Brutal metalcore act CHAPEL OF THE DAMNED have two full-length albums out, with their latest album "The Devil’s Eulogy", the band plans to focus upon this release, and come later they will be playing shows and touring! The band discusses this release and themselves on formation, music, and much more below!


1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just come to you?

The idea actually came from an old B grade film called Left Behind. It’s a religious movie about the Rapture, and in the film, a pastor gets “left behind.” That concept eventually gave me the idea for Chapel of the Damned. I liked the idea of people being led by a false leader who ultimately leads them toward damnation. The name just fit the darker religious themes behind the music.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I’ve loved metal for a long time. It’s always been one of the best ways for me to let out pent up aggression and turn it into something creative. There’s something strangely therapeutic about heavy guitars, chugging riffs and breakdowns. It’s aggressive music, but at the same time, it can be incredibly calming.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Some of us did. Our bass player and I go all the way back to elementary school. I’m Joseph, the vocalist and guitarist. The rest of the lineup is still coming together. We’re currently looking for another guitarist and a permanent drummer. Finding musicians who are both reliable and committed long term has probably been one of the hardest parts of putting the full band together.

4. Where is the band based, and what is the music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

We’re based out of Eugene, Oregon. We haven’t played any local shows yet, but there’s definitely a strong metal scene in the area. I honestly haven’t spent enough time involved in the local scene yet to recommend a particular band that really resonates with me, but I’m looking forward to getting more involved as Chapel of the Damned starts playing live.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mostly just the love of creating music. There’s a feeling you get when you’ve been working on something and suddenly all the pieces come together. That moment never really gets old. Then you put it out into the world and see other people connecting with something you created. That makes you want to keep doing it.

6. What are your songs about? What specific themes do they cover?

A lot of our music deals with religious imagery, exorcisms, ghosts, death, demons and the supernatural. A lot of the things I was taught to fear when I was a kid eventually became the things that fascinated and inspired me the most creatively. I like taking those darker themes and turning them into stories and imagery within the music.

7. Do you write your own songs? Can you discuss the songwriting process?

Yes. I’m the primary songwriter for Chapel of the Damned. Usually, I’ll start by laying down the guitar parts and building the song around the riffs. I also play the drum parts that I’m able to play myself, but drums aren’t my main instrument, so there are sections where I’ll program parts that are beyond what I can realistically perform.

Everything is recorded in my home studio, so I have a lot of freedom to experiment and let the songs develop naturally. Right now, Chapel of the Damned is still evolving from primarily a studio project into a complete live band, so we’re continuing to look for reliable musicians who want to commit to it long term.

8. What have you released so far, and what can someone expect from your work?

We’ve already released our first full length album, Untitled, and by the time this interview comes out, our second studio album, The Devil’s Eulogy, should be available as well.

People can expect heavy riffs, breakdowns, aggressive vocals and a lot of dark, horror inspired and religious imagery. We want the music to feel heavy and atmospheric while still having riffs and moments that stick with you after the song ends.

9. Do you have any new music in the works?

Absolutely. Our newest album is called The Devil’s Eulogy. It takes what we started with the first record and pushes the sound further. It’s heavier, darker and much closer to what I originally envisioned Chapel of the Damned becoming.

10. How about playing shows and touring? Do you have anything planned?

Once we have a solid and dependable lineup, we absolutely want to start playing shows and eventually hit the road. We’ve already had quite a few people asking when Chapel of the Damned is going to play live, so the demand is definitely there. The main thing is making sure we have the right musicians in place before we do it.

11. What plans do you have for the rest of this year?

The biggest focus is releasing The Devil’s Eulogy and continuing to build momentum around it. We’re also planning at least one more music video and a lot shorter form content and reels. From there, it’s about continuing to grow the audience and getting the band ready for the next stage.

12. Where can people find you online, listen to the band and buy your music?

You can stream Chapel of the Damned on all major music platforms. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, where we post music videos, reels, updates and new material. Just search Chapel of the Damned on your preferred platform and you should find us.

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