Hinayana: Melodic Death Metal Rising — On Tour with Omnium Gatherum
(Photo Credit: Jackie Schutza)
Hinayana: Melodic Death Metal Rising — On Tour with Omnium Gatherum
Austin-based melodic death metal force Hinayana have been carving their own path through the underground with a sound that balances crushing heaviness and soaring atmosphere. Now, they’re bringing that energy across the United States as part of their tour with Finnish heavyweights Omnium Gatherum. In this interview, we sit down with vocalist/guitarist Casey Hurd to talk about life on the road, the band’s creative vision, and what fans can expect from this chapter in their journey.
Tour Kickoff – How did the opportunity to join Omnium Gatherum on this tour come about, and what excites you most about sharing the stage with them?
This tour opportunity actually came about from our last European tour in January with Omnium Gatherum. We became close with all of the members and when Markus mentioned something about getting us on a tour here in the states I said yes immediately. Half a year later and through the proper channels here we are touring here in North America at last- after three EU tours. I’m continuously inspired every night to witness the level of professionalism and musicianship of each member of Omnium Gatherum. I consider myself very lucky to be touring for the second time with one of my all time favorite bands and inspirations as a songwriter/musician.
Los Angeles Spotlight – Your upcoming show in Los Angeles is generating a lot of buzz. What makes that date special for you, and do you have anything unique planned for the LA crowd?
I’ve heard nothing but good things about the venue 1720 in Los Angeles. I’ve always wanted to play LA and I couldn’t think of a better tour package to do it with.
New Music Teasers – Fans are eager to know: will you be debuting any new songs on this tour, or giving us a taste of what’s next for HINAYANA?
We’ll be performing our newest single “Tempest Horizon” which we released earlier this year.
Origins & Identity – You hail from Austin, Texas, a city known for its diverse music scene. How has your hometown shaped your sound and identity as a melodic death metal band?
Funny enough I grew up right outside Austin in Dripping Springs which was pretty isolated. So while we hail from Austin our main influences come mostly from music & bands, we’ve all discovered by our own volition outside of the local Austin scene, but over the years we’ve made some amazing friends in our scene, and we feel very connected to many bands and musicians in our hometown of Austin.
Tour Atmosphere – For someone who’s never seen HINAYANA live, how would you describe the energy and atmosphere of your shows?
I would say Hinayana’s live show is an emotional but aggressive performance. Entertaining and exciting while maintaining a level of gloom and doom, staying true to the vibe of the music being performed. We try to put our hearts and souls into each live performance.
Creative Process – Has preparing for this tour influenced your songwriting or recording process in any way?
I always seem to be the most inspired during the middle of the tour, seeing other musicians and bands play their songs night after night. I end up getting a ton of new ideas for songs and recording them right after getting home. I’m already looking forward to taking new ideas home from this run and writing new material. Tour keeps me pushing myself to do better and better when it comes to songwriting and performance.
Omnium Gatherum will be at 1720 in Los Angeles on December 2nd!
Fan Connection – What do you hope fans take away from your performances on this tour, especially those seeing you for the first time?
I hope to make an impression on them that they remember. Not only on fans who haven’t seen us before but new fans who haven’t even heard of us before. We always enjoy meeting people at shows and keeping in touch with them. We genuinely love our fans and hope to make many new friend and fans on this tour. We couldn’t do what we do without them!
Behind the Scenes – Touring can be grueling. What’s one ritual, tradition, or inside joke that keeps the band’s spirits high on the road?
We have a post-show ritual that started 2 years ago where if we feel like we played a really good show that night we listen to Scatman John on the way to our hotel/the next venue. It always keeps our spirits up especially when we’re really tired and lacking sleep.
Musical Evolution – Looking back at your releases so far, how do you feel your sound has evolved, and where do you see it heading in the near future?
I feel like Hinayana’s sound has progressed along a very specific path, moving towards a more polished and matured version of itself while also adding new elements and riffing styles with each new iteration. I see the next release incorporating more new sounds, instruments, modes, and scales. We want each release to be different and move the band’s sound further and further forward.
Looking Ahead – Beyond this tour, what’s next for HINAYANA—any upcoming releases, collaborations, or dream goals you’re aiming for?
What’s next for Hinayana is a new full-length to hopefully be released in 2026. We also hope to do another North American and have more tour dates here in the states along with some festivals next year. Along with that we’re already making plans to tour overseas again in the next year or two. A dream of mine is for us to do more European festivals. Brutal Assault or Summer Breeze for instance would be amazing.
IN CONCLUSION
Hinayana’s blend of melody and ferocity is proof that the next wave of melodic death metal is alive and thriving. As they continue their trek across the States with Omnium Gatherum, the band is not only winning new fans but also solidifying their place in the global metal scene. Whether you’re catching them live on this tour or diving into their recordings, Hinayana is a name you’ll want to remember.
(Interview by Ken Morton)
Hinayana on Instagram
