In the rock and metal world, we’re used to certain topics that could also be considered hobbies for some. For example, it’s no secret that Kirk Hammett is a horror lover. He even found inspiration for one of Metallica’s most iconic song titles from a Stephen King novel. But inspiration from video games? That’s a bit harder to come by, and for it to work, it has to be executed properly. Luckily for all my gamers out there, SPAWNDIE does just that on their debut EP, First Mission, and it’s awesome.
2020 may have separated this group of friends by distance, but SPAWNDIE headed over to their virtual playground to reunite by gaming. What started as a joke while playing became 5 metal songs that combine elements of old school thrash, punk, and hardcore accompanied by humorous lyrics that every gamer can relate to. And that’s no exaggeration. I have personally shouted “This Gun Sucks” and “How Did He Shoot Me Through A Wall?” amongst other lyrics that you’ll hear on this EP while playing Call of Duty with my brother, and I’m sure my fellow gamers will say the same. If you’re a metalhead that’s also into gaming, you need to hear First Mission.
SPAWNDIE is made up of music veterans whose former and current endeavors feature names such as
Kingsbury, Runnin Blind, Throe, Ring Of Scars, Over The Radar, Alphæus, JP2, Halfway To Adonis and
many more. This week each of the band’s members share the songs that made them into metalheads. And don’t forget to listen along with today’s episode of The Versatile Virgo Podcast here on Spotify.
5 Songs That Made Me A Metalhead: SPAWNDIE
SPAWNDIE says, “Your first metal song is something that stays with you. Most of us metalheads are outcasts so finding that one song that connects with you; better yet, that helps you connect with fellow metalheads, that stuff is special. I think it is safe to say that our musical taste may have changed since that moment, but those songs are considered life changing experiences and I do not think any of us would be who we are without having listened to them.”
“In The Meantime” by Helmet
Citronaut’s pick from 1992’s Meantime
“The song that got me into metal was “In the Meantime” by Helmet. [It] was not “metal” per se, but to ME, I heard the grind-y guitars and was hooked.”
“Battery” by Metallica
JohnnyHeathen’s pick from 1986’s Master of Puppets
“Song that made me a metalhead? “Battery.” First time, every time. I was 8 years old, and it sonically shit-britched me.”
“One” by Metallica
Xtboltx’s pick from 1988’s …And Justice For All
“As for me, it was the Metallica song “One”. But not hearing it; It was learning to play it on guitar. I enjoyed the challenge and (for a 14 year old that had only been playing for a year) the complexity. That song really branches out into multi-layered clean orchestration, Roads-style tapping and melodic phrasing, Fear Factory-style riffs. Not to mention source material for lyrics. [It] set the bar for me at an early age. Also, I should note, I did not learn it when it was released. It was actually mid-90’s buried in all the less guitar-driven alternative of the moment.”
“Hallowed Be Thy Name (cover)” by Cradle Of Filth
Sirdyngidang’s pick from 2002’s Lovecraft & Witch Hearts and The Celtic Cross edition of 1998’s Cruelty And The Beast (under the name “Shallow Be My Grave”)
“Metallica’s black album in [the] 5th/6th grade was the first exposure. Then, in high school I got into hardcore bands like Hatebreed. But honestly, in high school I [also] discovered Cradle of Filth and their album Cruelty and the Beast. And they did a cover of “Hallowed Be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden and I was hooked.”
“Souls Of Black” by Testament
Jetsaholic19’s pick from 1990’s Souls of Black
“I think the funny part about this story is that, up until this point, I legit thought that I listened to heavy music. When, in reality, I was listening to just 80’s rock and glam and just didn’t know better. I borrowed the CD from a classmate who kept insisting I needed to listen to it because I played guitar and the guitarist in the band was amazing. I brought it home, hid it from my mom of course because I knew I would get in trouble if she saw the cover, and then I listened on my headphones and I was just both blown away and scared. The sound, the lyrics “LOOK AT THE LOST SOULS!!! THEY SEEM SO BLACK!!!”. To this day, Testament is still my ultimate favorite metal band.”
WHERE TO LISTEN TO SPAWNDIE’S EP FIRST MISSION
First Missions is available now on most digital music retailers. Listen to the full EP or pick up some SPAWNDIE merch here.
WANT TO COLLABORATE?
Click here for more information on collaborations.
