Emerging from the vibrant underground metal scene in Los Angeles, Upon Stone is quickly carving a name for themselves in the modern melodic death metal landscape. With their recently released debut LP, the band offers a raw, aggressive throwback to the genre’s foundational years—drawing inspiration from the likes of At the Gates, In Flames, and Children of Bodom.
I caught up with Xavier, the band’s bassist and vocalist, to discuss the new record, their unexpected Misfits cover, staying sober in a scene known for excess, and what lies ahead in 2024.
A Debut Rooted in Tradition
For Upon Stone, the goal with their first full-length was clear from the start: bring back the rawness and power of early '90s melodic death metal.
"We just wanted to bring back that early sound from the '90s," Xavier explains. "Terminal Spirit Disease by At the Gates was the main influence that got this band going."
The record features eight original tracks and closes with an unexpected twist: a Misfits cover—something that might raise eyebrows for those expecting a more traditional metal homage.
"A lot of old melodic death metal records end with covers—usually something different from the band’s sound. We didn’t want to do something predictable. Covering something that sounds like us would've been too easy."
Inspired by the Greats—But Not Imitating
Xavier doesn’t shy away from the band’s influences. Children of Bodom, in particular, left a lasting impression.
“They were probably the first extreme-sounding band I really got into,” he says. “Their covers—‘Shot in the Dark,’ ‘Rebel Yell’—I loved those growing up.”
Upon Stone’s sound is clearly shaped by the giants of the genre, but the band is determined to forge their own identity.
“We love Slaughter of the Soul—that’s the riff Bible. But we wanted something a little more raw, like Lunar Strain or early In Flames.”
Staying Clean in a Heavy Scene
In a world where substance abuse often intertwines with music culture, Xavier has taken a different path.
“I haven’t had a drink in seven years,” he shares. “It’s been pretty easy to avoid that lifestyle.”
When asked whether the culture around partying and excess has changed, he says it depends.
“When I was younger, it was a lot crazier. These days, it just depends on who you're around.”
Writing with Intention—and Patience
The band’s debut LP is not just a collection of recent ideas. Some songs date back years, including the track “To Seek and Follow the Call,” which was originally written around the time of their debut EP.
“We actually recorded that one as a standalone single and later re-recorded it for the LP,” Xavier says. “And ‘The Lantern’ started soon after and was finished during the writing process for the album.”
Upon Stone clearly values the long game—developing ideas until they feel fully formed.
More Than Just Metalheads
Though Upon Stone is firmly rooted in melodic death metal, the members are no strangers to the hardcore scene. Some even double as members of other hardcore bands—a fact that explains the band’s familiarity with the spin kicks and chaotic energy of that world.
“This is our melodic death metal band,” says Xavier, “but me and G also play in other bands that are very spin-kick heavy.”
When asked if he still gets into the pit himself, Xavier laughs.
“I used to. I’m a little more chill now.”
A Name, a Logo, a Mission
The band’s name, Upon Stone, came from an early lyric: “Blood upon stone.” It stuck.
“We were trying to come up with a name, and that just sounded strong—like something that could last,” Xavier says.
As for their logo, it was created by Brandon Coughlin of the band War.
“He’s a great artist and also into melodic death metal, so I sent him some classic logos—from In Flames, My Dying Bride—and he nailed it.”
Underrated Gems & What’s Next
While many cite Slaughter of the Soul as a cornerstone of melodic death metal, Xavier argues that Terminal Spirit Disease deserves more love.
“It was where At the Gates really found their sound. It’s raw, punk-influenced, and just bursting with energy.”
Looking ahead, Upon Stone is preparing for a busy year on the road. Though full tour details haven’t been released yet, Xavier says they’ll be hitting the road heavily through late fall.
“I wish I could announce everything right now, but yeah—we’ll be busy.”
As for a sophomore record?
“It might be too early to say. But we’re always writing, always sending riffs back and forth. We’re excited about this band, and we’re just trying to create as much as we can.”
Final Thoughts
Upon Stone is a band that respects the past while forging ahead with purpose. Their debut LP doesn’t just pay homage to the classics—it reinvigorates them. With a fierce DIY ethic, a clear artistic vision, and a grounded perspective, they’re quickly becoming a band to watch in the evolving world of extreme metal.
Follow Upon Stone on Instagram, Bandcamp, or catch them on tour later this year.
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