Emerging from the caustic burrows of Chicago comes the monolith of metal called Lair of the Minotaur. Formed by Steven Rathbone in the spring of 2003 on the heels of his prior band 7000 Dying Rats, he enlisted Donald James Barraca (also from 7000 Dying Rats) on bass and longtime friend Larry Herweg (from Hydra Head Records drone masters, Pelican) on drums. With the line-up set, LOTM recorded their self-produced six-song debut EP in 2003, which eventually found it's way over to the Southern Lord lair. The impact was immediate and the deal was done, LOTM became the newest edition to Southern Lord's goat farm!
Their intent is to make crushing heavy metal and have each song tell a different tale from Greek mythology. With a nod to the forefathers of the genre, Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, Venom and Slayer, Lair of the Minotaur take their vision of barbaric sonic aggression and redesign the mold. Their focus and direction is crystal-clear. They display a passion and determination to annihilate audiences everywhere with this "sonic colonic" known as LOTM.
Rathbone explains:"I try not to expose myself to newer, unwanted influences. We wanted LOTM to be everything we've ever liked about metal. Stories about monsters & death, and music filled with killer chug riffs that you can bang your head to. I think what you edit out is just as important as what you leave in. If a part doesn't kick ass, it's out of there. It's hard for someone to admit that they came up with something that kind of sucks. But you have to be honest with yourself or you'll end up with a song that's just shit. Sometimes I'll just pick up my guitar and start playing and the first thing that comes out is better than something I've worked on for hours."
Have you ever heard the saying, -Keep it simple, stupid?- It definitely applies here.This the formula:. Greek mythology + Heavy Metal = LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR.
In FUCKING deed!
CARNAGE TRACKLISTING:
1. Carnage Fucking Carnage
2. The Wolf
3. Lion Killer
4. Caravan of Blood Soaked Kentauroi
5. Enemy of Gods
6. Warlord
7. Demon Serpent
8. Burning Temple
LotM Carnage Record Release Show!!!
08/10/2004
Venue: The Empty Bottle
Chicago, IL
Playing With: Zombi (Relapse Records), Behold! The Living Corpse