THE BEAST

In episode 179 of the Garza Podcast, legendary death metal guitarist and vocalist John McEntee of Incantation sits down for a candid and introspective conversation. More than just a recounting of his musical journey, this episode explores the essence of authenticity, regret, and creative freedom within the often rigid world of extreme metal.

The Roots of Rebellion

Opening the conversation, John expresses gratitude for the opportunity to talk about his band’s legacy and ongoing work. He quickly dives into the vibrant underground of the 1980s metal scene—a time he describes as brimming with freedom and innovation. There were no blueprints for what death metal "should" sound like, and that anarchic spirit laid the foundation for Incantation’s unmistakable sound.

John explains how those early years of exploration and boundary-pushing influenced his songwriting and artistic outlook. Touring with bands like Darkest Hour, he reflects on how death metal has become more widely accepted and recognized, even among audiences less familiar with its brutal origins.

A Personal Mission: Expression Over Perfection

A major theme throughout the interview is John’s staunch commitment to self-expression over technical conformity. He openly critiques the genre’s later shift toward rigid templates, noting that death metal, ironically, became more about fitting a mold than breaking it.

“I never wanted to follow a template,” McEntee says. “Music should be about feeling and honesty, not just technicality.”

John’s instinctive guitar playing and raw vocal style are not products of meticulous academic training, but rather of a deeply emotional connection to the music. He admits to often feeling like an outsider in the death metal scene as it became more codified and technically focused—an observation many fans of early Incantation may resonate with.

Regret, Reflection, and Redemption

One of the more moving segments of the interview delves into John’s regrets and personal growth. Without diving into specifics, he reflects on past decisions, both personal and professional, and his ongoing effort to make amends where needed. His vulnerability adds a human layer to a figure often viewed as an underground icon, making clear that his journey has not just been about riffs and records, but also introspection and responsibility.

From KISS to Chaos

McEntee shares a touching childhood memory of discovering heavy music through KISS, a band that ignited his passion at a young age. His Christmas story—receiving an acoustic guitar instead of the electric one he desperately wanted—illustrates the humble, often humorous beginnings of what would become a monumental career in extreme metal.

Conclusion: Death Metal as an Ongoing Dialogue

For McEntee, death metal isn’t just music—it’s a dialogue between past and present, rebellion and tradition, regret and growth. His conversation with Garza captures that beautifully, providing fans with a deeper understanding of what it means to stay true to your artistic core, even as the world around you changes.

Whether you're a longtime Incantation fan or new to the genre, this episode is a powerful reminder that true metal isn't just about brutality—it's about honesty.

Watch the full interview on the Garza Podcast (Episode 179) for more insights into John's creative philosophy and the enduring power of raw expression.