Doomed Confessionary: Max, Matt & Zach (The Gray Goo)
The Gray Goo is a psychedelic stoner/doom metal band from The Flathead Valley in Northwestern Montana. From fuzzed out guitar riffs to atmospheric synthy breaks, and shreddy bass. The Gray Goo consumes you.
They just released a split EP »Gooncaller« with fellow Montana stoner/doom trio Runecaller on June 4th, 2024.
The Gray Goo consists of Max Gargasz (guitar, vocals), Matt Carper (bass, vocals) and Zach Ronish (drums, vocals).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Born amidst a global pandemic during quarantine, The Gray Goo is a musical trio that hails from The Flathead Valley in Northwestern Montana. The Goo takes a unique and proggy take on the psychedelic genres, creating a fantastical journey through realms of doom metal, funk, psyche rock, punk, and even bluegrass and disco. Their high energy live shows have sparked a local cult following and many sold out shows all over Montana. Fans from all over the spectrum of music can surely grasp onto something they enjoy.
In three years as a band, The Gray Goo has played all over Montana and the Pacific Northwest and West Coast including many festivals and have developed a local cult following. They regularly sell out shows in their home state and have swiftly catapulted to regional prominence. The Gray Goo writes, produces and records all of their music completely independently. They released their debut full-length studio album (»1943«) in June 2022 and recently released their sophomore album titled »Circus Nightmare« in June 2023, an eccentric album displaying their musical diversity and humorous side. Volcom extensively used multiple songs from »1943« in their newest snowboarding movie titled »Creedlecosm«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Well aside from the obvious trying to balance working full time jobs and being in a full time band, we would say a big challenge for us and probably most bands from Montana is the sheer isolation from the rest of the country. The Flathead Valley is a place that’s about 10 hours away from our closest major cities in the US. It can be a challenge to leave the state and tour other places, spreading the music. Despite our isolation in this state, we have been extremely lucky to be embraced by our local music scene and surrounding scenes. One good thing about smaller scenes is the enthusiasm and support that people are willing to give. We do think more bands should come play here, I think they would be pleasantly surprised by how great the crowds can be here, it’s a hidden gem.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think we are most proud of the fact that we have 3 releases in just 4 years as a band and that we record and produce them all ourselves. We are very lucky in that regard, not only do we work well together creatively and have similar visions, but we are blessed to have access to a location where we’ve built our own studio, entirely funded by playing live shows.
What was your biggest regret?
BEP. Sorry about that one.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We had a series of great concert last summer that really helped our band kind of explode locally, we sold out several venues in downtown Whitefish in succession. The best tour so far was our West Coast tour we did with Twin Void last year just because we got to visit so many places we’ve never been before, especially Northern California, it was mind blowing and beautiful.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
We started as a band in isolation during the pandemic and almost immediately afterwards we almost had an instant local cult following, something we never had experienced in other projects pre covid. That was quite the surprise for all of us.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
King Gizzard, Viagra Boys, The Chats, and YOB! Hard to only pick a few, we all listen to loads of stuff all the time.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“It’s not the notes you play, it’s the notes you don’t play.” – Miles Davis
“Toil without song is like a weary journey without an end” – HP Lovecraft
What are your guilty pleasures?
Haha I don’t know, maybe ruffling feathers with our music and making boomers cover their ears in disgust?
Can you say something more about the music scene in Northwestern Montana?
We have a very strong and supportive audience and scene, most everyone loves and supports each other. We also have lots of great and unique bands we share the scene with like Wizzerd, Lacoro, Swamp Ritual, Schticky, Runecaller, Grease Cult, Galvanist, Senterline… I could go on and on there’s seriously so many amazing Montana bands we’ve been lucky enough to share a stage with.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are taking it a little easy this year with the live shows, no tours or anything. Last year we played well over 40 shows and we are currently taking the time to write our third album. However, we have a handful of Montana shows on the books. July 20th we will be headlining Saturday night at Screaming Brain Festival in Troy, Montana. As well as several shows over the summer and fall in Whitefish, Montana. Follow our Socials for show updates!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
More music, we have a couple ideas planned for future albums, you can expect album 3 sometime next year. We also are planning on getting serious about filming more videos and touring the wider US as soon as we can make that happen.
How can people best support your band?
In any way you can, come to the shows, stream the music, buy the music/merch, follow us on social media or tell your friends. Every little thing helps small bands and little things make all the difference, we appreciate everything everyone has done so far!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We love and appreciate you guys so much, we hope we can meet all of you one day and play shows in your area. Our shows are all inclusive and for everybody, so come say hi sometime, we love to make new friends and hear from you!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well