For most students in higher education, college is merely the means to an end; it is only upon leaving school that they realize it has become a second home. Although Midwest metal legend Skeletonwitch has toured around the globe, band members never forgot their Athens roots.
Skeletonwitch will grace the stage of the Union Bar & Grill Wednesday night for its 10-year anniversary and album release party, joined by special guest, DISMEMBERMENT.
“They’ve been playing here the entire 10 years they’ve been around,” said Eric Gunn, one of the owners of The Union. “They still call Athens home base.”
Though Skeletonwitch has always remained loyal to its Athens supporters, the band is hardly local. Its fame as an innovative metal ensemble has allowed it to transcend its humble origins and tour various destinations in Europe, Canada and the United States. The band is scheduled to tour Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia following their North American tour, said guitarist Scott Hedrick. However, the intense traveling schedule has never deterred band members from their love of music.
“The way we think about it is the worst day doing what we love beats the best day doing anything else,” Hedrick said.
Skeletonwitch will be joined by DISMEMBERMENT, a young metal group based out of southern Ohio. Formed in 2010, the band is celebrating the completion of its new album “Embrace the Dark.” Guitarist Jacob Shively said the band is eagerly anticipating its return to Athens.
“We’re looking forward to being in front of the Athens crowd once again, every time we’ve played Athens the crowds have been wild,” Shively said in an email. Shively also added DISMEMBERMENT is excited to share a stage again with Skeletonwitch, praising it as “easily the hardest working band out there.”
After a decade of performing and traveling the world, Skeletonwitch is thankful for its steadfast fans and offers one piece of advice to aspiring musicians.
“Don't lose sight of who you are. Don't forget where you came from,” said Hedrick. “With that comes respecting people and understanding people.”
Tickets for the show can be purchased at Haffa’s Records on 15 W. Union St. or purchased at the door of The Union.
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