Interview with Thyne Scabbard guitarist Chris Garcia

Taking their name from a verse in the Bible (Ephesians 6:13) the California based metal band Thyne Scabbard is bringing its message of hope and salvation to a genre of music normally associated with evil and destruction. Their first full length album Redemption brought them a new fan base and allowed them the opportunity to share the stage with giants in the industry such as Evergreen Terrace, Martyr, and the Red Chord. Guitarist Chris Garcia took a break from the recording of the band’s sophomore release to speak with me about the band, their beliefs, and what it is like being a Christian in a scene predominately dominated by doom and gloom.

What is the hardest part about being a Christian Metal band in a genre that has long been dominated by themes of evil and destruction?
Chris: I think the hardest part about being in this genre of music is that you’re constantly being tested by bands and the audiences. Sometimes bands will get up before us and immediately set the vibe of hating religion or Christian beliefs and kids will eat it all up. Then when we get up there’s that awkward tension and we start feeling discouraged or sometimes mad and all we want to do is just leave the stage. But we go out there and stand strong and tell kids what we stand for. We know that it’s just Satan trying to make sure that we don’t do what we do on stage.

You have shared the stage with some very popular bands in the scene such as P.O.D., Red Chord, Evergreen Terrace, and Dead to Fall. What was the reaction from the fans? Were they receptive? What was the reaction from the bands you shared the stage with? Was there camaraderie because you are all musicians or was there tension because of your difference in your beliefs?
Chris: The fans thought that it was awesome that we played with those bands and were very receptive. The bands were actually really stoked about our music and our lyrics. We were pretty excited to hear that Sonny (P.O.D.) said that he really liked our CD and listens to it. The bands really were respectful to us and didn’t really bug us about our beliefs and vise versa. Actually most of those bands want to hear something from us even if they don’t agree with us, but then there are those other bands that would rather us say nothing.

What is the significance of the name Thyne Scabbard?
Chris: We got the name from Ephesians 6:13. It talks about going into battle and wearing every piece of Gods armor to resist the “enemy” in a time of evil. A scabbard is the sheath or the “armor” for the sword. So Thyne Scabbard just pretty much symbolizes us wearing our armor for God and that we will always stand strong with our sword and scabbard in hand.

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy of Redemption?
Chris: When people pick up a copy of Redemption they can expect to hear a little of everything and maybe even something groundbreaking. You will hear epic parts, heavy parts, melodic parts, fast parts. We are very pleased with what we put out and we wouldn’t put out anything people wouldn’t want to take a listen to.

How do you feel your live show differs from you CD?
Chris: Well we definitely strive for playing with perfection so that we play just as good as we sound on CD. But we also like to throw energy in the mix. We try and put a lot of feeling of energy in our shows. We don’t like just standing on stage and playing, when I go to a show I want to see movement. We also get the audience involved by giving them the mic, or just getting them moving. And we also try and set an atmosphere of what we want the kids to feel with the song. You know with lights and smoke and that good stuff.

Your lyrics are infused with heavy detail and raw emotion that tackle spiritual and social issues. What is it that normally gives you inspiration during the writing process and was there a theme behind the writing of this record?
Chris: Most of the lyrics on our album are based upon the trials that our Vocalist (Sky Heydecke) went through. Other songs like “Hordes of the Shadow” are about spiritual warfare and struggles that a Christian may go through and putting your demons to rest. I really think that our lyrics are our strong point because kids really seem to connect with what we’re saying.

Every band has its influences. What are some of the bands or musicians that influence you?
Chris: Me personally, my influences are very wide, from indie rock to speed metal. We all listen to a bit of everything. Our biggest influences are anything metal, I mean after all we are a metal band you can’t help but listen to it. But as far as career or business wise I look up to bands like As I Lay Dying. They have built something very huge for metal and I think they have made metal more “likeable” for tons of people that didn’t think they would like that kind of music.

If you were not making metal music, what other genre of music would you be playing?
Chris: I’m not sure on that one. I guess I would be playing Rock n Roll or something. It’s kind of hard to say because I can’t picture myself ever playing anything but metal. I just love the style too much. And I think that’s the same for anyone else in the band.

What is next for Thyne Scabbard?
Chris: We are currently working on our next album which doesn’t have a title yet. We are always striving to improve in our writing and in our instruments. So expect a new album which I feel will be better than the one before, and also expect to see us touring more.  [ END ]