The drummer from Brisbane metallers Mergatroyd enjoys a range of music, even listening to Talking Heads and Johnny Cash.
Rhys Edwards, who goes by the moniker Rhysus when performing with Mergatroyd, enjoys his country music as much as Pantera and Black Sabbath. “I'm one of the only guys who enjoys country music. Actually to be fair, we all listened to a Talking Heads album recently, so it's not all Motorhead and Pantera.”
Mergatroyd began as a side project between Rhys and guitarist Darryl Young in 2014. Rhys had been in other bands but wanted a new act to take seriously.
Earlier this year, the duo recruited bassist Mico, vocalist Ripton as well as second guitarist Karny. “We weren't going to take on a second guitarist originally, because we believed we had the right balance of sound. However, now he's on board, our sound is a much bigger and has more depth.”
Mergatroyd have a number of live shows planned to promote their new EP, 'Stolen Eyes Watch The World Die'. “I get the biggest rush when I play live,” Rhys admits.
“I consider myself a bit of an introvert; I'll go out very rarely, and it's usually to show my support for a friend's band. [But] out on stage is about the only time I'll ever become extroverted; the rush comes over me and and I become a different person and rock out. It's kind of a release for me.”
When Mergatroyd aren't on the road, they're finding other ways to workshop their music. “We're looking to record a video for one of the songs at the moment. We're in talks with videographers and directors.”
Next year Mergatroyd are looking to tour more, both in Australia and internationally. “We did get asked to do a PNG tour at one stage, but the band didn't have passports. We’re looking to do more national shows, with some gigs planned down in Melbourne and Adelaide. We’re trying to reach out as far as we can and expand our fan base to all corners.”
'Stolen Eyes Watch The World Die' EP is available now.
Written by Conor Hughes
Mergatroyd Tour Dates
Sat Oct 31- Chardons Corner Hotel (Brisbane)Fri 20 Nov - Hamilton Station Hotel (Newcastle)
Sat 21 Nov - Lewisham Hotel (Sydney)
Fri 4 Dec - Chardons Corner Hotel (Brisbane)
