In the heart of North Hollywood, California, Stephan Hawkes has crafted a unique niche for himself as a record producer and engineer. Renowned for his work with bands like Dance Gavin Dance, Exotic Animal Petting Zoo, Chelsea Grin, and Attila, Stephan Hawkes has established a reputation for pushing creative boundaries in the studio.

In a recent podcast, we sat down with Stephan to unravel the intricacies of his work, particularly focusing on his collaboration with Kyle Rasmussen from Vitriol. What emerged from our conversation was a fascinating journey through sonic landscapes, guitar tones, and the art of making records that defy the conventional.

The Beginning: Kyle's Quest for Sonic Extremes
The discussion delved into the genesis of their collaboration, tracing back to 2009 when Stephan first worked with Kyle on a single for his band, Those Who Lie Beneath. Even then, Kyle exhibited a penchant for pushing sonic boundaries, seeking tones that transcended the ordinary.

Stephan highlighted Kyle's obsession with guitar tones, particularly his dedication to achieving the most extreme and unique sounds possible. Whether it was modded Marshalls, intricate pedal chains, or experimenting with unconventional setups, Kyle's vision was clear – to create a sonic experience that went beyond the norm.

Crafting the Wall of Sound
A pivotal moment in their collaboration was the recording of vitriol's album "To Bathe in the Throat of Cowardice." The key to capturing Kyle's vision lay in modded Marshall amps and a meticulous exploration of pedal options. Stephan emphasized the importance of understanding Kyle's desire for intensity and the quest for a sound that felt almost unbearable.

The breakthrough came when a Fortin-modded Marshall JMP, paired with a unique pedal chain, delivered the sonic landscape they had been searching for. The result? An album that sounded insane, a sonic journey reminiscent of the intensity found in bands like 1349. It was about capturing the visceral, the shredding, and the overwhelming.