There's something about the Pacific Northwest that makes it the ideal breeding ground for Doom Metal bands. It's not just the near constant cloud cover and rainfall; there's something more intangible in the air. Nevertheless, the PNW is constantly serving up one good Doom band after another. One of the newest is IAMTHETHORN. Featuring current HIMSA vocalist Johnny Pettibone and Aaron Edge (ex-HIMSA, GRIEVOUS and several other excellent bands), they will be releasing their debut EP, "You Are The Lamb" this February on Goodfellow Records.

First off, how did the band come together?

Aaron Edge: "I had written some songs that didn't quite fit into the style of my then band (GRIEVOUS) and was interested in having JP sing over the tunes. He and I have been pals for years, and we decided to make a new project band out of the riffs I had written. We didn't think we would have the time to make it more than just a recording. But as soon as we were done with it, (and proud of it) it made sense to take it further. People who heard the tracks reacted to it, it seemed to stand out as something different. There was label interest and we decided to sign with Goodfellow Records. Joe was the only drummer for us, so we asked him to play and he agreed. He really is amazing, so versatile style-wise too. Knowing that JP and him would be very busy with their full-time bands made IAMTHETHORN more of a back-burner band... and we thought that for the best. Jerad was so excited to play bass for us, we couldn't hold him back. He is such a wonderful and talented addition, his enthusiasm only surpassed by my own. The 4-piece lineup became complete overnight (though I haven't ruled out the idea of having a second guitarist as well)."

Now I know that usually, asking what a band's influences is a rather idiotic question, but since the band is pretty new, I figured that I may as well go ahead and ask.

Johnny Pettibone: "Two bands I've always loved are NEUROSIS and EYEHATEGOD."

Aaron Edge: "I really wanted to cover the full spectrum of heavy music that influences me... not just the slow, Doomy side either. It is important to me that each song has somethin' different to offer. Different tempos, chords and style. Some of my greatest influences are EYEHATEGOD, CURSED, NEUROSIS, CAVITY, IRON MONKEY, KARMA TO BURN, DISFEAR, SLEEP and of course YOB/MIDDIAN. Having the other guys in the band with different influences of their own shapes songs too, takes them in directions that my original ideas might not have gone."

Joe Axler: "I have never played in a slow band before so I didn't really have any experience in doing what was needed for IAMTHETHORN. Pretty much, a lot of the fills and beats I just stole from drummers in my favorite bands of the genre, like IRON MONKEY and GRIEF (who is by far my favorite Sludge/Stoner band). GRIEF's 'Torso' is a really influential album to me and I strongly recommend it to anyone who hasn't heard it. Smoke a blunt, listen to it (start to finish) and fuckin' trip out man!"

Now I know that both Aaron and JP have been straight edge for many years, so I'm kind of curious to know what your thoughts are on playing a style of music that is often referred to as Stoner Rock.

Aaron Edge: "It just happens to be my favorite style of music to play AND listen too... it may not make sense to most that BONGZILLA and SLEEP influence my song-writing, because I don't smoke out before creating riffs. But, it's often the mood invoked in drug-induced, heavy music that strikes chords in me. People say I sound and write like a stoner and that must be because I have been influenced and guided by stoners. Those genres have shaped me, those artists and bands have helped me to understand my own outlets."

Joe Axler: "I smoke the shit out of some weed (getting as high as possible on whatever downers I have at the time) before practice, it helps me calm down enough to play slow. I don't think people's personal lifestyle choices have anything to do with the music they play. Just 'cause you smoke weed doesn't mean you have to play slow and heavy. Just because you are straight edge doesn't mean you need to play breakdowns every 5 seconds. I think Aaron and JP prove that really well in the shit they write, AND... it means more drugs for Jerad and me to share!"

Johnny Pettibone: "For myself, I've always wanted to do slower, heavier songs in the band I was in. I don't think our moral stance has anything to do with our passion and expression for the music we play. Plus, Aaron writes some sick riffs!"

What are the lyrical themes?

Johnny Pettibone: "Pessimism, hedonism, defiance, anti-organized religion, anti-establishment, anti-authority, anti-humanity, rain and coffee."

Aaron Edge: "The band has a strong distaste for Christianity and other sleeping, lazy, unquestioning humans. I can't tell you how tired I am of organized religion... gets me fired up and so pissed off. Wars fought and people tortured... over beliefs? Bullshit! It confines people (though in fairness, I can't say "all people") into never wondering or seeking other answers. When I first asked JP to do IAMTHETHORN with me, I told him that I wanted a theme of freedom, originality and without a goal for over-all sound... no master(s) and no guilt. And, that's not unlike my own views on life: each day is different, nothing last forever or makes total sense, no one has proof of a ruling force in the universe so I don't worship one. I don't believe in fate, chance is something I can accept. So, when JP came up with the name of the band, it fit perfectly!"

Significance of the band name, IAMTHETHORN?

Johnny Pettibone: "I've had the name for awhile. It's a take on a SMITHS song 'A boy with a thorn in his side', My favorite band of all time and one of my favorite songs. If you're familiar with the song... you will get the metaphor."

Aaron Edge: "I like to think of our full name as "I am the thorn, you are the lamb". We titled the first CD the latter part of the phrase instead. I was a believer and a sleeper for nine years of my life... I wasted so much time wanting and trying to believe in God. No more, and I hope that others wake up from their ridiculous slumber too."

What are your thoughts on signing with Goodfellow?

Joe Axler: "I'm excited to be label-mates with my buddies in INTRONAUT and so many other rad bands."

Aaron Edge: "So far, so good... though I am impatient, a perfectionist and terribly OCD. If things get a bit outta' my grasp, I get concerned. If the CD comes out on February 20th, ads get into magazines, distribution is as promised... I will be happy. The record is good, the other dudes in the band are great... I am very excited for this band and the opportunities that Goodfellow Records has laid out before us. If the momentum is steady, I'll stay quite content. Being on the same label as CURSED and THE ABOMINABLE SLOTH is exciting as well."

Any touring plans?

Aaron Edge: "For a while, we are just doing long Northwest weekends, but the plan is to do a full West Coast later in the year. JP and Joe have other bands that take their time, energy and amazing talents away from IAMTHETHORN (which leaves us with less time to tour) BUT those bands are awesome and filled with other rad musicians/friends of ours! Jerad and I are very understanding of our band's position and limits. We are just stoked that JP and Joe have an interest and motivation to be in the band with us at all. My new, full-time job gives me less time to tour as well... so, I am in no place to bitch either way."

When can we expect a full-length album?

Aaron Edge: "Good question, we are a few tracks into writing it now and (if Goodfellow wants it) could be ready after summer I imagine... maybe winter 2007 or early 2008? Hope so. I can't stop writing and if it were up to me, we could put out three releases a year. We will be slowing down for this summer, as JP and his band HIMSA write and record their new release for Century Media. After that, we will pick up the pace." [FIN]