Doomed Confessionary: Edward Banchs (Negative 13)
Formed in 1999, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based quartet Negative 13 draw from an eclectic array of stylistic influences and describes their sound as post-punk infested stoner/sludge/doomcore.
Negative 13 disbanded in 2003 after releasing their self-titled debut. Following an extended hiatus, the band reformed in 2021 seeing original members drummer Chip Reynolds, vocalist Scott Fisher, and guitarist Edward Banchs joined by new bassist Mary Bielich (ex-Mythic, ex-Derkéta, ex-Novembers Doom, ex-Penance, Behind Enemy Lines).
The quartet released their second full-length »Mourning Asteri« in the summer of 2022 showcasing their musical development. Shortly after, arrived the live offering »Live From Black Forge« in 2023. Their new album »Recover What You Can« marks the next chapter in Negative 13’s revived era. »Recover What You Can« was just released on January 25th, 2025.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a post-punk infested, stoner-sludge doomcore band from Pittsburgh, PA. Crazy description of our style, but we like to keep our options open. We love heavy music, but don’t necessarily like writing songs that fit into boxes.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
We are a part-time band, hobbyist if you will. We would love to do more, but the reality is far different because of our busy lives. So it hinders our ability to be able to tour, and to better promote our music.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our new album, »Recover What You Can« is by far the best thing we have ever done yet. For us, this is our dream album.
What was your biggest regret?
When we were originally active in the late 90s, early 2000s, we were not proactive when it came to recording. We did record one album, our self-titled, but we had another album written and ready to go–which was INCREDIBLE. A huge leap for us musically. But, as things go, we never recorded it. So, it has been lost and forgotten only existing on a practice space cassette that is likely lost in someone’s attic without even knowing it is there.
After we got back together in 2021, we did our best to remember some of the songs, but failed miserably. We pulled »Juggernaught« and »Parahell« from this. But about 6 more songs or so, are lost forever.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our last gig we opened for EyeHateGod. Dream gig. Chip and Scott had an idea to start a band because of EHG in 1998. So here we were in 2024 opening for them in a nearly sold out room. We were well received, sold a lot of merch and had members of the band talk to us afterwards about how wonderful we were (Mike Williams didn’t believe we were a local opener). That was an incredible moment.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Too much has changed since we formed in 1999. Part of what has surprised me is just how easy it is to get your music out there (by this I mean streaming releases–barriers to entry are non-existent). But the option paralysis for music listeners means you have to really find new and creative ways to get people to notice your band. Getting Negative 13 on someone’s stereo for their drive to work is an effort well earned and what we ultimately want. So, without being a touring band, we have to hustle a bit more.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Undeath, Unto Others, Mother Of Graves, Civerous and a bunch of new and old hardcore (I’m writing a book about hardcore). Also, Girls Against Boys and Radiohead. Because, sometimes I need a break from metal.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Not to try and be like anyone else. Learn from others, but ultimately find your own comfort and voice. That’s what has helped me write the songs I want to hear.
What are your guilty pleasures?
90s alt rock (yes, I enjoy Oasis, I’ll admit it). The Cure. Madonna. Pancakes. Baseball. Sour Patch Kids. And, Mexican food.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh’s metal scene is incredible. I love living here and love our scene. So many great bands that are not afraid to help each other with merch designs, bookings, gear, recording, etc. and just overall being great friends. Local bands that are always in my playlists are Lady Beast, Stalemate of Wills, Uzkost, Funerals, Greywalker, Passover, Riparian, Fuzznaught, The Long Hunt, and Code Orange.
And we are home to some great venues, and 20 Buck Spin, one of the best record labels in the scene is based here!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ll find out soon. We are waiting for us to get fully healthy from some private issues. Once we are good to go we would love to get back out there.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We hope to be able to play our new album live as much as possible. Also, get outside of Pittsburgh as well. Visit some new states. And, of course, keep writing the best possible music we can. We are starting to find our groove as songwriters and really want to keep the flame burning.
How can people best support your band?
Bandcamp: negative13.bandcamp.com. We are getting some physical copies of the album ready to go, and will sell them on the site until we can get back out on stage. Other than that, feel free to follow us on our Instagram and Facebook page.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you. It means a lot to us to know our music is being listened to and enjoyed. We work hard on our songs and are humbled that any would even care about what happens outside of our practice space. So thank you to anyone who has taken the time to listen to Negative 13.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well