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ENTERPRISE EARTH’s Gabe Mangold Talks New EP, Juneteenth Release, Diversity in Metal, and Pandemic Struggles

By capitalchaostv on July 3, 2020 • ( 0 )

On a blazing Third of July, we caught up with Gabe Mangold, guitarist of deathcore juggernauts Enterprise Earth, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation. From their new EP and pandemic woes to covering Lamb of God and Necrophagist, Gabe shared the band’s recent journey—and a few surprises fans can look forward to.

A New Chapter: Foundation of Bones

Enterprise Earth’s latest EP, Foundation of Bones, marks both a return to their roots and a look ahead to the future. “It was a lot of fun to record and produce,” said Gabe. “The reaction has been great so far. We’re really stoked on it.”

While the band is best known for their full-length albums, this release is just their second EP—following 2014’s 23. “This one’s more of a bridge between our last record The Chosen and what’s coming next,” Gabe explained. “We’re currently working on a new LP.”

Music with Meaning: A Juneteenth Release for a Cause

Foundation of Bones dropped on June 19th—Juneteenth, a date chosen with intention. In light of global protests and a renewed call for social justice, Enterprise Earth and their label E1 donated Bandcamp proceeds from the release to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

“We realized the significance of the holiday,” Gabe said. “With everything going on in the world, it just felt like the right thing to do.”

When asked about the broader impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, Gabe emphasized unity and growth. “There’s no place for hate or bigotry in the world,” he said. “Hopefully we can all learn and be kinder to one another.”

Diversity in Deathcore

Though metal has long been seen as a predominantly white genre, Gabe notes some encouraging signs of change—particularly within deathcore. “Our bassist Robbie is Black,” Gabe said. “And there are guys like Adam Warren from Oceano, or Kyle from Brand of Sacrifice. I don’t really see things in black and white—it’s about the music.”

Covers That Shred: Lamb of God & Necrophagist

The new EP includes two blistering covers—one of Lamb of God, the other of Necrophagist. For Gabe, these weren’t just fan service; they were full-circle moments.

“Ashes of the Wake was one of the albums that got me into metal,” he said. “When the idea came up to cover a Lamb of God track, we were all stoked.”

Necrophagist, meanwhile, was a choice driven by the band’s drummer, Brandon. “Their guitarist Muhammed has always been a big inspiration for me,” Gabe added. “It was a challenge—but a fun one.”

From Devastation to Acoustic Introspection

Surprisingly, the EP also features a stripped-down acoustic version of “There’s No Tomorrow.” While it’s a stark departure from Enterprise Earth’s usual brutality, fans have embraced it.

“We wanted to show that our influences go beyond just being heavy,” Gabe explained. “We were really proud of how it turned out, and fans have been really supportive. It’s also the first time they’ve heard Dan [Watson] actually sing.”

When the Tour Collapsed

Enterprise Earth was in Berlin when the pandemic changed everything. “We had three shows left on our European tour when the U.S. travel ban was announced,” Gabe recalled. “We had to book emergency flights home. Then our North American tour was canceled. We lost tens of thousands of dollars overnight.”

But the fans didn’t let them down. “We held a big merch sale when we got home, and the support was incredible,” he said. “We’re super grateful.”

The Future of Live Shows and Streaming Metal

When asked about drive-in shows and livestreams, Gabe was hesitant. “It’s cool and it helps bands stay active—but for metal, it’s just not the same. The energy of a packed crowd can’t be replicated through a screen or in a car.”

More Covers? Maybe. New Music? Absolutely.

For now, the band is focused on finishing their next full-length album, but more covers aren’t off the table. “They’re fun to do,” Gabe admitted. “You just make them your own.”

Lockdown Life in New Mexico

While many musicians have turned to gaming or binge-watching during lockdown, Gabe’s life hasn’t changed too much. “I’m fortunate to have a job here in New Mexico, and I’ve been focused on music. Honestly, it’s been business as usual.”

Final Words from Gabe

Before signing off, Gabe had a message for fans:

“Check out our site enterpriseearthband.com. We’ve got new Foundation of Bones merch, CDs, vinyl, and we’re releasing videos every Friday throughout July. Thank you for the continued support—we can’t wait to get back out there and play for you again.”