This week’s episode of Gear Factor features the dynamic duo Jason Parrish and Mychal Soto from the rising slam/death metal band PeelingFlesh. With their formation dating back to 2021 in the heart of Oklahoma, this four-member ensemble, which includes talented vocalist Damonteal Harris and skilled drummer Joe Pelleter, has rapidly made waves in the metal music scene. The 2020s have emerged as a golden era for death metal, characterized by an influx of new artists eager to push the boundaries of brutality.

Tracing the Roots of PeelingFlesh’s Musical Journey

Both Mychal Soto and Jason Parrish found their initial inspiration from the legendary Kirk Hammett of Metallica. However, Soto’s musical influences take a surprising turn, highlighting his admiration for Creed and guitarist Mark Tremonti. He reflects, “A lot of his chugging in Creed was heavy back then. I thought it was sick. It was the coolest thing I was listening to at the time … I learned to palm mute from Mark Tremonti.” His insights reveal how Tremonti’s contributions paved the way for a distinctive sound in heavy music.

Understanding the Influence of Slipknot on Extreme Metal

Soto further discusses the significance of Slipknot in the evolution of extreme metal genres. He passionately states, “I think Slipknot is a very easy gate to death metal.” He believes that the band doesn’t receive enough recognition for their craftsmanship, saying, “People forget that they can RIFF.” Soto emphasizes that their unique approach to chugging and pinching influences countless bands today. “I can hear a band and instantly tell if they’ve listened to Slipknot based on their style,” he adds, showcasing the band’s profound impact on the metal community.

READ MORE: Brutal Death Metal Song Played at European Show by Legendary DJ Marshmello

Jason Parrish’s Unique Approach to Guitar Playing

In contrast, Parrish brings his own distinctive flavor to the guitar, drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Dying Fetus, Cannibal Corpse, and Ingested. He expresses his love for songwriting, stating, “I just like writing and making songs. I play guitar, but I don’t play guitar if that makes sense.” This suggests that while his technical knowledge may be limited, his intuition guides him in creating music that resonates with listeners. “I know what sounds good to me and what feels good,” he explains, underscoring the importance of emotional connection in music creation.

For those eager to experience the original sound of PeelingFlesh, their powerful riffs can be heard in the video embedded below.

Stay connected with PeelingFlesh on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Don’t miss their upcoming tour with Lorna Shore, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Shadow of Intent this fall. Be sure to check out their highly anticipated 2024 debut album, ‘The G Code,’ available on all major streaming platforms, and stay tuned for more exciting PeelingFlesh content in the near future!