Doomed Confessionary: Eric Forrest Burton (By Way Of Fire)

By Way Of Fire is a southern heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. The trio consists of Eric Forrest Burton (guitar, lead vocals), Ryan Cates (bass, vocals) and Jeremy French (drums).

By Way Of Fire’s latest three-track EP »Into Oblivion« was released on October 11th, 2024 via Fire Watcher Records. Recorded at Ledbelly Studios, Dawsonville GA. Engineered, mixed and mastered by Matthew Washburn. Album art by Nick Freddy. Photography by Cedric Egan. Layout by Eric Forrest Burton.

Can you say a few words about your band?
Primal elemental heavy metal established 2021 ATL.

What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Overcoming the loss of our original drummer Steven Cates.

What can you be most proud of so far?
Being able to carry on, adding Jeremy French onto the throne and charging forward. Of course, releasing »Into Oblivion« last October.

What was your biggest regret?
Rushing the first EP and not fully forming the band before entering the studio.

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Out of our live shows, the EP release show at Sweetwater Duluth last October was a good one for sure. Shows have been getting better since.

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The general sense of acceptance amongst our peers. We are somewhat fluid with our approach and find ourselves playing with many different genres. It all works out, and usually friends are made.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Nite – Cult Of The Serpent Sun
Rwake – The Return Of Magik
Drenched In Place – Hurricane Helene benefit compilation

I’m also listening to a tone of ambient/mediation music at work, just to keep everything calm and collected.

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The instrument you play, essentially is an extension of your spirit and how you are playing in the moment is a direct conduit to your truest form in that moment.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Goth rock/post punk, Saltine crackers, good beer, hot wings.

Can you say something more about current music scene in Atlanta?
Atlanta has a strong reputation, not sure I can build upon that!

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
3/21 – Athens, GA
3/22 – Warner Robins, GA
5/9 – Gainesville, GA
6/5 – TBA
7/12 – TBA

What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are writing music and will enter the studio this fall.

How can people best support your band?
Come to the shows, buy merch, drive our online presence.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
We love the fans and patrons that support the underground the most, for first and foremost that is who we are. Heavy metal is the way!

We appreciate each and every one of you, especially our fellow bands, promoters, venues, staff, and press partners.

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well