Chicago’s Greek-lore and gore lovers Lair Of The Minotaur turn 10 years old this year. The anniversary coincides nicely with Record Store Day, where the band will be release their new 7” Godslayer EP on a limited run of 300 copies. Ghostcult talks to frontman/guitarist Steve Rathbone about the new record and getting older.

How does it feel now that Lair Of The Minotaur is ten years old?

It feels great. The past 10 years have gone by fast. It’s been a whirlwind. I’m glad I’m still alive.

What have been the high/low points so far?

It’s all been high points as far as I’m concerned. The low points would be just normal things that go wrong on tour and what not. So I can’t really complain about that stuff. I’m lucky to be on tour in the first place to have those things possibly go wrong. No regrets.

How do you feel you’ve changed since you started the band?

Feel a bit wiser and older. I enjoy getting older. Life just keeps getting better.

What were the original aims when the band started, do you feel you’ve achieved them?

Sure did. The original goal was to record a demo and play a few shows. I think we’ve done that and then some. Seriously, that’s what I mean about high points. Everything beyond that original goal has been icing on the cake.

What’s your favourite album that you’ve worked on?

That’s a tough question. I’m pretty happy with all our releases. But probably Evil Power and Ultimate Destroyer. I think they are our best albums. If I had to pick.

It’s been three years since you released Evil Power, what’s been going on behind the scenes?

We released a beer with 3 Floyds Brewery. It’s called Evil Power Imperial Pilsner. A new batch is coming out this summer. Available in kegs and in 22 oz bombers. It will fuck you up.

Do you think the time away has affected your fanbase- Attracted more people finding your work, or people forgetting about you?

That’s the good thing about metal. There will always be an audience for it. I’d say there is more people who know about us, for sure. Or at least know the name.

Can we expect an album or tour in the coming year?

We have been taking a break from touring. We have gotten many offers for tours and shows, but we have been declining them all at this time. I just wanted to take a break to pursue other things, more interested in recording than playing live.

You’re releasing The Godslayer EP soon, how was the recording experience?

We recorded with our friend Johnny Bomher in Chicago, and I think it came out great. Super raw sound, exactly what we wanted for the EP. We record live, only doing 1 or 2 takes, no drum triggers. Recorded and mixed in one day. No fucking around.

One of the songs is called ‘The Black Heart of the Stygian Drakonas’. It’s clear you’ve stuck with the Greek themes, but have you still got plenty of stories to mine for the lyrics?

Yep. It goes on and on. Some of the lyrics stick to traditional Greek myth storylines. But some of them, I just use the characters and make up shit. I have heard of college classes using the more traditional songs as part of the class. So that’s kind of funny, never intended for that.

You’ve said in previous interviews Evil Power was a sequel to the story of War Metal Battle Master- is Godslayer an extension of that?

Yes, it’s all part of the story. It’s the story of mankind. Creation, war, slavery, lust, greed, all from the Gods. The Romans called the Earth Lord, Jupiter. The Greeks, Zeus. The Egyptians, Set. The Sumerians, Enlil. Greek mythology was the most visceral to me, the most dramatic and chaotic telling of the same old story. The heroes, monsters and epic battles, perfect for metal lyrics.

The songs on Godslayer sound a lot rawer than Evil Power, closer to the sound on the first two records, was this the goal?

Not to sound like those records, but to have a rawer feel. Big and ballsy, it sounds even better on vinyl.

[Long-time producer] Sanford Parker’s worked closely with you on many of your records, was he involved with the EP?

No, he was not. We wanted to record and mix in one day. That shit don’t fly with Sanford. I didn’t even ask him.

You put a lot of effort into videos on the previous records- any plans on that front?

Nope. It’s expensive to make those videos. Lots of work. Lots of blood. It’s fun, but it’s not cheap.

Evil Power was self-released on your GrindHouse label, and the same is true of Godslayer. Is it better to be on your own label?

It works out great for us. We get to have a more hands on approach to our releases. Once the band’s name is established, you can pretty much carry on without a big label, selling directly on your website or through digital stores. Especially in the low-key mode we are in now. We have the freedom of no deadlines. We know who our audience is. We have no aspirations to play arenas.

Are you a big supporter of Record Store day?

Yes. This is the third Record Store Day we are playing at Reckless Records in Chicago. There are so few independent record stores left, we need to support them any way possible. Plus, it’s a fun gig. Playing on the floor, with just a vocal PA. That’s the best way to see us live. Loud and raw.

Dan Swinhoe

Lair Of The Minotaur – Facebook