Beastwars Members, Gear & Sound

Beastwars is a formidable force in the realm of heavy music, hailing from Wellington, New Zealand. This quartet is comprised of Matt Hyde (vocals), Clayton Anderson (guitar), James Woods (bass), and Nathan Hickey (drums). Beastwars is known for their intense fusion of doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock, delivering a sound that's both punishing and atmospheric. Drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and Kyuss, they've carved out a niche that melds the raw power of heavy metal with the gritty textures of grunge.

Beastwars' sonic landscape is built on thick, distorted guitar riffs and a heavy, low-end foundation that creates a massive, crushing sound. Clayton Anderson’s use of the Gibson Explorer and Gibson SG Standard generates a powerful, resonant tone, amplified by the raw energy of the Matamp GT120 and Verellen Meat Smoke Amplifier. The incorporation of effects like the Electro-Harmonix "Black Russian" Big Muff Pi fuzz pedal and Crowther Hot Cake distortion adds layers of grit and sustain, while the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble enriches their sound with a subtle, swirling depth. This combination of gear and approach results in a dense, aggressive atmosphere that’s both darkly melodic and unapologetically heavy.