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Brutus Stonefist had been playing their own combination of hardcore punk and heavy metal for a couple of years when they visited the studio in June 2009.

Vocalist Tom said that the band "all knew each other before hand" but that Brutus started out with drummer Paul and former guitarist Jonny who just wanted to play some new music.

Murky of Brutus Stonefist

They were joined by James on bass and Paul said, "Tom had been hassling me for months to sing but I didn't think he could." That all changed though when Paul heard Tom "singing along to Pantera in his bedroom" and he was in.

They were followed by Mark and then Nick joined after Jonny left completing the band's line up.

Paul described the band's sound as "modern hardcore" taking influence from the likes of Pantera, Sepultura, Hatebreed and Throwdown. Tom said: "We look up to them as forerunners... they were a real big influence on our sound".

The band employ a very collaborative method of song writing, Paul said "we have a jam and pick out something that's good and work with that" adding that sometimes Nick or Mark bring riffs to rehearsals that the band work with.

'Shinfo' of Brutus Stonefist

Tom's input comes differently as once the music is sorted he listens through to the tracks and "writes down what comes to mind".

Brutus Stonefist have played many gigs at different places around Guernsey but said Rock of Ages and the 2008 Vale Earth Fair were real highlights so far. Tom said the Earth Fair stood out particularly because "the crowd really went for it" and Paul added "Earth Fair's just a really good day".

Paul said in the future the band intend to "keep writing music we enjoy playing and playing out as much as we can".