Grigori 3: Beyond the Blind and the Dead

Grigori 3: Beyond the Blind and the Dead. By Brian Kirst

Grigori 3, featured on the soundtrack for Jezebeth Production’s recent horror mood piece The Blind and the Dead, formed seven years ago when lead singer Gwen Bartolini connected with co-founder Ray R. Wise. Inspired by the gothic story of a group of angels that corrupted Earth as opposed to protecting it, Grigori 3 combines industrial, Gothic rock, metal and even rural Folk music (with their emphasis on the humanity of despair and ultimate faith in life) to a dazzling effect. On their debut CD Exile (available at Best Buy and Amazon), they inspire the purchaser to not only dance but think with the infectious “The System”. At a recent live performance, they practically recruited a room of horror loving slaves with the cathartic emotion they exhibited throughout their performance of “Visions”.

Indeed, as one of two original members, Gwen’s musical influences include Celtic, Gaelic, Metal and Industrial. The band, as a whole, is inspired by historical events and Science Fiction writers, as well. Currently revamping their “Think Me Wicked” video (another cool CD cut), Grigori 3 is also heading back into the studio soon to record a follow-up to Exile. “I love the studio,” Gwen asserts, “I love to experiment and refine.” Gwen also believes that their line-up has come full circle with the addition of Scott (The Sleep), an excellent and engaging live performer, on bass and Justin Mayberry on drums.

As for this ultimate unit’s take on their favorite horrors, read on below!

Grigori 3’s Horror Picks:

Gwen Bartolini (lead vocals): “Anything with Vincent Price and the original The Shining. I just watched the original April Fools Day – I am a new fan to that!”

Ray R. Wise (guitars/keys): “The original Halloween is a sentimental favorite and the original The Shining – I am still messed up from that!”

Scott, i.e. The Sleep (bass): “Zombie’s Halloween, man!”

Justin Mayberry (drums): “I am a huge Rob Zombie fan!”

With that in mind, be sure to check out the band’s website, www.grigori3.com to get more information on this quartet of talented, upcoming Gothic rockers!