The Vancouver group Gravemass steps into this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. It’s an experienced lineup, with members having stints in bands such as 3 Inches Of Blood, Revocation and Zimmers Hole. Their full-length debut album is This Is The Way. Guitarist Mayan Hate (Just Cause, Dialed) introduces us to his band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Gravemass.
Mayan Hate: Wrote the music for the debut album while extremely frustrated and pissed off with my current musical situation. Literally, while in the studio tracking for a former project. Frustrated by the bullshit and politics that music can, at times, bring to the table. I wrote the album in what felt like a month at the most. I could not put my guitar down. I was so full of hate, anger, and frustration that it fueled what became Gravemass almost overnight.
Describe the songwriting process for This Is The Way.
Like almost this whole album, it came out… I wanted a fast and pissed-off feel. At the time, the shit just poured out. I was amped, pissed, and wanted aggression. It was effortless.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Doing it with my brothers. Dudes that I have known for decades. The best musicians I have had the fortune to call my brothers for decades. Witness these dudes tear up stages for years. I am humbled and absolutely stoked to have them be part of it. That, for sure, plus getting to do the recording process with Tim Creviston, is something I will always remember as well. Dude is amazing to work with, great musician in his own right. But mostly, just a rad person to be around. It was easy as hell, an effortless process.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Nothing…. It was absolutely a pleasure. Everyone KILLED IT! The album was done in a week.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Death, brutal, fast, pissed off, and evil.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
This is Lorde Heathen’s department (The Kill, Zimmer Hole). He wrote 100 percent of the lyrics. He was the first I approached with the music; he listened to it, immediately grabbed a pen, and went to work. We agreed on the direction. Pissed off, brutal, and unapologetic.
You filmed several videos for the album. Which was your favorite shoot?
All has been fun so far. The latest, “This Is The Way,” would have to be the one that was the most fun. Because it was just a montage of our live show. That is what we do and what we live to do. It was a fucking blast to play a festival with this band. Everything has been a blast. Stoked to do more.
How important are videos in today’s promotion process?
We feel people need to see what is up. That is why our latest video was of live footage. Videos are a great tool these days.
What lessons do you take from your previous band experiences as you go about building a fan base for Gravemass?
Well, after 30 years plus of shows, bands, music, drama, and bullshit, nothing is clearer to me now. I do this because I love it. After all, it is what I love to do. Not because I need to, but because I still have a fire in me to do it. The most valuable lesson I would say, it is to do it because you love it and do it with brothers that you love doing it with. If it is painful in any way, if you hate what you are doing and who you are doing it with… walk away. Hell bro, run! (laughs)
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
To play it for as many people as possible.
What has been your most memorable Gravemass live show?
Armstrong Metal Fest 2025
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Debut album release show March 13th at the Cobalt, Vancouver BC. Summer Western Canadian Tour 2026
How’s the metal scene in Vancouver these days?
Sick as always, lots of great up-and-coming bands. Vancouver is always a melting pot of great music.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Right now, I have no interest but to do this. Gravemass is my only interest.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We would like to thank our Gravemass family! We have not been around for long, but we are meeting more and more of you every day. We thank you for your support and hope we get to see as many of you as possible soon! Hails to our Gravemass family!
(interview published March 7, 2026)
Watch Gravemass – “This Is The Way” Video
