Metal rock band, Earthen Grave, which marries the sounds of metal past and future, is probably the only metal rock band in the world whose band member is a world famous classical violinist.
Formed in 2008, the thrash heavy metal band snowballed together one-by-one to include classically trained virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine on the 6-string electric violin, Ron Holzner, band manager and bassist, Jason Muxlow and Tony Spillman, guitar, Scott Davidson, drums and Mark Weiner, vocals.
“Having Rachel as part of the band is like heavy metal with class,” says Ron Holzner, bassist and band manager.
An invitation from Scott Davidson to join a rehearsal unleashed Barton Pine’s passion to elevate her affection for heavy metal music in a new way. After the first rehearsal, it was clear that the electric violin would be woven into the DNA of the band as a core instrument.
”I’ve been listening to metal for most of my life,” says Barton Pine. “And for fifteen years I had been playing metal on acoustic violin. But the first time I jammed with Earthen Grave, it was so much more intense than anything I had previously experienced – playing metal loud felt amazing.”
The band celebrated its debut performance with Barton Pine at The Nite Cap Lounge in Portage Park just a week after her sold-out performance at Carnegie Hall.
With signature hair waving intensity and verve, her soul reaching violin solos have become a crucial contribution to the groups’ heavy metal compositions.
Having a solid background in and around the music scene, the entire band culminated with a collective spirit that became a huge hit with fans in just one year.
Because of high demand from their fans, Earthen Grave recorded a quick release of their first EP, Earthen Grave: Dismal Times, in 2009. The release featured original songs that meld classic, crunch doom, and vibes with a solid dose of thrashy bludgeoning covers.
MaximumMetal.com hailed the freshman EP as “astounding” and “pure, head-banging bliss.”
The release garnered immediate attention from mainstream media leading to features on local and national news shows and a 45-minute set at the 2010 Great Performers of Illinois Festival at Pritzker Pavilion.
It was a most memorable night for Barton Pine, who received the 2010 Great Performer of Illinois Award.
Recently, the band took home the coveted top honor as Best New Entertainer at the 30th Annual Chicago Music Awards making it the first time in the CMA’s 30 year history that the honor was bestowed on a metal band.
New Album – Earthen Grave originals and more
Fresh out of the studio, Earthen Grave completed recording their first official full-length, self-titled album.
Set to release later this year, the album will feature several original tunes from their first EP with more new songs – all original.
Earthen Grave will perform April 29 at North Central College Pfeiffer Hall, in Naperville. See www.earthengrave.com
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