RbRR Vol. #36: Artist Showcase, An Interview with Ignominious
Rustbelt Rock Review
By: Z.M. Delgado
Zackolantern.com
Volume #36: Artist Showcase, An Interview with Ignominious
September 23rd, 2022
Ignominious
1. deserving or causing public disgrace or shame.
2. a Death Metal band from Norwalk, OH.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ignominious, one of the rising stars in Northeast Ohio’s Underground Metal scene. Hailing from Norwalk, OH, the band is comprised of Colin Richardson (Vocals), Ethan Ward (Guitar), Josh Downing (Bass) and Cody Howell (Drums). I asked how they came up with the name and their vocalist explained, “I had read it somewhere. It’s just a really obscure word… and I was just like, you know what, Death Metal is kind of disgraceful.” They site their major influences as Cannibal Corpse, Gojira, Cattle Decapitation, Sylosis, Alice in Chains and early Mastodon. Colin told me the band has existed for “about nine months. It’s about a full term pregnancy at this point.” Josh and Ethan have played together for better than eight years in the bands False Alarm and Divine Threat. When Divine Threat’s vocalist was deployed for military service, the band was put on hiatus, and in the subsequent vacuum Ignominious was formed. The members had all been acquainted in the past, relationships dating back to their days in high school. Josh said “It worked out conveniently.” Colin expanded on the thought, “It worked out so well. All the members basically were right there.”
Colin Richardson
For those of you who have been following the RbRR, you’ll remember I caught Ignominious initially at their very first show (RbRR #7) back in April. At that point they only had three original songs, a recording of their track “47 Lacerations” and a handful of covers to fill out the set. Since then the band has been busy, playing ten shows in the last five months all over Ohio. Some standout performances include Skatetopia, Toledo Deathfest and opening for Embalmer at Strum Around Studios in Sandusky: “That was probably the best crowd reaction that we’ve gotten. It went insane.”
At the time of this conversation that number of originals had grown to five, with a few more in the works. The five finished tracks will be featured on an upcoming EP, currently in production. Recording is done by the band, with mixing and mastering to be performed at Divergent Studio. Though they were unwilling to commit to a release date, the band estimates the recording should be completed by the end of November if not sooner. “I’m so excited to get this EP out. It hasn’t even been a year yet. I think it’s going well so far.” Colin explained.
Cody Howell
I have come to find there is an incredible network of musicians here in Northeast Ohio, working together, trading contacts and shows or just generally lending support. We discussed the community they exist in, and the bands they work with. Josh told me “This is a great scene to be a part of.” Colin went on to say, “Every band here is so cool. Everybody in the bands; they’re some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. It’s just awesome being a part of it.” I wanted to know who their favorite acts in Cleveland were and they listed Sanguisugabogg, Zō, Mutilation Barbecue, Assault and Inoculation.
I always love to ask bands about a dream spot on tour. If they could open for anyone, any band out there, and play to their fans, who would it be? I also told Ignominious that they couldn’t say the obvious choice: Cannibal Corpse. Aside from CC, they told me they’d love to play with Cattle Decapitation, Sanguisugabogg, Fit For an Autopsy, Gojira or Avenged Sevenfold.
Josh Downing
My final question for the band was one of great consequence as always: Does Chewbacca have two nipples like a man, or six nipples like a dog? They were initially shocked by the query saying “This is intense!” They then broke into furious debate, before coming to the consensus that they believe Wookies to be similar to Bigfoot, and therefore must have only two nipples. (I do not know where their information on Bigfoot’s nipples came from. They did not cite any reference materials on the subject.)
So why should you listen to Ignominious? I asked, and they answered. Josh told me, “We started the ball rolling on this and we’re not stopping. We’re keeping going. We’re trying to rise through this shit.” Colin chimed in with “Come to the show. Come get a piñata thrown at you. Bang your head until you feel like your necks gonna break. You’ll have a fun time.” Ethan said it best with “Hop on the Ignomini-train.”
Ethan Ward
I parted ways with Ignominious and thanked them for their time. It had been a very entertaining interview with a good group of guys. This young quartet has only just begun their Heavy Metal journey, and while they have a long way to go, I have to say they’ve already made incredible strides: A growing repertoire of original material, a strong single in 47 Lacerations, a pile of merch and an EP in the near future. Ignominious is on the offensive, and they are coming fast. Expect to hear more from this band in the next few months as they gain strength and momentum. I have no doubt they have a horrifying and abysmally heavy future in store, and they will be more than happy to drag you down into the depths along with them.
Until next time, Rock on, Rustbelt!
-Z.M. Delgado
Rustbelt Rock Review
Zackolantern.com
10/3/2022
Ignominious
@ignominiousmusic
Booking: (419)577-6964
