Quiescent Mantis is a new death/thrash metal band based out of Knoxville Tennessee. The band’s lineup includes guitarist- Chris Trainor, bassist and lead vocalist- Jordan McKenzie and drummer-Johnny Mejia.
KMC- How did you come up with your band name?
QM- Jordan our vocalist and bassist is a huge sci-fi movie buff and had this vision of giant matis’ taking over the world through a experiment gone wrong
KMC- How would you describe your sound?
QM- We would describe our sound as metal core with thrash metal influences
KMC- Who would you say are your musical influences?
QM- Pantera, As Blood Runs Black, Motorhead, Killswitch Engage, and Iron Maiden
KMC- What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
QM- Its an escape from everyday life a way for us to get away from the stress and drama of everyday life and to express ourselves with no limitations.
KMC- If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
QM- We would love to open for All That Remains, Trivium, or Bullet For My Valentine
KMC- Describe your creative process when you write new music.
QM- Its honestly a combined effort, either Chris will start a riff, or Johnny will start shredding the drums and we all just kinda.. feel the vibe from everyone and deliver what we would want to hear from our respective parts.
KMC- Favorite song you have released and why?
QM- Here Comes The Swarm. It perfectly defined the sound we are going for from a song writing standpoint and is a call back to our insect imagery.
KMC- Your favorite artists/bands right now.
QM- Havok
KMC- Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
QM- Yes, there’s an entire lore behind the band and each song takes on its own meaning.
KMC- What is your main goal in your music career?
QM- To play music full time along with tours and playing the music we love
KMC- What separates you from other artists/bands?
QM- Our unique sound with the mix of old school thrash and new school vocals and Johnny on drums with his background in Latin music
KMC- What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
QM- Opening for summoners circle and also Opening for worm shepherd and breathing process at the concourse
KMC- What is your dream venue to perform at?
QM- The Mill and Mine here in our hometown
KMC- Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to start a career in music?
QM- Don’t give up you will fall but keep going as long a you get up when you fall you come out victorious
KMC- What would you tell someone who’s struggling with their mental health?
QM- Start a band or pick up an instrument.
Check out their latest single Shake the Cage available on all platforms.
Upcoming shows
May 23rd at Knoxville Skate Park with Slug and Your Spirit Dies
June 4th with Failure 2 Conform, Bloodbutcher, Bacalou and Summoner’s Circle
June 25th Tank Fest with Bacalou and Broken Side
July 16th Chris birthday bash with Granshaw, Eye Of Malice and Failure 2 Conform
