Grayson Hale
My name is Grayson Hale and I’m from Durban, South Africa. I’m an aspiring music journalist who has a great appreciation for many different genres and styles, but remain a true metalhead at heart. My favourite bands include: Converge, Sigur Rós, Swans, Neurosis, Ne Obliviscaris, and Opeth, just to name a few.
Although my musical journey started at a very young age, the first album that really resonated with me on a deeper level was Third Eye Blind’s debut and it hasn’t left my side since. I still regard it as the single most important album in my collection, although Jane Doe and (  ) have arguably caught up to it in the past few years.
I am currently working at my local music store in a futile attempt to remove terrible mainstream pop music from the shelves. Justin Bieber never forgets to let out an almighty guffaw from his number one position on the charts at the start of each day. As a result, I am presently contemplating suicide.
Outside of music, I have an unhealthy obsession with horror films and Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 classic 2001: A Space Odyssey. I’m also very interested in post-modern literature and lucid dreaming.
Thanks to the Echoes and Dust team for having me on board!
Articles by Grayson Hale
As fans speculate about what lies ahead for the band, and whether bridges can be rebuilt, one thing is clear: My Dying Bride remains a potent force in live performance.
If lo-fi instrumental folk sounds like something you’d be interested in, this is an excellent entry point into Duncan Park’s work.
I first heard Ostraca just a few months ago with the release of their single ‘Song for a Closed Door’, an absolutely pummelling screamo/post-rock hybrid that reminded me of the very best the genre has to offer. So, even though I hadn’t yet delved deep into their back catalogue, when I saw they were coming to Japan – and playing alongside three other great bands – I knew I had to be there.
After years in the making, Wear Your Wounds’ debut album finally sees the light of day with an intimate set of songs that is sure to please committed and casual fans alike.
Doom metal from a rural area west of Durban in KwaZulu Natal? Meet Demons From the Dungeon Dimension! Grayson Hale sat down with the project’s anonymous multi-instrumentalist to discuss its conception and recording process, among other things.
Take pleasure in the music. It is repulsive and raw and beautiful. – By Grayson Hale
So… is ‘New Bermuda’ a better album than ‘Sunbather’? No, it isn’t. But it’s not a worse album, either. However, it’s hard to imagine the same thing working again so they will have to set their sights even higher for their next release. For now, though, let’s just enjoy yet another excellent offering from the decade’s best metal band. – By Grayson Hale
Grayson Hale looks back at Sigur Rós’ début album ‘Von’. “For those who truly love the band and can appreciate their artistry even from their humblest beginnings… ‘Von’ is so very, very worth it.”
Entheos are already shaping up to be an impressive addition to the Quebec black metal scene. Their future looks incredibly bright (or should that be dark?). – By Grayson Hale
Grayson Hale chatted to bassist Jürgen Bartsch of German dark metal pioneers Bethlehem about the album trilogy, his near-death experiences and the band’s Facebook troubles…
Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia definitely exceeded my expectations. It is a worthwhile excursion for any Bethlehem fan, new or old. – By Grayson Hale
Familiars is a worthy addition to the band’s catalogue and a step in the right direction towards creating their second, better-rounded masterpiece. By Grayson Hale
Do yourself a favour and listen to this timeless classic; even after all this time, there is still nothing that sounds quite like Demilich. – By Grayson Hale
In the second of our Musical Therapy pieces, Grayson Hale offers his thoughts on the relationship between depression and catharsis…
Grayson Hale asked Ben Koller of Converge and All Pigs Must Die some questions about his latest project Mutoid Man, which also involves Stephen Brodsky of Cave In.
Helium Head consists of seven quickfire bursts of hardcore-driven, psychedelic pop metal that somehow manages to combine unrelenting heaviness with pop hooks and a good dose of prog-rock madness thrown in for good measure. – By Grayson Hale
Grand Blood is yet another successful addition to the Deathwish catalogue but one that provides instant gratification rather than repeated listening. – By Grayson Hale
Austere find the right balance of cold detachment and sorrowful melodies in Withering Illusions and Desolation. – By Grayson Hale
Grayson Hale speaks with Daniel Fern, guitarist/singer of Brooklyn based noise/punk-rock band EndAnd, talking about the new record Mechanics & Energetics of Stilt-Running.
Grayson Hale managed to have a brief chat with Italian post-hardcore/atmospheric sludge metal band Amia Venera Landscape about musical influences, the new recordings and a couple of other things.
This is surely one of 2013’s most unique metal releases and regardless of your opinion on it, there can be no denying the talent on display here. – By Grayson Hale
