CARBON BLACK's Ten-Year Journey: A Groove Metal Revival With JON HURLEY

Interview by Angela Croudace
For over a decade Carbon Black have been steadily making their mark
in the Australian groove metal scene. With a reputation for
hard-hitting, groove-laden riffs and an undeniable stage presence,
the Wollongong-based band has persevered through line-up changes,
tough times, and the ever-evolving music industry.
Lead vocalist Jon Hurley reflects on the band's journey, their
upcoming re-release of the EP Principium 2.0, and recent
collaborations with some of metal's heavyweights, including Tim
'Ripper' Owens of Judas Priest.
"We've been going for a little over 10 years now," Hurley says, a
mix of disbelief and pride in his voice. "It's funny to look back
and think about how we started, and everything we've done to get to
this point."
The band's latest release, Principium 2.0, is a refreshed and
revitalised version of their original EP. Hurley and the band saw
it as the perfect opportunity to revisit the early material that
helped put them on the map. "When we first started, we didn't have
many songs, and we definitely didn't have a stable line-up," he
explains. "We rushed things out—wrote 40 minutes of material in a
matter of weeks. And while we were proud of what we did, we knew
that there was more we could bring to the table."
The stable line-up that has been integral to the band's recent
successes consists of Hurley (vocals), Rob Giles (bass), Damon
Bishop (guitar), and Steve Giles (drums), who joined six years ago.
This line-up shift, notably the addition of Steve, was a
game-changer for the band. "It took us a while to find a stable
drummer," Hurley admits. "But now, with Steve, we've been able to
really inject some personality into our old tracks and make them
something special."
The refreshed Principium marks a musical evolution for Carbon Black
and celebrates their perseverance as a band. "It's a celebration of
10 years of hard work," Hurley says. "We've been through a lot, and
we're still standing strong. This is just the beginning for
us."
Alongside the re-release of Principium, Carbon Black has also
gained recognition for its collaboration with Tim "Ripper" Owens.
The band teamed up with the former Judas Priest and Iced Earth
vocalist for a guest feature on one of their tracks, Under Order,
during the pandemic. "It was a stroke of luck," Hurley explains.
"We were trying to figure out how to make a splash with our new
album, and Rob came across the opportunity to work with Ripper. It
felt like the perfect fit."
Owens' contribution to the track added a new dynamic to the band's
sound, blending their groove metal roots with his renowned vocal
power. "He was incredibly professional," Hurley recalls. "He sent
us three different takes, and we ended up picking the one that felt
the most natural. It worked out perfectly."
Looking back on the band's rise, Hurley notes that their growth has
come with challenges. "In the Australian music scene, especially in
heavy metal, there are thousands of bands fighting for attention,"
he says. "But we've managed to stay relevant because of our hard
work, stage presence, and the connections we've made along the way.
We're lucky, but we're also really driven."
As the band prepares to hit the road once again, Hurley is excited
to bring the new material to fans. "We're definitely planning to
perform Principium in full on tour, along with some older tracks,"
he shares. "It's going to be a celebration of everything we've
done, and we can't wait to see our fans again."
For fans looking to get their hands on the physical release of
Principium 2.0, Hurley recommends checking out their Bandcamp page.
"We always have limited edition merch and hard copies available at
shows," he says. "We've got everything from T-shirts to coasters,
and even undies. It's all about giving our fans something
special."
Reflecting on Carbon Black's journey, Hurley sums it up with a
mixture of gratitude and determination. "What does Carbon Black
mean to me? It's everything. It's a way of life. It's a family, and
it's the best thing I've ever been a part of. We've worked hard,
and we're not stopping anytime soon."


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