Haunt drops in at the Rockhouse in El Paso.

Haunt drops in at the Rockhouse in El Paso

Boy, did we have quite the show here back on the 3rd of this month, when Haunt invaded the Rockhouse Dive Bar Kitchen Venue here in lovely El Paso, Texas.  Also, on the evenings card was Intranced , they were direct support for the tour.   Local support was as follows, Spellbreaker, Slvhammer and Meed Knight.  Oh yeah, a five-band night, this is going to be a good one.     Truth be told, its shows like this that I favor simply because of knowing a member or two in the evening’s entertainment, it does make it a little more special, a little more fun to cover and this West Texas Spring night was no exception, so let’s get to it.

Haunt, straight 0uta Fresno, California, conceived in 2017.    The band has released 9 albums in 9 years, the latest in 25 with Ignite, ton of singles, split albums and extended plays.    Touring on the regular, it’s safe to say, the boys stay busy.  They’re off to Europe in October on a month-long tour open for Hitten, yeah, being busy is an understatement.    The band consists of Trevor William Church on guitar; he is the sole songwriter and singer.  Andrew AI, doing the honors on percussion, Joel Dominquez on guitar and last but not least, Sam Harman on Bass.   As most bands, lineup changes are normal and with that said, Trevor is the only original member, seems fitting though, this project was his lone idea back in 17, needless to say, it’s his band.

Show got off around 8 with Spellbreaker.   I shot these guys back in September, but with a different frontman who is actually in our third local for this evenings entertainment, but we’ll get back to that later.   The current lineup is Paul Saulburgh doing vocals, Eddie Martinez on Bass, Tom Dorney on the drums, with Homero and Samuel Olvera, both on guitar (I believe they’re brothers) They had a great set, Paul is the perfect fit for this outfit, I’m glad to see him on board.     Next up was Slvthammer.   These cats I’ve covered once or twice in the past 10 years, same lineup all this time, up to this show, yep, new drummer.   The members of this band do play in various other bands here in our local scene, but Slvthammer has stayed intact, which for this area is rare, but again, new drummer, didn’t see that one coming.    The lineup is as follows, Mondo Tejas, vocals and guitar, Bobby Beagz Lucero on Bass, Dante Hurtado on percussion and my friend, Junior Sabbath on guitar.   In our local scene, this is one band I truly do favor, always want to attend and photograph these guys, especially when Junior lets those dreads fly, it is quite the sight.      Rounding out the evenings local support is none other than Meed Knight.   I have shot this band once or twice over the recent months and rest assured, your frontman Daniel, he does put on a show, here’s another one I’ve shot over the years in a handful of bands.  Either dressed as a pirate, waving a real sword and pirate flag or just seriously engaging with his audience, you just cannot deny the fact that Daniel is a true entertainer and showman, I recognized that the first time I saw him over 10 years ago.   Meed Knight’s Lineup is Daniel Xavier, frontman and vocals, Chris Marquez on Bass, Aaron Von Robles on guitar, Laura Chacon on the keyboards and my main man, the beast behind the kit, Kevin Delgado.      Three kick ass local bands, all dedicated to their craft, all about metal and about supporting our local scene.  Thanks guys, you’re second to none.

Next on deck was Intranced.   Been around a couple of years and from Southern California.  Their frontman, James Paul Luna, I have to admit was very entertaining.  James was full of energy and reaches out to the crowd from the very beginning of the show, which is what I personally look for in act , I want to be entertained, and James sure pulls that off.   Lineup is Nico Staub on Bass, Ben Richardson on the drums, Fili Bibiano on guitar and of course, James Paul Luna on vocals.   Fili on guitar made some great photos, even though the band asked for no bright lights during their set, I still got em’.       Close to 11pm, the boys hit the stage, oh yeah, Haunt, up close and personal.     These guys hit the stage like an unstoppable rebel force taking absolutely no prisoners.  Sam Harman’s antics and facial expressions are just fantastic and at times just plain funny, did I mention, entertained?   This band brings so much to the stage, the musicianship is absolutely second to none.  They definitely know how to rock and roll with the best of them.  The combination of Joel and Sam at times, just playing off of each other was some of the best chemistry I’ve seen in a minute, really good stuff.  Trevor is the anchor, as stated his band and it shows in his performance, just outstanding, young man, thank you, great show.     Haunt is out there and on tour, please check those listings, and if you do make it out to one of their shows, you can tell Sam, Tim sent ya.    Thank you so much for your time and of course, I’ll see you at the next rock show.

Story and Photography by Tim Schumann

Set List-

Extraordinary Life

Frozen in Time

Hearts of Fire

Serenade

Soar though the Ages

Winter’s Breath

Mind Freeze

Reflectors

Burst into Flame

As Fire Burns