is definitely on the horizon!

Do you have anything you would like to add?

Be on the lookout for “Pestilent Dawn” next year!