Doomed Confessionary: Tim Hunt (Stonehurst)
Hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand, Stonehurst is a band that delivers a fresh take on classic heavy metal and rock music. Since their inception in 2007, they have been wowing audiences with their Sabbath-esque, psychedelic, heavy power-rock tracks. Stonehurst has achieved national FM radio status, played at numerous international and local festivals, and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in rock music.
The band’s new EP »Wild Visions« was released on March 28th, 2024. Available now on all major streaming services!
Stonehurst are Tim Hunt (vocals, guitar), David Hunt (bass), Rhyz Bell (lead guitar) and Jay Arthur (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We hail from Christchurch, New Zealand. We’ve been around since 2007. We focus on mean riffs, good quality solos, powerful vocals, and quality music that we love and want to share with the world. Basically, we’re on the journey for the perfect riff!
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
The biggest challenge for us last year was trying to get a music video sorted and it took way too long, over seven months overdue, and it actually took way more of a toll on the band than we realized that it would.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think we’re most proud of this album as we are really happy with the way that we recorded it from the experience from the second album and really pushing ourselves to get the best quality that we could out of what we had, which has given us more assignment for the next albums in the future.
What was your biggest regret?
I can’t really think of any regrets we would have, last year or in general with anything.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have many favourite concerts and tours over the years. However, the one that stands out for us would be Seether. That was at the Isaac Theater Royal, a classic venue and a milestone for many bands here to perform at. A great crowd, great night, great response. Had heaps of fun hanging with Seether afterwards. There may have been mushrooms, but we can neither confirm nor deny! We had a great time, and there have been so many others, but this one was a standout for us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Surprisess in the music scene? Well, we have a really, really awesome music scene in Christchurch. It’s extreme and it’s teeming with top quality music and musicians. What was kind of surprising was how our friends in Organectomy, and Blindfolded to the Woods just blew up and started touring around Europe and America a lot and making these mind blowing albums signed with some great labels overseas. Almost unheard of in the music scene. There are some particular really, really, really good bands here. But that was really cool and surprising to see for Christchurch. And very motivating and inspiring.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Absent In Body (Plague God), Lowrider, Cannibal Corpse, Porcupine Tree, Pantera, Borer, Bongripper, Symphony X, Clutch, Sixty Watt Shaman, Down, Devourment, Misery Index, Pull Down The Sun, Daft Punk, Molested Divinity, Exaltation, and a lot more!
Can you say something more about the music scene in Christchurch / New Zealand?
As mentioned in the earlier question, our music scene in Christchurch is extreme. In every genre that we have, we have some really, really good musicians putting out some amazing music. Bands like Organectomy, Plague of the Fallen, Blindfolded and Led to the Woods, Pieces of Molly, Elidi, Borer. Those are just some of the really good bands that we have, and we’re all very supportive here of each other. We don’t like the idea of tall poppy syndrome. We like to lift each other up because we know that it lifts everyone up and ourselves. The more light shone on Christchurch is good for everyone. We had earthquakes devastate the town in 2011, 2012, and the city has never been the same, but who remained has made the city what it is, and we’re all, as a community, closer and more respectful, more appreciative, more grateful for who we are and what we’ve got because of what and who we lost in the quakes.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Our next couple of shows are Orange Goblin, and a show called Rock Monsters, which is through Waxstar Touring, playing with Caligula Horse from Australia, Beastwars, and a bunch of awesome NZ bands.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The last album took quite a long time to get out for us, for one reason or another, and the band has recently taken a turn and new members will be added shortly for drums and lead guitar, which we will be auditioning and finding the right fit for our future and we will focus on writing new music. There have been talks about pushing out a few singles shortly to keep the ball rolling. We have a lot of material to use and every album so far has had a different lineup, so we’re really excited to see the next era of Stonehurst and how it will sound and what it will look like.
How can people best support your band?
You can support us best by purchasing our music on Bandcamp, listening to us regularly on streaming platforms, buying our merch, even just sharing to people that you think would like our music. If you like our music, that’s awesome and we are grateful for anyone who listens to it. So yeah, just keep spreading it far and wide!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Just be good to one another, keep each other safe, respect everyone. We don’t know what everyone’s going through. So be the best person you can to yourself and others. Get creative. If you love music, make more music, listen to more music. Music is the best. Love one another and enjoy your life
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well