HOLD THE MUSTARD PRODUCTIONS: More On CÆRRIAN - Get to Know the Band Before the Show

CÆRRIAN will be one of four bands performing at the Chill House on February 21st, which will be a wild Saturday night you will not want to miss out on. Other bands on the roster include YEGG and Cryptic Enslavement, with Torrefy headlining the metal event hosted by Hold the Mustard Productions.

Their sound is focused and exceptionally heavy, with roots in metal that are expanded upon and made into something full of energy and infectious skill across the board. They're a band that you will want to watch out for if you're a fan of metal - as they are one of the most refreshingly potent and powerful acts of recent times, and they're just getting started.

The band is based in Mission, British Columbia, with five members that reign in a level of intensity and skill that every metal band strives to have - except CÆRRIAN pull it off tenfold.

Every member of the band is a powerhouse in their own right; and despite their heavy sound, they are incredibly personable people who are great to get to know - and they are more than welcoming to everyone in the local scene. 

I had the honour of speaking more in-depth with Justin Gordon, who is both a member of CÆRRIAN as their rhythm guitarist and social media manager and one of the wonderful members over at Hold the Mustard Productions. The band has an album that is set to release in the spring of this year, and you can listen to the head-smashing lead single Fathomless Ruin to hold you over in the waiting months until their long-awaited album is released. 

This interview contains exclusive new information about their upcoming album, 'Stygian Skies', and Justin's longtime experience in the metal scene is something that showcases dedication, grit, and incredible skill. You won't want to miss out on your chance to see them live in Chilliwack this Saturday, and you can learn more about them under the cut.

--------------

Q: What is your role in CÆRRIAN like?

A: I am the rhythm guitarist. I deal with 99% of the social media presence. Pretty much deal with all the show bookings as well. Since I’ve been deeply rooted in the metal scene for the past 20+ yrs, it’s given me the opportunity to make a lot of great connections, which aids us in playing quality shows with some top shelf bands.

Q: How has work on the album releasing this spring been?

A: As with any recording project, there are trials & tribulations. Always things to learn while in the studio. The songs that we chose for this record, were mostly written in 2023/2024, along with several others. We thought these first 4 would give people a good cross section on what to expect when we get to the full length. While we call this an ep, it comes in at over 29mins. Our goal was to release the first single “Fathomless Ruin” and then get the rest of the tracks out one by one as we came into spring. While we don’t have an official release date, I can assure you, the next single is coming very soon…

Q: I love the lead single, can you tell me more about how that came to be?

A: “Fathomless Ruin” began as a forgotten riff idea nearly eight years ago, resurrected when Caerrian emerged from the ashes of our previous project, Warrborn. As Ken’s playing evolved, the song transformed, with new transitions, new moods, and a new narrative direction.

​ Originally imagined with a “Top Gun–style” aerial theme, the track ultimately became a dark maritime saga: a Viking fleet crossing the sea to pillage, only to be annihilated by the kraken. One lone survivor washes ashore, stripped of glory and left only with the burden of the tale. ​ ​“It’s a song with a moral. Set out to rape, pillage, and kill, face your demise, and if you live, expect to be alone with no one, no glory, only sorrow,” says Rothe. ​ Musically, the track mirrors this arc, uplifting and epic, then dark and evil, then triumphant again. The single artwork reflects this duality, merging “death from above” imagery with oceanic devastation to echo the song’s themes of hubris and consequence.

Q: How long have you been making music for, and what made you pick up a guitar for the first time?

A: Started playing acoustic guitar as a young kid. Instruments were always in my house, and most of my family played country and bluegrass. I got serious about it at 12 years old, when my grandparents gave me my first electric guitar. This was maybe around 1995, so naturally I started trying to play Green Day, Nirvana and Silverchair. But it wasn’t long before I was setting my sites on more complex music like Metallica and Pantera. Had a couple short lived bands in high school. A ska band in 9th grade, and then a metal cover band from grade 10-12. Took a very long hiatus after that to do more adult things, but eventually came back to it. Started writing my own solo music in 2022, and launched a project called Mors Abyssos.

Q: On the same subject, who inspires you musically? In present day and back then.

A: I don’t know if I have any one specific inspiration. For me, music is an outlet of personal expression. I was initially inspired by family who would always get together to play songs and sing. But in later life. It became clear where I would ultimately draw the majority of my writing influences from, and it was early 90’s Swedish death metal and black metal. In present day, it shows up continuously in my writing and riffing.

Q: Will you and the band perform unreleased songs from the upcoming album during your show on Saturday?

A: Most definitely. We’ll be playing the 4 tracks from the forthcoming ep, and likely 4 others, yet to be released.

Q: What is the most important thing to you when creating music? How important is complexity to you in your music?

A: Ken and I have been the primary songwriters. And we share the collective vision of creating a journey through song. Hitting on many emotions and feelings, while reinforcing that with quality lyrics that are important to us. Complexity is not the primary objective, but playing progressive music, the structures typically flow there naturally

Q: What can people expect from your performance at the Chill House?

A: Expect proficiency and tightness above all else. We’re not an overly flashy band, and like to let the music speak for itself. But we do get into in on stage, and when we get into the grooves and breakdowns, you’ll definitely see us headbanging and moving about the stage. We always find the music well received, and we live to see people up front and thrashing around in the pit.

Q: What is the biggest challenge your career has thrown at you?

A: Early on. It was finding committed members, who could also play the music. As I mentioned, Ken and I have been writing songs for the better part of of 3years. With just the 2 of us, we were forced to adapt. Program drums, play bass, write lyrics, etc. so bringing new members into the fold, they were basically forced to learn everything as it was written. It was a slow process, but we loaded up the lineup in mid-late 2024, and made our live debut January 2025

Q: What is your favorite part about being in a band? What makes it worth it for you?

A: Honestly, half the reason I’m in a band is to write kick ass music, that gains the respect of my peers, and earn opportunities to be able to play alongside musicians I’ve looked up to. That happened in 2025 when we got to play with 2 of my favorite bands throughout the year. Anciients invited us along for a gig in June, and we played with Terrifier in September. There were many more great live shows. But those 2 bands in particular were exceptional times.

Q: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians?

A: 100% play for fun and enjoyment. It needs to be for yourself above all else. Second, try to play with other people who are more advanced. It will push you into territory that forces you to make mistakes, and as a result, get better. When able. Get out into the scene and make connections. There a lot of camaraderie, and it’s a great experience for budding musicians to learn and connect

Don't miss out on catching CÆRRIAN live on Saturday, February 21st at the Chill House! Attendees will be in for a thrilling night of heavy metal, and an exclusive chance to hear the band's new EP before it releases this spring!

Hosted by Hold the Mustard Productions, for booking information and inquires, contact holdthemustardproductions@gmail.com

For interview requests or questions, comment directly here or seek the contact form on the site.