 Photo of Andy Howl performing with BATS // Photo by Brian Kreuser He specializes in blackwork tattooing during the day and growls in an extreme-metal band at night. Andy Howl is the co-owner of HOWL Gallery/Tattoo and uses his shop as a venue for local musicians to share their talent and love for music. He was initially known in the community for his illustrative tattooing style but is now recognized for fronting one of the heaviest bands to hail from Fort Myers, Burned at the Stake. “I'm typically more reserved during my daily life,” said Howl. “When I'm on stage, it's my job to let my emotions come through and scream & growl. I wanted to do vocals for a metal band to let a different side of me come out.” Coined as “Florida stoner-black-death metal,” Burned at the Stake is influenced by multiple genres like doom rock and the band Black Sabbath. The band felt that limiting themselves to one genre label wouldn’t do them justice. James Scott, lead guitar, met Howl through mutual music friends years ago. Scott’s old band NEITHER would play gigs in Howl’s studio when it was in Downtown Fort Myers. The two became close when Scott saw Howl was searching for artists who could play black metal. “Andy started a band that I'm very much happy to be a part of,” said Scott. “I was pleased to find out he wasn't an egomaniac that thought he was the best vocalist in town. I think Andy, as well as the rest of us in Burned at the Stake, are always looking to better our selves.” Jeff Lenard (Bass/Vocals), Austin Nash (Rhythm Guitar) and Jake Young (Drums) complete the band’s lineup. "Being able to channel distress into a productive outlet is really healthy and makes me feel better.” Burned at the Stake has played a handful of shows to build momentum since their debut in Dec. 2019. The band is looking to drop their first album within the near future.
Howl was in a few projects prior to forming Burned at the Stake, but he craved a heavier sound that the SWFL music scene lacked. “I have always wanted to do vocals for a metal band, but having my own venue and equipment made it way easier,” said Howl. “I've also been through a lot of emotional pain in the last several years. Being able to channel distress into a productive outlet is really healthy and makes me feel better.” Howl hails from Michigan, where he learned to drum in his middle school band. He played up until high school when he quit to focus more on visual art. Howl credits Burned at the Stake to being his first, real band. He tried starting up The 5,000 Fingers of Naga Gazmata in his mid- 20’s, but things fell through with the other members. He also recorded a demo cassette for a band called Meet Sniffer. Both projects had an industrial sound. “Burned at the Stake started with me deciding I needed another outlet, emotionally, and something else that was performance & vocally oriented,” said Howl. “I basically always wanted to sing and be that character. It just took me a while to get over my insecurities.” Howl is a self-taught vocalist and attended The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he learned to write original lyrics from a music professor. His presence on stage allows him to harness his mental perspective and verbally release his energy through art. Howl’s impact on the community has given those a voice who felt silenced. Colin Oakes, the guitarist of local band Perfect Sequence, has performed at HOWL countless times and enjoys sharing his music with anyone who will listen. “Andy gives us the freedom to perform our own music and have it go viral around the community,” said Oakes. “There really aren't a whole lot of places to do your own thing just for the fun of it. HOWL is a place to see live music acts and meet new people.” Howl not only influences rising bands by providing them a safe space to perform but is now a death metal icon among locals. He also founded the monthly Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk, which has been active since August 2010. “I've met and created friendships with people all over Florida just from hosting and going to shows,” said Howl. “I'm becoming more confident about letting my feelings out, and that's helped me feel more centered. Screaming and growling is a great way to purge yourself of all the hurt and hostility you have towards people and the world.” Burned at the Stake's next show will be on July 11 at HOWL. Click here for more information. |
