HOWLING GIANT hail from Nashville, Tennessee, sidestepping their cityās pop-country roots with a fuzz-psych sound that has grown from power trio to powerhouse quartet. After winning praise for The Space Between Worlds (2019) and Glass Future (2023), the band now return with their third full-length, Crucible & Ruin, their first recorded in a proper studio and the first to feature new guitarist/synth player Adrian Lee Zambrano.
The Origin & Identity:
How did you all come together as a band, and when did it feel real?
Tom Polzine – Zach and I started the band up in Boston MA, under the name SKLDZR (skulldozer), and it just sort of evolved over time. We started the band as a side project, which was really just an excuse to write stoner rock riffs and escape from the other āseriousā bands we were in at the time. We realized early on that we loved this style of music and this āside projectā soon became the main project.
Where did your band name come from, and why does it feel like you?
Tom Polzine – At some point we realized that SKLDZR was too difficult a name to remember or spell, so we started brainstorming other ideas. āHowling Giantā was a name I came up with one evening while playing āThe Legend of Zelda, Majoraās Maskā. Thereās a cutscene in that game where some giants come together and teach Link an ancient melody, which they sing in a very beautiful Nintendo 64 sort of way.
Did you have a clear vision for your sound from the start, or did it develop naturally?
Tom Polzine – We started out chasing classic stoner rock and riff based rock. We were inspired by The Sword, Sleep, and Black Sabbath and wanted to capture that energy. Over time our prog roots found their way into the mix, and we began reaching beyond the classic stoner rock riffs. Weāve always been inspired by strong melodic vocals and pop song forms, so we began to draw influence from bands like Torche, ASG, and Coheed and Cambria. I donāt think weāre too worried about the āvisionā for our sound. As long as we all like what weāre writing weāll keep going forward, and our sound is certain to evolve over time.
What should listeners know about your newest album?
Tom Polzine – Crucible & Ruin is a high energy exploration of world creation and destruction by novice gods and primordial chaos. We recorded at Amish Electric Chair Studios with Neil Tuuri, and the record is released on October 31st, 2025 via Magnetic Eye Records.
Influences & Creative Process:
Who or what has shaped your sound in ways people might not expect?
Tom Polzine – We are fueled by rock.
When creating a song, do you follow a routine or mix it up each time?
Tom Polzine – Every song has its own path. Some songs are born in the practice room from an improvised jam, and some are crafted carefully one riff at a time. We try to be open to any and all approaches to song creation. We usually like to include traditional song structures with verses, choruses, and a bridge, but not every song requires that same approach.
Are there moods, riffs, or ideas you find yourself returning to?
Tom Polzine – We like to explore fantasy and sci-fi subject matter, with a focus on strong imagery in our lyrical content. I love the contrast of melodic vocals and harmonies over a bedrock of high gain and high volume.
How do you make writing decisions ā together or does someone usually lead?
Tom Polzine – Weāre all involved, and we all have to sign off on each song. Sometimes one member will be the driving force for a song but ultimately we are a democracy and we all have to give our stamp of approval. Usually we lean towards a more collaborative process.
Musical Technique / Composition:
When layering sounds, do you focus more on tone or on mood?
Tom Polzine – Mood and tone are interconnected. Both are important, and influenced by the other.
Stories & Experiences:
Does playing live bring out a different side of your music?
Tom Polzine – Weāve always been a band that thrives on the live experience and the direct connection with an audience. Thereās an energy that only exists in a live room with active listeners and performers. We always try to capture that energy on our records, but ultimately the live show is a special experience.
Current Inspirations & Recommendations:
Any up-and-coming musicians you think deserve more attention?
Tom Polzine – Torche, Elder, and ASG are three of my biggest influences. Theyāre not necessarily up and coming, but they are incredibly important to our sound. As far as āup and comingā bands go, Iāve really been enjoying the band Smelter. Iām pretty sure Jon NuƱez of Torche recorded and mixed their records and they sound incredible.
Vision & Reflection:
Where do you see your sound heading next? Any experiments youāre itching to try?
Tom Polzine – Weāre already beginning to write for the next record and we have some sick new riffs in the works. Weāre excited to continue working with Neil Tuuri at Amish Electric Chair Studios, and I know weāll get into some dope new ideas. Weāve been considering writing another 20 minute songā¦ stay tuned.
Which track do you feel captures your band best, and whatās the story behind it?
Tom Polzine – For me, I think Sunken City is the best representation of our sound. It includes all the elements of a classic Howling Giant song: vocal harmonies, soaring melodic guitar lines, stomping riffs, and a sci-fi driven lyrical approach.
What do you hope people feel when they sink into your music?
Tom Polzine – The urge to buy a Howling Giant tee shirt.
Turbo Regime:
Fuzz or distortion?
– Distortion
Analog or digital effects?
– Both
Sabbath or Zeppelin?
– Sabbath
Heavy riff or mind-bending solo?
– Both
Vintage gear or modern kit?
– Modern
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