The end of 2026 is drawing closer, but we are most certainly not done exploring the new releases still to come. Walk The Winds, the Relapse Records debut from Temple of Bones, is among them. Emerging from the likes of Ripping Corpse and Dim Mak, the death/thrash collective have their latest out this coming Friday. Their style is not exactly easy to define, but what I can assure you is that it is absolutely massive. I don’t care what corners of extreme metal you lean toward, there is something in these abrasive and pummeling passages for everyone. Guitarist Mike Schweigert stepped in to respond to our Profile questions and share a bit more about this project and album. Take the jump and get a taste of what’s coming in just a few short days. Enjoy!

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How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

I was 16 years old when i started playing in hardcore punk bands, and in essence this would be the first metal band I’ve been in. And I’m 56. Haha. The other guys in the band have been playing in metal bands for decades! There’s always some pushbacks from some people but we all had family members that supported what we were doing.

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

I think we’re a mix of death, black and thrash with a touch of doom.

Is there anything about your upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Well, making this record was a challenge. Not the creative process, just a lot of outside problems and losses that slowed the process down.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

At the time of writing this we have only played one show, can I get back to you about this?? Haha [Ed. note: Please do!]

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?

Right now, it’s cool to see how supportive bands are with one another, and the people promoting shows too. There’s not a lot of venues to play around here right now now but the way everyone works together reminds me of the old days.

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?

We shy away from politics. They’re all greedy corrupt assholes and not worth our energy ha. If you listen to Scott’s lyrics you can hear that we’re concerned with the destruction of our planet. Dealing with depression and trying to overcome it and you brought up humor. There’s no joking around with the music but we’re always laughing and talking shit.

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

We all have jobs. I’m a tattooer. Been tattooing a long time. We all have creative hobbies outside the band too.

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?

Focus on vibe and real energy and emotion over production quality and sales.

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

We’re writing more music now and working on playing out more consistently. That’s
about as far as we’re gotten right now.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

The new Mastodon and Left to Die are a couple that everyone in the band have been exploring lately. But we’re all over the place with music.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

I think I kind of inadvertently answered this one earlier sorry ha

Summarize your band in one word.

Someone said we’re Bizarre.. I think that kind of fits.

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Many thanks to Mike and Temple of Bones for the time!

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Walk The Winds is out on November 13th through Relapse Records. To keep up with Temple of Bones, head over to Instagram.