by Lorie Lewis Ham
Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing local band Prey 4 Reign. The band consists of Samael (vocalist), Exl (the lead guitarist), Richard Gordon (drums), Jay Carmona (Rhythm guitarist), and Skylar Murdock (tentative bassist). Since the other members are new to the band, we chatted with Samael and Exl to learn more. 
KRL: When did your band first come together and how?
Samael: The band was formed in 2016 with an idea for a passion project. Upon realizing the crowd’s reaction to us at later shows, we realized this was a project that has the potential to be taken to the next level, thus we are on this journey as we speak.
KRL: Where are you from?
Samael: I was born and raised here in the Central Valley, and reside in Fresno, California.
Exl: I am from Sonsonate, El Salvador, and now reside at Clovis, California.
Prey 4 Reign
KRL: When did you first start singing/playing an instrument and how did that come about? (for each member)
Samael: I started singing in high school and it quickly became a newfound hobby, and have been working on the craft since then. Mainly inspired by bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Dio, Savatage, WASP, Cradle of Filth, Ghost, Slipknot, and many more.
Exl: I started playing guitar just before high school with a punk band with friends and since then, I have found myself really enjoying it. My grandfather also helped teach me to play.
KRL: When did you decide to make it a profession?
Samael: I have always been a performer at heart since I was a child. I have been involved in plays in my teen years, and did a lot of karaoke when I was in the military. I knew for a very long time I wanted to make this hobby into a career. I was very fortunate to be picked by this band. Since then, I have dedicated a lot of my downtime to honing my craft. I have taken it upon myself to even take singing lessons at Guitar Center.
Exl: I knew I wanted to do this since I started watching bands on MTV and saw how cool they looked. Right then I knew this is what I wanted to do.
KRL: How did you come up with the band name?
Samael: There has been a billboard on the 99 South freeway with the phrase “Pray for rain”, mainly pertaining to the drought that has suffered the Central Valley for years. We decided to throw a spin on the lettering, thus the name “Prey 4 Reign” was born.
KRL: What style of music do you perform?
Samael: It is a mix of Nu Metal, and Djent with a mix of both clean and black metal inspired vocal styles.
KRL: Do you play original or cover songs?
Samael: We do completely original songs. We are interested in adding covers to our set lists as time goes on.
KRL: Do you write your own songs?
Samael: Yes we do.
KRL: Where does your inspiration come from?
Samael: I am very much inspired by horror from themes like Dante’s Inferno, the paranormal, horror movies, dark fantasy; the list goes on.
KRL: Do you have any CDs/Eps or music on any digital platform?
Samael: Our music is available on all music streaming services.
KRL: Website and social media?
Samael: We are on all social media platforms and have an electronic press kit ready upon request. Our Instagram and Threads is @Prey4reignmusic, X (was Twitter) is Prey4ReignMusic. All our links are on our Lintree on our Instagram and Facebook page.
KRL: Where are you based, and where did each of you grow up?
Samael: We are based in Fresno, California. I grew up here in the Valley.
Exl: I was raised in Sonsonate, El Salvador.
KRL: Where do you perform?
Samael: We have played at Strummer’s, Full Circle Brewery and Fulton 55 in Fresno. Also, 18seventy Brewery and Persuasion Brewing Co. in Modesto, and the Moose Lodge, Tracy.
KRL: How often do you perform?
Samael: we perform about 1-2 times a month. Sometimes a mini tour will pop up within the valley; depending on the demand for us.
KRL: Who inspires you musically?
Samael: Slipknot, Ghost, Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard, Dio, Savatage, WASP,
Exl: Perfect Circle, Havok, Lamb of God, Mudvayne, and Slipknot.
KRL: What do you love the most about performing?
Samael: Giving it my all to put on a show and feeling the rush it comes with it. I love hearing the audience go wild!
Exl: I love the energy of the audience and playing with other artists. I love making art and getting reactions from the crowd.
KRL: What is the hardest?
Samael: Sometimes it’s separating band business from everyday life, like trying not to think about the band while going out to movies or on vacation.
KRL: What makes your music unique?
Samael: It is constantly evolving. We do not like staying stagnant. We are always coming up with new ways to mix different styles while still maintaining our identity as a band.
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
Samael: This journey has been amazing! We’ve been constantly making great connections, and learning a lot about the music industry as well as ourselves, since the start of this adventure. I look forward to learning more, and of course, meeting new people, and creating new friendships on the way.
You can find more music, and other entertainment, articles in our Arts & Entertainment section.
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