Gatecreeper

Americas United States Hardcore Punk Death Metal

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Band Timeline

2013

Formation and Early Lineup

Gatecreeper was formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2013. The original lineup included Chase "Hellahammer" Mason on vocals, Eric "The Darkest Cowboy" Wagner on lead guitar, Matt Arrebollo on drums, Max Nattsblod on rhythm guitar, and Sean "Hell Mammoth" Mears on bass. This formation marked the beginning of the band's journey in the American death metal scene.

2014

Debut EP Release and Early Recognition

In 2014, Gatecreeper released a self-titled four-song EP. This release established their presence in the death metal genre and garnered attention for their heavy and aggressive sound rooted in traditional death metal. The EP laid the foundation for the band's growing fan base and set the stage for future releases and performances.

2015

Split Release and Notable Concert

Gatecreeper released a split with the band Take Over and Destroy in 2015. That same year they played the first show at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona, a venue that replaced the beloved Mason Jar. Sharing the stage with The Atlas Moth and Take Over and Destroy helped Gatecreeper further embed themselves in the local metal scene and expand their audience.

2016

Multiple Splits and Debut Album 'Sonoran Depravation'

2016 was a prolific year for Gatecreeper. They participated in multiple split releases including one with bands Homewrecker, Outer Heaven, and Scorched and another with Young and in the Way. The highlight was the release of their debut full-length album 'Sonoran Depravation' on Relapse Records. This album solidified their reputation as a formidable force in death metal, showcasing their intense riffs, brutal vocals, and desert-themed lyrical content.

2017

EP Release and Drummer Tour Members

In 2017, Gatecreeper released the 'Sweltering Madness' EP, continuing to build their discography and influence. During this period, the band also used touring drummers, including Tommy Cantwell and Josh "Hallhammer" Hall, which indicated a challenging phase with maintaining a steady lineup on the drums for live shows.

2018

Split with Iron Reagan

The band released a split record with Iron Reagan in 2018 through Relapse Records. This collaboration helped to cross-pollinate fans between the crossover thrash and death metal communities and contributed to expanding Gatecreeper's reach in underground metal circles.

2019

Release of Second Full-Length Album 'Deserted'

Gatecreeper announced and released their second full-length album 'Deserted' on October 4, 2019, through Relapse Records. The album was critically acclaimed and recognized as one of the 50 best metal albums of 2019 by Loudwire, highlighting the band's evolution and consistency in delivering quality death metal music.

2020-2021

Lineup Changes and 'An Unexpected Reality' EP

Between 2020 and 2021, Gatecreeper underwent lineup changes that saw Israel Garza join as rhythm guitarist in 2020 and Alex Brown take over bass duties in 2021, replacing former members. In January 2021, the band released the 'An Unexpected Reality' EP, which was well-received and ranked number fourteen on Revolver's list of the 25 Best Albums of 2021, showing continued creative vigor during shifting times.

2024

'Dark Superstition' Album Release and Touring Activities

In May 2024, Gatecreeper released their third studio album, 'Dark Superstition,' through Nuclear Blast. The album marked a significant point in their career with high anticipation and promotional singles like "Caught in the Treads" and "The Black Curtain" generating excitement. The band also embarked on a U.S. tour supporting the Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames and later was announced as a supporting act for Arch Enemy's European Blood Dynasty 2025 Tour alongside Eluveitie and Amorphis, signaling their rising prominence in international metal circuits.

Albums

Sponsor content

Members

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Max Nattsblod

2013

2015

Guitar

Story of Gatecreeper

Gatecreeper: A Phoenix, Arizona Death Metal Juggernaut

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Gatecreeper has quickly cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with in the death metal scene. Their career trajectory is a testament to relentless energy and undeniable talent.

The band's journey began in 2014 with a self-titled four-song EP, a brutal introduction to their signature sound. They followed up with a series of impactful splits, collaborating with Take Over and Destroy (2015), Homewrecker, Outer Heaven, and Scorched (2016), and Young and in the Way (2016). These releases showcased their growing intensity and garnered them a dedicated following.

2016 marked a pivotal moment: the release of their debut full-length album, Sonoran Depravation, via the legendary Relapse Records. This album solidified their position, establishing Gatecreeper as a major player.

The band continued to build momentum, culminating in the release of Deserted in October 2019, another Relapse Records triumph. The album earned critical acclaim, notably a spot on Loudwire's "50 Best Metal Albums of 2019" list. Further demonstrating their creative output, Gatecreeper dropped the An Unexpected Reality EP in January 2021, which garnered a #14 ranking on Revolver Magazine's "25 Best Albums of 2021."

Gatecreeper's rise is a compelling story of raw talent, consistent output, and a dedicated fanbase. From their early EP to their critically acclaimed albums, they've consistently delivered crushing death metal, establishing themselves as a band to watch—and to fear.