Beast in the Field

If you closed your eyes someone said “beast in the field,” what would you see? Maybe a grotesque creature shooting steam out of its nostrils and ears, lurking in a haunting field. Or maybe you’d see two hairy guys in an open field playing death metal on a guitar and drum set.
There are a number of images that may come to a persons mind, the point is to allow the mind to wander.
In this case, Beast in the Field is a two-piece instrumental metal band comprised of drummer Jamie Jahr and guitarist Jordan Pries, both from Lower Michigan. The duo will perform Wednesday at the Level 2 Skatepark.
Jahr and Pries answered questions together about their unique band. They agree there really is not a definite meaning behind their band’s name.
“To quote Will Ferrell, ‘Nobody knows, but it’s provocative,’” they said. “Just let your imagination run wild... One’s imagination is more powerful than any given explanation.”
Beast in the Field may be slightly scary but they are constantly engaging. The pair are excited about returning to the Houghton area. The band said they’ve had a solid relationship with the skatepark for many years. They said they are amazed by the park’s hospitality.
“Houghton has always been one of our favorite places to play. Everyone is always so social and interested in any and all of the bands that play there,” they said.
“King (concert promoter Jeff Frenette), along with everyone else at the Skatepark, have never been anything but terrific. We always enjoy returning to Level 2,” the band said.
Beast in the Field has been bursting ear drums of fans since March, 2007, and their goal is to burst even more. They released their first record, “Goat Isle Seance,” in October, 2007, and they finished recording their new record, “Lechuguilla,” planned to be released later this summer. Beast in the Field did not wake up one day and all of a sudden were phenomenal musicians; it took hard work to get where they are today.
“Practice, take things slow, give your whole heart, it doesn't happen over night,” they said.
Wednesday’s show will also include Milwaukee band Northless and local bands Spare the Rod and Black Jesus Constant. Beast in the Field has known Spare the Rod vocalist Anders Gundersen for about four years. Gundersen invited the band to his home after a skatepark show to “clean up and eat real food,” Beast in the Field said.
Beast in the Field encourages people to come hang out on Wednesday. Jahr and Pries said they will be around before, after and everything in between.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m.