Lair of the Minotaur are one of the heaviest bands on the planet. Full stop. Every full length, EP, and single since 2003 have battered and bruised with malicious intent. And now, with new album (sixteen years in the making!), I Hail I, the band have continued their tried and true tradition of death-doom while finding fresh, new ways to be heavier than ever. I dare say this album is their best but here we are; the performances, the writing, pacing, song placement, and bold production choices all have created a leaner, meaner beast and I’m HERE FOR IT. Steve Rathbone was kind enough to collaborate with us on some Profile questions so head directly below for that and prepare your mind and body for Friday. You’ve been warned…
How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start?
There were lots of musicians in my family. So I grew up with it. I started playing guitar back in ‘87. I took a few lessons. But I am self-taught, mostly. I was already into metal. So that’s what I wanted to play. KISS, Black Sabbath, Slayer.
Formed in late 2003. Signed to Southern Lord Records one month after our first show. LOTM was born out of an idea to make something pure and metal as fuck.
Any pushback from family/those close to you?
Everyone thought the band name was dumb. That’s how I knew it was perfect.
How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?
Heavy Fucking Metal.
Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?
I played the bass guitar on this album too.
Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?
I got busted with drugs at the Italian border. I stupidly was holding ecstasy for someone else. I hadn’t even taken any. I had forgotten it was there. They searched us and found it. I know. It sounds like everyone’s excuse, “It’s not my drugs!”
They took me to a police station and tested the pills. It tested positive. Luckily, they let me go with a warning. It could have gone way worse.
But two of the Italian border patrol officers were super cool. As it was super late at this point, they led us down the road to a little villa inn. Woke up the owner. And he cooked us a late dinner and hooked us up with really nice rooms.
Best bust ever.
What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?
Best: Big crowds at shows.
Worst: Venues taking merch % from bands. Jesus fucking Christ. Give us a break. It’s the only thing we can consistently make money from. And they want a cut of that? From a touring band that is filling their venue? They should be giving the bands a cut of the alcohol sales.
Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?
The F word. Fun.
We’re just trying to have fun, making bad ass metal.
Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?
I collect toys and make custom action figures. More fun.
What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?
Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t quit.
Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?
Keep doing what we’re doing. Don’t quit.
When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently? (Feel free to include non-metal)
Gral Brothers – Vol. Three
Ossuary – Abhorrent Worship
Sacrilege – Within the Prophecy
Delaney Bailey – Concave
What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?
We are playing Maryland Deathfest on Thursday, May 21. We are playing Motoblot festival with High on Fire, Saturday June 20. And we are doing a record release show in Chicago on July 10 at the Hideout. Where we will be doing a special set of the entire album of I HAIL I. More fest/show announcements soon.
Summarize your band in one word. (Disclosure: If you use more than one word, we’ll probably just pick our favorite.)
Aggressive
Many thanks to Steve and Lair of the Minotaur for their time!
I Hail I will be available May 1 on The Grind-House Records. For more information on Lair of the Minotaur, visit their Instagram page.
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