Gouged Reflect on Influences, Live Shows, and Their Biggest Year Yet!
- Phantom Light Media
- May 20
- 4 min read
Breakdowns and Brutality: The Rise of Olympia’s Heavy Contenders Gouged
The Pacific Northwest has long been a breeding ground for heavy music, and one emerging four-piece from Olympia is proving they have the passion, chemistry, and crushing sound to carry that tradition forward. Blending influences from deathcore, melodic death metal, and classic thrash, the band is rapidly building momentum through relentless live performances and a growing catalog of aggressive, emotionally charged music.
The lineup features Devin McCulloch on vocals, Dylan Blood on drums, Aaron Thornhill on bass, and Jacob Calicia on guitar — four musicians brought together through years of local bands, shared influences, and an undeniable drive to create something heavier than ever before.
Built on Heavy Influences
Like many modern heavy acts, the band’s sound comes from a mix of old-school legends and newer extreme metal innovators.
“Our inspirations range from bands like Job For A Cowboy, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Lorna Shore,” the band shares. “Of course we all love the older stuff too, like Metallica — and Jacob absolutely loves Slayer.”
That fusion of punishing breakdowns, technical riffing, and melodic chaos has become the foundation of their identity.
Where It All Started
For bassist Aaron Thornhill, music began less as a career goal and more as a connection between friends.
“I got my first bass when I was around 12 or 13,” Aaron says. “Going into high school, we’d go over to my friend’s house and jam every weekend. After we were done playing, we’d go inside and stay up all night playing Rock Band.”
Guitarist Jacob Calicia found his inspiration through one of metal’s most iconic behind-the-scenes releases.
“I watched The Black Dahlia Murder’s Majesty DVD and immediately knew that was the life I wanted,” he explains.
That spark e
ventually turned into obsession.
Aaron recalls a pivotal concert experience that cemented his desire to perform live.
“I remember seeing Miss May I and Pierce The Veil at El Corazon in 2011,” he says. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever. From that night on, all I wanted to do was play shows every night.”
Jacob’s story followed a similar path.
“I got into death metal in middle school and picked up my first guitar in eighth grade,” he says. “Finding The Black Dahlia Murder Majesty DVD made me want to tour, play heavy music, and do all of it with my friends.”
From Local Projects to One Unified Vision
Before joining forces, each member had already been active in Olympia’s local music scene through separate projects. When those bands eventually dissolved, the timing unexpectedly aligned.
“During COVID, Dylan and I had been working on a song that eventually became our first single, ‘Villain,’” Aaron explains. “We had all the instrumentals recorded, but our vocalist bailed.”
What could have been a setback became the beginning of something bigger.
“I texted Devin, and the next week he came into the studio and tracked vocals,” Aaron says. “Later on we needed a guitar player, and we found the perfect fit with Jacob. Since then, it’s been the four of us pushing this forward together.”
Entering Their Biggest Year Yet
The band recently released their latest single, Unholy Perversion Of Nature, a punishing preview of what’s ahead.
“Later this summer we’ll be releasing more tracks leading into our second EP with the same title,” the band reveals. “We’re also planning a few tours to finish out the year. Maybe even a surprise single before everything wraps up.”
With growing momentum and a steadily expanding audience, the group appears ready to take a major step forward.
Sharing the Stage with Heavyweights
One of those major moments comes in the form of an upcoming performance alongside Bleeding Through, I Declare War, and Extortionist at Seattle’s legendary El Corazon.
“We’re beyond stoked to be playing with those bands,” they say. “Those are groups we grew up listening to, so getting the chance to share the stage with them is unreal. Every time we play El Corazon, it feels special.”
Fans attending the show can also expect a debut performance of their newest material.
“We’ll be playing our latest single live for the first time,” the band says. “I’m especially excited to see people react to the breakdown at the end.”
More Than Music
Despite the growing attention, the group remains grounded in the friendships that started it all. When asked what advice they would give to aspiring musicians, the answer comes naturally: persistence.
“You just have to keep doing what you love and never lose sight of it,” they explain. “At the end of the day, we get to be part of something bigger than ourselves and make music with some of our favorite people.”
And perhaps that’s the core of what makes the band resonate — not just the heaviness, but the authenticity behind it.
“Stay persistent,” they add. “Keep things light, and have as much fun as you can.”
Article By: William Onweiler
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