Heavy Frequency: When and where was Stonehaven formed? What hometown does Stonehaven claim? Provide a little Stonehaven history.

Stonehaven: We were formed in 2002 in Shawnee, Kan. under the name “Witchlord.” Originally the line-up had only four members. In 2006, we picked up a second guitarist shortly after renaming the band “Stonehaven,” due to a slight change in sound.

HF: Describe the Stonehaven sound.

Stonehaven: More melodic than most black metal, but less so than most Viking metal. The sound is hard to pin down, but similar to folk melodies with blast beats.

HF: Would you like to be signed to a record label? Would you like to be signed to a large or small label, and why?

Stonehaven: A smaller label would be fine at first, just to get our name out. After a while, if a larger label had interest and their terms were right, we wouldn’t mind signing.

HF: How did you come up with the band name? Is there a story behind it?

Stonehaven: We poked around at a few names off and on throughout the years. Once our sound changed and “Stonehaven” fit the sound of the music better than “Witchlord.” “Witchlord” was actually thought of by Nick while he was on the toilet.

HF: Why did you guys decide to become a band? What got you interested in the music business?

Stonehaven: The band originally started as a jam group between Nick and Stephen as they both learned to play instruments. Eventually new talent was presented and we added newer members and changed the line-up around until we were set on what we have today.

HF: What makes Stonehaven different or stand out compared to other bands in your area?

Stonehaven: That’s not hard to figure out if you’ve ever been to any of our shows.

HF: How is your crowd response? Tell me about your live performance.

Stonehaven: People get pretty into it. We almost demolished the upstairs floor of the Haunted Kitchen with some drunken earth people. Turn out is pretty good, but we’d still like more of a following.

HF: How would you like to see the local metal, hardcore and hard rock scene in your area changed? What do you feel should be done to better the local music community?

Stonehaven: We’re tired of seeing conglomerates and promoters dominate the music scene. We’re tired of backwards hats and bandanas. We’re tired of MySpace friend counts dictating who plays what and who plays where.

HF: What is the motivation or inspiration behind the band’s music and lyrics? What general topics do you write about or base your music on?

Stonehaven: Lots of our older lyrics are Viking inspired. Currently we’re working on a three-song concept that is in no way anachronistic.

HF: What is in your CD players right now or recently? What are your current listening favorites? Stephen: Amon Amarth - With Oden on Our Side Nick: Agalloch - Ashes Against the Grain Mike: Opeth - Damnation Caleb: Oakhelm - Betwixt and Between Jackson: Wyrd - Heathen

HF: When can we expect recorded material? Where did you record? How many songs will it feature and what will the disc be called?

Stonehaven: We’ve got a small demo that we recorded at Hyde Park Studios. It currently has five songs, but we’re expected to go back into the studio sometime before summer to re-master and add another song. Expect an LP by June.

HF: What band goals does Stonehaven have? What goals as individual musicians do you have?

Stonehaven: The general consensus is that we’d like to get an album out soon and possibly get a tour going this summer or the next. The band’s pretty set as a group to get these things taken care of.