An one on one interview with Black Sites (Not just another Chicago band)
Interview conducted April 22, 2019
by Daniel Locke
An amalgamation of talent from Chicago’s underground music scene, Black Sites offers a fresh progressive metal sound that’s catching the ears of music critics and dive-bar concertgoers alike. Former Trials vocalist Mark Sugar is joined by his longtime collaborator Ryan Bruchert on guitar, José Salazar (Satan’s Hallow) on bass, and Garry Naples (Novembers Doom, Without Waves) on drums. Drawing on influences from Black Sabbath to Queensryche and Paradise Lost, Black Sites delivers a sound that’s been called “unapologetically modern (with) two feet firmly planted in the feel of yesteryear.” It’s prog that’s dynamic and unpretentious, exemplifying both the grit and brilliance of the Windy City
Dan Locke: How did the band start?
Black Sites: At some point in 2015, I got this idea to start a somewhat progressive old-school metal band. I recruited some friends and we made an album called In Monochrome, which came out in 2017. After that, there were some lineup changes, health issues, and other behind-the-scenes happenings, leading up to the present day and the release of our new record “Exile”, which I’m pretty stoked about.
How did you get your name?
We are from Chicago, and the name was inspired by certain activities by the Chicago police that were making the news at the time. There are actual “black sites” in our city where police can detain and torture people, even today. We’re hardly a “political” or activist band, but that level of oppression bothers me, and I wanted to keep it in the back of listeners’ minds, regardless of what we sound like or are singing about at any given time.
What is the best club to see live music in Chicago?
Too many to name! Our favorites at the moment are Livewire Lounge, Reggie’s, and Cobra Lounge.
Do you remember clubs like The Abbeypub, The Pearl Room or Oasis 160?
The Abbey was a great place to see a show, although they didn’t book much metal or hard rock. I’m sad it’s gone. My memories of Pearl Room and Oasis are less rosy, and I’ll leave it at that.
Do you remember April McDane (sound girl)
April McDane (credit: Dan Locke)
Oh man. April was a fixture in the music scene here, and all of us crossed paths with her to some extent. She must have worked hundreds of shows by our various bands over the years. She was extremely good at what she did, she didn’t have a whole lot of patience for bullshit, and I respected that. Speaking for myself (this is Mark here), I was always very relieved to show up at a venue and see that she was working sound.
How was is to open up for King’s X?
That was a great show. Besides the fact that I’m a longtime King’s X fan, I was pleasantly surprised that their fans were so cool to us. They could’ve easily stood at the bar or gone outside while we played, but they actually stuck around to watch us and seemed very receptive to what we were doing. We made some new fans that night, and I’m thankful to King’s X for the opportunity.
How was the listening event at the CMF Metal Sundays at Exit?
That was a lot of fun. We played some tracks from the new album, as well as classic cuts from Body Count, Extreme, Lynch Mob, and Green Jello, among others.
How did the crowd like the new cd?
It seemed to go over pretty well, from what I could tell.
On your website, you show your new toy. What brand of a classical guitar is it?
It’s an old Yamaha, nothing fancy. Sounds great though. You can hear it on “Coal City” from the new album.
Why did you do a guitar playthrough video?
Because we thought it would be fun. And it was!
What is the best track on the cd?
Which of your children is your favorite? I like the whole album a lot, and I don’t think there’s a “best” track.
Any plans for a tour?
There will be more live shows, but “tour” is maybe not the right word. All of us have other things going on in our lives, and our shows feel more special to us when there are less of them.
Would you like to play open air Chicago and why?
Sure, why not? If nothing else, it’d be fun to play to a larger crowd like that.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Old.
Anything in closing?
Thank you for having me! I do appreciate it. And to anyone who has read this far, “Exile” comes out 4/19. Give it a listen, you may surprise yourself!
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