INTERVIEW: Gozer

Interview by Jesse Skinner. Photo by Rachael Skinner.

Emerging from Albany, the local band Gozer is gaining recognition for their distinctive approach to gritty hard rock and doom songwriting. This style is closely linked to the subgenres of stoner rock and doom metal, characterized by low-tuned guitars and a strong influence from the iconic band Black Sabbath. Gozer has elevated their unique sound and songwriting abilities, successfully reinventing the genre to create a signature style. With heavy, bluesy riffs complemented by dynamic vocals, Gozer is introducing a fresh perspective to the genre, attracting new listeners who may be less familiar with it. Gozer has received nominations from the Edison Music Awards, the 2024 Extreme Music Awards, and for Favorite Metal Artist at the 2023 Listen Up Awards.

I was able to get in touch with the band, who had some free time from their busy schedule, to answer some questions. Shining some light on these four talented artists that make up the band Gozer.

RRX: What are the main influences that helped develop your sound?

Gozer: We’re heavily influenced by a mix of two things: (1) both classic and contemporary stoner rock/metal ala Sleep, Kyus, Red Fang. (2) Modern metalcore sounds ala Erra and Story of the Year. Sean is to blame for the metalcore influences and Nick K is to blame for the stoner rock vibes. Collectively, our sound is a result of the “Frankensteining” between Nick M’s technical prog-driven drumming, Mykah’s powerful vocals, Sean’s “Jessie Cash-style riffs” and Nick K’s “Blackmore/Iommi-style riffs.” Gozer is still a relatively new project that hasn’t branched outside of the 518 much. The future holds more experimentation with gear, tones, and writing in the hopes that that sound will be one that people organically respond to. If people don’t respond to it, no worries, because we all really enjoy creating the project regardless of the response.

RRX: What band or bands would you want to tour with, or play a show alongside?

Gozer: If the powers that be would permit a Gozer, Dozer, Geezer, Heezer, Gozu lineup … we’d be thrilled! Jokes aside, Ruby the Hatchet, Green Lung, and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats would all be so sick to play with. We’ve been dying to play more regionally with our friends in Black Tongue Reverend and have been actively pursuing that goal. Having recently been given the amazing opportunity to open for acts like King Buffalo, The Well, Year of The Cobra, EYEHATEGOD, Leather Lung, and Geezer, we just want to play with and align ourselves with quality people who are cool to hang out with. Every one of those bands were super approachable and had no problem being real with us about their experiences within the music industry.

RRX: How do you go about writing songs? Describe your writing process.

Gozer: Sean (bass) or Nick K (guitar) typically bring either full or half-finished demos to the table. Nick K will record riffs on his phone, let them marinate, and build them from the riff out. Lyrics and melody are usually the last thing added. After our individual homework is done and we meet in rehearsal, the songs can transform into something completely different. It’s a very collaborative process. For example, “Zeke” was originally intended to be played at a much faster tempo. When one of us suggested to play it slow, it just felt right. We have another song in the works called “Up in Smoke” which is very different than the original demo. The process can take as long as a year or two, as in the case of “Dust.” Or, the process can take a day, as in the case of “Poisoned Crown.” Every creator can appreciate “the zone” you get in where things just fly off the pen, and that was the case when Sean wrote “Poisoned Crown.” On our Instagram page, close to the beginning of it, there’s a montage Nick K made from a bunch of different John Carpenter movies. The music in the background is the original demo of our song “Gallows.” That is another example of how songs can morph into something different than originally intended.

RRX: What differentiates you from other local bands?

Gozer: If we’re being completely honest, not much! We’re just like every other artist who enjoys creating and sharing their work with new audiences. We just prefer to do that via “stoner rock/stoner metal” music. We are, however, consistently trying to add to our live shows. That includes experimenting with set order, messing with different types of intros/outros, planning stage movement, etc. One thing we’re proud of is our efforts to promote and support other local bands. Every Monday, Nick K plays local music, of all genres, throughout the day at his work. To date, 33 DIFFERENT bands have been played throughout the day at Capital Area PT and Wellness in Malta. Everyone has their own 9-5 lives, families, and obligations, so it’s hard to always go to local shows to support and take photo/video on top of your own band’s schedule. But a rising tide helps all ships, so strengthening our local scene will help everyone in the end game.

RRX: Any memorable moments playing shows?

Gozer: Fortunately, there have been a growing number of moments. We’ll never forget the feedback we got from the crowd at a house show a few years ago. They were going nuts, moving, shouting, and having a blast. Another cool moment was seeing a group of people “rowing” to the beat of our song “Zeke.” It’s also always a memorable experience rubbing elbows with bigger touring bands in your genre too. The last two shows we played at Empire Underground were great because the place was packed, and the crowd was giving off such good energy. The energy of the crowd is probably a common denominator in most band’s memorable moments, regardless of venue size. We always have an amazing time at Desperate Annies for Super Dark shows! At the end of the day, we think it’s important to recognize that we’re playing music with friends, so all the smaller moments in between the big ones are great as well.

RRX: What equipment do you use?

Gozer: Sean (bass): TC electronic K410 cabinet and Peavey Mini Max head, Darkglass pedals and effects, Squier vintage modified jazz bass w/ roasted maple neck (AKA the stormtrooper bass).

Nick K: Reverend Sensei RA guitar, Orange TH30 head through an Orange PPC4x12 cab loaded w/ Weber Silver Wolf and Grey Wolf Speakers.

Nick M: uses whatever drum kit is in front of him and kills it every time.

Mykah: SE mic and a straight stand.

RRX: What are your future goals as a band?

Gozer: Our biggest goal is to continually reach new listeners both in and outside of the 518. We really want to grow our organic base and hope that this coverage will expose us to new ears. There’s a lot that we (and every other local musician) put into our songs. Please give our songs a legitimate listen, listen to or read the lyrics, immerse yourself into our hooks, and give us honest feedback … even if it’s negative! While pursuing our goals of organic engagement, we’re going to keep tweaking and reflecting on our live performances. We want our live show to become a fun event to attend. Bigger goals include rising to a level to play various festivals within the stoner/doom community (Desertfest, RippleFest, etc.) Another goal of ours is to always remain humble, hungry, polite, easy to work with, and inspired.

We want to thank our pals at “Botched: A D&D Podcast.” They just started their ninth season hot off their annual panel at Dragon Con. We’ve been writing their theme song for years, and they put out both fun and amusing content. Thanks to Wild Stag Media for using two of our songs in the movie “Follow The Dead.” Thanks to RadioRadioX, Capital Underground, That Fuzzing Rock Show, Mirth Films, WABY, The Daily Gazette, Weedian, Super Dark, EMA’s, Metroland, Listen Up, EQX, 518 Spot, Doom Charts, and Unsigned 518 for the support of our music and the local music scene.

RRX: Gozer has a show scheduled for November 23 at No Fun in Troy. They are working on a new album and plan to release a new single this fall. Keep on the lookout for new material and if you’re given the chance to see a live performance by Gozer, I highly recommend it.

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