Three of four members of Marquette-based hardcore metal band Caving Grounds sat down for an interview to discuss their latest music and upcoming plans. The band consists of Gerko on vocals, Alex handling guitars and production, Dane on bass, and Ryan on drums (Ryan was unable to attend the interview).
During the conversation, Gerko spoke about the band's evolving sound and their approach to songwriting. Alex shared insights into the production process, highlighting the collaborative effort that shapes their music. Dane discussed the band's live performances and the energy they bring to the stage.
Thematically, "Northern Desolation" reflects on life in rural Upper Michigan. “A lot of what we’re seeing in the world—people feel forgotten because they have been forgotten,” said Gerko. “We talk about concepts like ‘slow violence’—a kind of systemic violence that happens so gradually people don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late. Cuts to social programs, economic decline, environmental degradation—these things hit working-class and marginalized people the hardest.”
Listen to Kurt Hauswirth's interview with Caving Grounds here:
The EP is a brutal 15-minute experience—fast, aggressive, and unrelenting. It includes both short bursts of power violence and longer, sludge-influenced tracks.
With "Northern Desolation" now unleashed, Caving Grounds is ready to bring its raw, uncompromising energy to more audiences.
Caving Grounds will perform a "Northern Desolation EP" Release Show on Friday, February 14th at The Crib on 401 N. Third St. in Marquette, with The Hard and Particle Thrower bands supporting.
