Band Interview: Darkstone Crows

Darkstone Crows are a female-fronted heavy metal band based out of Mississauga, ON. Influenced by System of A Down, Black Sabbath, Evanescence, Lamb of God, and Halestorm, Darkstone Crows brings a loud, heavy sound that is alternately melodic and crushing. Bombastic drums, thundering bass, and a shredding dual guitar attack are all complimented by powerfully grating vocals.

1. How did you get started as a band?

The band was formed in January 2014 by Jiv and Elle, through a program at a music school they were both attending. They ran through a rigorous process of lineup switches over the next year, with our bassist Russ joining in July, our first guitarist Adam joining in January 2015, and drummer Matt joining in February 2015. We recorded a four track EP between April and June 2015 and toured that album heavily over the summer and fall. Nick replaced Adam in January 2016 and we began work on our second album, while still maintaining a presence on the live circuit and online.

2. How would you describe your sound?

Melodic, alternative metal.

3. What bands/artists would you say have influenced your style of music?

Halestorm, Disturbed, Slipknot, System Of A Down, Lamb Of God, Tool, Evanescence, Gojira, Periphery and more.

4. Has the rise of YouTube & music streaming helped or hindered you as a band?

It has definitely helped as we can reach out to fans in other countries and fans who cannot make it out to shows. It also brings our music to individuals who have yet to hear us, helping us gain more fans.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

Elle: Write music and poetry, go to concerts and local shows, organize local shows, sing, play piano, read and spend time with friends and family.
Jiv: Paint, write music and poetry, play guitar, go to the gym.
Nick: Go to the gym.
Matt: Cook terribly unhealthy meals.
Russ: Play video games, explore, have a pint at a different bar, build things. But free time doesn’t really exist anymore.

6. What are your future plans musically? Tours?

We are currently working on an album that we are hoping to release this year and hope to tour next summer!

(GBHBL would like to thank Darkstone Crows for the interview & Stencil PR for arranging it. You can find out more about the band on their Facebook Page & get a free download of their EP here).