Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Earthgazer
Hi Jonathan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Earthgazer was founded in 2017 by Jonathan, guitarist and composer, with the vision of blending nu metal, deathcore, and metalcore with ambient and cinematic elements. The journey began with the release of the Skyocean EP, featuring Dylan Fitzgerald on vocals, Jesse Palmer on bass, and Mark Lynam on drums. After a year of shows and promoting the EP, creative differences led to Dylan’s departure, and Mark left to focus on college.
Determined to keep Earthgazer moving forward, Jonathan and Jesse carried the project into its next phase. In 2018, they met Kody Escobedo and Blade Gentry, who joined as vocalist and drummer, respectively. Together, they created Voidmaker, the band’s first full-length album, which solidified Earthgazer’s aggressive and evolving sound.
After Voidmaker, Kody left due to work obligations, and Blade followed shortly after. Former drummer Mark rejoined the band as a vocalist instead and led the charge on Terrorform, which he also mixed and mastered. His creative contributions pushed Earthgazer’s sound into darker and heavier territory. Following Terrorform, Mark relocated, and Jesse stepped down due to work, leaving Jonathan to keep Earthgazer alive on his own.
A new chapter began in 2022 when Tony joined as the band’s vocalist. Jonathan and Tony worked together to create Darkmatter, released in 2023, which introduced a fresh energy to the band’s sound. Building on that momentum, Earthgazer released Lightmatter in 2024, which is widely regarded as the band’s best-received album so far. Featuring guest appearances from Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer and JL Garcia of The Bunny The Bear, Lightmatter marked a new level of production quality, thanks to James of GFC Studios (Birmingham, UK).
Most recently, Earthgazer released Prometheus, a concept album inspired by Ridley Scott’s Alien franchise, featuring collaborations with artists from around the globe, including Forsaken Silence (Texas), Ryu of Divinitist (Japan), Chey Fields (Texas), and Oli of Breaking the Sunset (Germany). This album blends groovy djent, deathcore, and atmospheric soundscapes into a cinematic, crushing experience.
Throughout its history, Earthgazer has collaborated with bands like Left to Suffer, Berried a Lie, and Logan Bacon of Forsaken Silence. As a constantly evolving project, Earthgazer is driven by passion, perseverance, and a love for heavy music—always pushing boundaries and finding new ways to connect with listeners.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Earthgazer’s journey has been anything but smooth, but that’s what shaped us into who we are today. The road has been filled with ups and downs, lineup changes, and personal struggles, but we’ve always found a way to push forward. In the early days, we had to deal with creative differences, members leaving due to life commitments, and that constant question of whether or not to keep going. It’s easy to feel like the universe is testing how bad you want something when your team keeps changing and your vision gets blurred.
There were moments of isolation when I was the last one left, writing and composing alone, wondering if Earthgazer’s story had reached its end. But every setback taught me something. It taught me patience, adaptability, and how to trust the process even when things seemed uncertain. The hardest part wasn’t losing members—it was staying motivated through it all and learning to trust new creative voices when the right people came along.
The turning point was finding Tony in 2022. His passion and raw energy gave Earthgazer new life. Since then, we’ve rebuilt from the ground up and created some of our best work. Each challenge along the way, as tough as it was, became a stepping stone toward what we’re doing now. In hindsight, those struggles are part of our DNA. They gave us depth and resilience that we carry into every song and every performance.
So, no, it hasn’t been smooth. But that’s okay. A smooth road rarely leads to anywhere worth going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating music that blends heavy, aggressive elements of nu-metal, deathcore, and metalcore with atmospheric and cinematic sounds. As the founder, guitarist, and primary composer of Earthgazer, I’m known for my unique approach to songwriting, where I create both complex, crushing riffs and moments of deep introspection. I’m not just a musician; I’m a storyteller, crafting not only songs but experiences that resonate with listeners.
Outside of music, I’m a bandsaw operator at a metal factory where we manufacture conveyor belts. It’s a hands-on job that requires attention to detail and precision, skills I carry over into my work with Earthgazer. Being a father of two and a husband means I juggle a lot of responsibilities, but I’m proud of how I manage to balance all aspects of my life, especially when it comes to creating music for the band.
What I’m most proud of is Earthgazer’s resilience. We’ve weathered lineup changes, creative struggles, and personal obstacles, and yet, we keep pushing forward, creating music that’s meaningful and that connects with people. Lightmatter—our most well-received album—is a reflection of that perseverance and dedication. It’s also a reminder that growth and success don’t come easily, but they’re worth the fight.
What sets me apart is my ability to maintain focus on the bigger picture while balancing the demands of daily life. I take the time to ensure that the music we create reflects who we are, both as individuals and as a collective. Whether I’m working with Tony on new material or managing the logistics of running a band, I do it all with authenticity and a desire to always push beyond the status quo.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success, to me, isn’t just about numbers, recognition, or accolades. It’s about growth—both personal and artistic—and staying true to what matters most. For Earthgazer, success means making music that resonates with people, pushing the boundaries of what we’re capable of, and evolving with every project we release. It’s about being authentic and staying grounded in who we are as individuals and as a band, no matter what challenges we face.
On a personal level, success is about balance. Being able to provide for my family, keep pushing Earthgazer forward, and take care of my own well-being is a success in itself. The journey is long, and there’s always more to strive for, but success for me comes from making the most of where I am and what I have. It’s about taking pride in the small victories as much as the big ones—whether it’s a new album release, a new connection made, or simply growing as a person and musician.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://poplme.co/earthgazer
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthgazertx/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@earthgazertx
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@earthgazer
Image Credits
All images are credited to Samantha Harvey of City Lights PhotographyTX based out of Whitney,TX
