Photo by Jenna Madonia
Photo by Jenna Madonia
I’d love more than anything to take this opportunity to shit talk Trent on a public forum, but I won’t. Not today. Over the years this dude has built a reputation as being one of the baddest drummers in our city by playing in a ton of different bands like Blind Scryer, Prayer Line (with me!) and most recently, a new heavy band called Baptise that hasn’t played a show quite yet. Pandemic and everything, you know?
Back to Prayer Line — the band is set to release a new record this Friday via Never Nervous Records. Looking for something to do this weekend? Get your ass out to the release show at Headliners this Saturday July 17 which will also feature Stagecoach Inferno and Tyler Lance Walker Gill. Check out the first single from the PL album called “Thrill Me” below:
Anyway, I asked Trent a few questions about new music he’s involved with, growing up in a strict Christian household, and more. Here’s how he responded…
Never Nervous: What’s new with Blind Scryer? You guys have a new EP on the way, don’t you?
Trent Combs: Scryer does have a new EP. This time around we won’t be releasing it independently, but all those details aren’t completely worked out yet. We were also back in the studio a few days ago to record a single that we will be releasing digitally.
NN: What’s different about these new songs?
TC: I think the biggest difference in these songs as compared to our first release in 2019, is that we’ve really found our stride. The 2019 release felt like a menagerie of songs that at times weren’t as cohesive as we would have liked them to be. We think we’ve finally honed in on our sound and also upped the production value on these tracks.
We (Blind Scryer) think we’ve finally honed in on our sound and also upped the production value on these tracks.
NN: Prayer Line has a record coming out this Friday. How would you describe the overall vibe of the record, as compared to what the band was doing before?
TC: So, this will be my first record with you all. The earlier stuff was definitely more relaxing. Kind of pop/pop punk. The overall feel of most of the newer stuff definitely takes influence from 80’s punk/thrash in my opinion. Heavier guitar tone, galloping bass lines, and a lot more double bass on the drums.
NN: How much do you enjoy playing drums in Prayer Line? In other words, how great is it being in a band with me?
TC: Prayer Line produces content at a very quick rate which is always fun. Plus we don’t take ourselves too seriously. I mean, most of our songs are about B horror films. It’s hard to be that serious about it. Also, if you weren’t in the band I wouldn’t have a punching bag, so I guess it’s cool that you’re here.
NN: As a drummer, is there anyone that you find yourself trying to emulate? Do you have any major influences?
TC: I guess if I were to pick a favorite drummer, it would probably be Mikkey Dee of King Diamond and later Motörhead. The guy just has an intensity about him that I try to recreate on stage. Plus his accuracy and speed are always on point.
The overall feel of most of the newer stuff (from Prayer Line) definitely takes influence from 80’s punk/thrash in my opinion. Heavier guitar tone, galloping bass lines, and a lot more double bass on the drums.
NN: I know you’re pretty big into doom and stoner metal. Are there any lesser known bands from the genre you’d recommend?
TC: I don’t even know where to start with that question. It feels like it has been a long time since we’ve played with any bad bands. The stoner rock/doom community, at least in my eyes is very tight knit and feels like we’re all working together to make the genre stronger instead of what I’ve experienced in other genres. That doesn’t answer your question at all. So off the top of my head, here are some bands that everyone should be listening to if they aren’t already: Horseburner, Jakethehawk, Howling Giant, Shi, Weed Demon, Dirtbag, Black Sire, Maharaja, Doctor Smoke, Black Spirit Crown, 20 Watt Tombstone, REALM, Druids, Doomstress, Duel, Great Electric Quest, Bridesmaid… I could list bands all day that don’t have the recognition they deserve.
Off topic a little, but I think people have this idea that local bands are awful bc their uncle Kenny plays the same 30 garbage cover songs from the 70’s and 80’s every weekend at the same shitty bar. People should really go see some of these young, hungry bands if they want to find some new music.
NN: What is the last record that you bought? Where did you buy it, and did you end up liking it?
TC: I believe the last record I bought was a new release by Spelljammer which are on the label Riding Easy Records. You really can’t go wrong with anything from that label. It’s super heavy and trippy. The kind of shit you melt into a couch listening to. I picked that LP up at Guestroom Records on Frankfort Ave.
NN: You and I both were raised in strict Christian households and weren’t allowed much access to the “secular” world. How has that affected your taste in music, and art in general over the years?
TC: I definitely missed out on things that others my age consider nostalgia and therefore can’t really get into. Punk being the main genre I really missed out on. I feel like that’s a thing you got into in your teen years and sticks with you. I really don’t like punk and I think that’s because it doesn’t hold any real meaning to my development in musical taste or more accurately, lack there of.
NN: Who is your favorite Christian rock artist, and why is it Carman? (RIP)
Man, Carman was a giant piece of shit.
TC: Man, Carman was a giant piece of shit, but he was such a big piece of Christian music in the 90’s. I mean, how many pop, rock, rap, country artists can you think of? He had it all. His content was such pandering dribble and christians eat it up. Not gonna lie, I love getting people’s reaction the first time they hear/see a Carman music video. If any of you reading doesn’t know of the true force of nature that was Carman, just look up Satan, Bite the Dust! You can thank me later. Also fuck that dude.
NN: Why do you back into parking spaces, rather than pull in head first? How long have you been doing this, and what was behind this decision?
TC: I’m currently writing this answer out at work in my car that I’ve backed into it’s space (see attachment):
I guess I’ve just never had much of an issue using the mirrors on the side of the car, used for backing up. I mean, if making your car go straight in reverse is a big issue for you, you’re probably the same type of person that has to turn your music down to make an ATM withdrawal. You should just have your license revoked at that point.
NN: Before you go, give everyone reading one good reason to come to the show at Headliners this Saturday.
TC: Do you want to be the only one around the water cooler on Monday that didn’t come experience the honky tonk, wild west, monster thrash? I didn’t think so nerd. See y’all there or die.
