Introduction
Forged in the depths of the underground metal scene, this sludge powerhouse has been injecting a massive dose of party spirit into the UK landscape for over a decade. Known just as much for their crushing, down-tuned riffs as they are for their legendary tongue-in-cheek humour, Gurt balances swampy, concrete-heavy grooves with a fierce, uncompromising “DIY for Lyfe” work ethic.
We caught up with them pre Bloodstock festival so grab a beer, and protect your neck!
Interview
How would you describe the evolution of gurt from local sludge band to where you are today in exactly 3 words?
DIY for Lyfe!
Which member of the band is most likely to forget every bit of kit they need for the show?
Definitely me (Gareth) I will remember all the merch, but not a mic!
You’re playing Bloodstock! What does it feel like to be playing such an amazing festival?
It’s our third time, which does not take away from the immense pride we have being asked to play, its argulably the most important metal festival in the UK so we know how lucky we are, and really chuffed to have been asked back after 9 years when we last performed, I guess we are still liked!
Sticking with the festival theme, if you could design your own which 5 bands would be supporting you, and in what order on the bill?
Wow! What a question… if its about support we would bring bands that are our peers with us.. So start with Preatorian, then Space Wasters (Bills other band), Froglord, Trippy Wicked and Desert Storm. All mates and most of which have played or are playing bloodstock too!
If you look back over your entire catalogue which song has the heaviest riff, and which riff are you most proud of and why?
Such a hard question, it would have to be the final riff in the ‘ballad of Tom Stones and Reg Montayne Part1’ off of our second album ‘Skullossus’ its influenced by a very well known theme to a kids cartoon but sounds SO HEAVY and EPIC!
If the band were forced to take part in The Great British Bakeoff, who is winning the apron and who is more likely to burn down the tent?
Rich would win the Apron and Bill would burn down the tent sure… more out of frustration than anything else!
Sticking with other activities I love “Garden With Cthulhu”. I want to know though if Gurt was a flower, what would it look like?
The one that looks like a fanny, some sort of Orchid. Although they are deadly to cats and we love cats so maybe not!
On a bit of a deep dive here but you named your album from 12 years ago “Horrendosaurus” I love a bit of dinosaurs me! I want to know if you could have the body part of any dinosaur to help you play what body part of you picking from which dinosaur. And how would it help you play?
Small arms of the T-rex, to whack out those epic yet simple riffs!
What do you think has changed the most about the sludge scene since you started?
The bands have come and gone sadly in our UK scene, so its very different these days because we have been around for so long but the new boys all have something really unique and special about them which is nice to see. People are more experimental than 16 years ago perhaps too.
Your latest single is called “Survival Of The Shittest”. Would you be able to break down exactly what the song is about because from listening to it it sure does get my head moving.
It’s about finding your way in a very difficult world, times are hard these days so just be kind and hopefully that will get us all through!
Which song when you played it live for the first time had the biggest reaction? Did that surprise you?
‘NO LIMIT’.. this past weekend. The place blew up like a club and there was a laser show too.. That was awesome!
What is the funniest thing you have seen in the crowd of one of your gigs?
Loads of younglings two stepping at the front like it’s a hardcore show, that was great and pleased to see everyone have a good old dance and having the best time!
If your tour van could say one thing about the band… What would it say?
Please can you actually buy me and take me off the forecourt! (Also, Bill can you not be sick all down the side of me when travelling at 70 mph down the motorway)
What would you say to bands starting out now? Think the secrets you wish bands already in the industry had told you.
DIY for Lyfe… do everything yourself and work hard. It’s possible to be around for a long time if you work hard and don’t let others take the credit for your work. Also, make sure you are in a band with your mates. It’s the key to longevity.
Finally recommend us a couple of local bands that we need to know about!
Dredge, an Antifascist Sludge band from Plymouth. Absolutely amazing stuff and really refreshing and modern compared to us. Do loads of great work for Trans rights. Tuumanduumband from Birmingham, nasty ritual based Doom with skeleton stage props that are more famous than the members themselves. They supported us just last week and are excellent lads!
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