With influences from Led Zeppelin to Burzum, you could imagine a band to be chaotic and not have a clue as to how they want to sound, spending an eternity trying to find that sound and forgetting how to write a song because you’re trying too hard. Not so with Callus. Callus, who hail from Lancaster, know exactly how they want to sound and it’s a blend of thrash and sludge that gets you off your ass and into the pit. We recently caught up with guitarist/vocalist Louis Clarke who had plenty to say about the band, Bloodstock and what lies ahead for the band in 2018 and beyond.
Callus – Jägermeister Stage, Friday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
The band originated from Lancaster, that’s where we started jamming and hanging out. As things have changed in our lives over the first few years and members (drummers!) have come and gone our base of operations has changed, we had a base in Preston for a while. These days we get together in Lancaster for jam sessions and live “rehearsal” but the three of us live pretty far away now. So we do our homework and meet for gigs, studio or jamming really. It makes it more of a special occasion!
How long have you been playing together as a band?
Well, we formed in 2013, me and Ben Wormwell have been the two consistent members since the very beginning. Ryan is our drummer now and we love him to bits, our “razzle boar” and he has been with us about a year now, I think.
Where does the name of the band come from?
When Ben and I we were in the stages of wanting to form a band just meeting up and jamming riffs we had both written, I had sheets and sheets of lyrics and potential band names / track names and Callus was one of those on that list. Ben looked through them one time and was like “That’s the one!” He wasn’t wrong
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I sort of feel like that isn’t for me to say! Put it this way, we all have a lot of different influences in heavy music and from other genres and basically I think that creeps into “The Callus sound” if you will. We have no limits on what we want to do or how we want to sound as a band and it is definitely something we wish to explore the boundaries with but it’s always deeply rooted in heavy music. Riffs, man… big filthy riffs. We aren’t a very complex band, not the most dextrous by any means but I think that’s our strength. We do mix it up, we have elements of doom / thrash / stoner / progressive just to name a few genres, I think that’s what catches people’s ears. I couldn’t be in a “strictly blackened thrash” band, no offence of course but we just want to mix it up, man.
How often is the band able to get together and rehearse in the studio? Where do you get together and record?
Not as often as we would like! Life gets in the way, but it’s the struggle that drives us when we do have the time together. Luckily we have cool and supportive friends and families who can either help with gear or watch the kids for the day that kind of thing. Our studio set up is at Ryan’s home studio, he has a great ear for that side of things and that’s where we are recording our album.
How are the songs constructed in the studio? Are there the main songwriters of songs that take care of everything or is Callus a band where all members contribute to the songs?
Anyone is free to contribute music in Callus. As long as the other two guys give it the thumbs up. I myself have written a large chunk of the riffs and lyrics to date but Ben has really been stepping up the game and he can see things that I can’t. He has a turn of phrase that just has to be intact or a riff that is so mean it makes Hades look timid. Ryan has contributed to the album as well, but as the newest member I think the full Louis/Ben/Ryan song-writing will come to light for the next album
How hard has it been to juggle the touring side of things with the everyday jobs? Do you have plans to go on bigger tours and further afield in 2018?
First things first, we haven’t taken Callus out on the road for a proper tour just yet! It will 100% happen in time, a tour is a massive step for a band of course so I think we are still working on building this from the ground up, building a name for ourselves etc so that when we do go on the road. I’m sure we will get out and tour once the album drops. As for the struggle with day jobs etc, that’s the bane of our existence, man. The struggle makes it worth it though as it gives us the hunger and fire to push ourselves out there and make something of it and when we get a good night it’s a real achievement for us. Complacence is the enemy.
So what are the plans with the rest of 2018? Is there a chance of more material?
2018 has been an incredible year for us. We still have Mammothfest to look forward to at the end of the year! We will play some shows here and there as well, but the main focus is really pushing this album. We are more than halfway through, we are hoping for a winter release.
How hard is it for an extreme metal band like Callus to survive in the current climate where bands have to tour non stop and sell merchandise in order to bring money back into the band?
Again, it’s a struggle. Next to impossible even. We are that in love with what we do though that it’s the three of us that sink money into the band to keep it going. We have been extending our range of merch though so that has brought a bit of money back into the band but that just pays for the next round of shirts. It does take a bit (a very small bit) of the strain of us individually. Occasionally you get a good gig that gives the band a cash boost, but it all goes back into the next band project. If we wanted to make big money, we would be doing something else!
Are there any other bands from your local scene that you would recommend?
Shred Dibnah, Obscene Nihilist, Drudge! All top guys (and gals!) and deserve everything they get.
You have already played Hammerfest this year. How was that experience for you?
Out of this world! It was a very big stage and our first festival and daylight so we could actually see everyone. We had an amazing response which we were so grateful for, not to mention selling out of EPs and nearly shirts! We love festivals, always such an amazing vibe to be a part of such a massive event was humbling.
Bloodstock is next on the agenda for Callus. What sort of setlist can we expect?
Put it this way, we want to lull you into a false sense of security and then rip your head off. We will be starting heavy for sure, we have half an hour so it’s our job to drill into as many people as we can what we are as a band. Expect down-tuned, thrashy sludge filth.
What’s your live show like? Why are people going to watch you instead of another band?
It’s well intense for sure. When we do headline gigs we like to pull out all the stops, we have extra UV lighting on our backdrop plus a little incense to add an extra dimension. Obviously, for Bloodstock we can’t really take certain liberties, it’s much more “plug in, play, and get right down to it!” Our show is pretty intense, but we have a lot of different influences and colours to the sound so I really do think there is something in there for everyone.
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not squished up next to so you can see them play?
This is a chat we have been having between us for a while now as there are quite a few we want to catch on the Friday. Put it this way, whatever happens, happens, so be it!
What are you working on at the moment?
The album of course! We should be dropping a teaser for that in the next week or two so we can’t wait to get that out there.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
Things always tend to get a bit odd when we spend too much time together. I licked Bens third nipple one night at a gig we went to, that was fun.
Jäger, Hobgoblin Ale, Kraken, Kingstone Press Cider, Kaltenberg Beer or Bulleit Bourbon? And, yes, we’ll be counting all the votes!
For me Jäger, and Hobgoblin Ale! But I’d have to pick Jäger, wouldn’t I with us playing the Jäger stage. We do like our drinks though, it has been known.
A fun question to end this interview. If you were a DJ and were allowed to bring 5 CDs to the party, what would they be?
Depends on what kind of party but if it was your standard kids birthday party id take a couple of Foetal Juice CDs, some Entrails, some Mastodon… and a Kyuss CD to kick back to once everyone has fled
Any last message for our readers here at Moshville Times?
Shit, you got this far! Cheers for reading! We are playing the Jäger tent at Bloodstock on August 10th, come check it all out!