Melodic hardcore, alternative metal, melodic metalcore. These genres have described the way the band Gideon has sounded. No matter what genre you put them in, they are loud, aggressive and making waves with their music.
The band started out in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2008 and consists of: guitarists Daniel McCartney and Tyler Riley, bassist Timmy Naugher, drummer Jake Smelley and vocalist Daniel McWhorter.
Led by McWhorter, the band has a more aggressive sound that has impacted the hardcore, metalcore genre.
The band released their third full-length album “Calloused,” through Facedown Records a few weeks ago and debuted at #77 on the Billboard Top 200. McWhorter gave an explanation on what one can expect to hear.
“I think you can expect to hear a more refined version of Gideon on our newest album,” said McWhorter. “We dug up a lot of our old favorite bands for some influence, such as: Sevendust, Linkin Park and Slipknot, while keeping our sound at the same time. The process varied from song to song, depending on who wrote what.”
Like most songs, many have a lot deeper meaning than what is said.
“One of the new songs called “World of Hurt,” is written about my little sister,” said McWhorter. “She is dealing with losing her mother and a father that hasn’t been there for her.”
The cover of the album consists of a solid white background and in the middle is five nails with the picture of a rose within the nails.
“The song “Calloused” has a part in it that says, ‘Life’s not a bed of roses, it’s a bed of nails,’” said McWhorter. “The nails with the roses in them is just a play on that.”
New albums from artists usually have some kind of different sounds and Gideon was no different. Skepticism loomed with the band with the different sounds.
“We were all a little nervous about how people would take it since it was a good bit different from our normal [sound],” said McWhorter. “Everyone seems to be really into it though which feels so awesome because we really love it.”
The five-piece band recently finished up a country-wide tour, playing with: Fit for a King, Being as an Ocean, Wolves at the Gate and Capsize. The band couldn’t be more appreciative.
“The turnouts have been insane,” said McWhorter. “If you came to the tour and are reading this, thank you so so much for coming out and having a great time with us.”
Mcwhorter talked about his inspirations of wanting to get into the music industry.
“The band Rage Against the Machine was the first band that really made me want to be in a band,” said McWhorter. “It wasn’t until my very first show back in my hometown of Pearl, Mississippi when I saw a band called The Last Hope play, that I decided I wanted to be a front man for a band. The energy that they radiated was so addicting. I didn’t want the show to end.”
It’s hard to imagine screaming vocalists singing something other than their known songs with their distinctive voices. Vocalists will not always sing right-off-the-bat with aggressive vocals.
“Funny story, I was actually in choir from first grade to twelfth grade,” said McWhorter. “I was in chamber singers, where we dressed up in costumes and went singing all over the place. I was also in a barbershop quartet.”
McWhorter and Gideon appreciate the opportunity that has been given to them that has made them a success.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to travel all over and meet people all over the world,” said McWhorter. “Never in a million years would I have guessed that this is where I would end up.”
For friends, family, and even fans that are planning on getting a gift for McWhorter, he said what he would really want this Christmas.
“A rigid frame for my Harley Davidson would be nice to have,” said McWhorter.
If you haven’t seen Gideon live, do not worry, here is a hint on what they are planning on doing next year.
“Touring, lots and lots and lots of touring,” said McWhorter.
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