The deadly mushroom Amanita, a grind/math-core band based in Standish, Maine has burst into the local music scene. Grindcore is a fusion between heavy metal and hardcore punk. This style originated in the mid-1980s and has only grown since then. The band has played all over Maine in towns like West Paris, Bar Harbor, Farmington, and Durham.

Amanita had a show in Rhode Island a few weeks ago and had one last Friday in Worcester, Mass. The Beacon had the pleasure of speaking to the drummer, AJ Dehetre, who’s going to be enrolling at SMCC in the spring semester.  According to Dehetre, the band shifted after some drama occurred. The band decided to adopt a “heavier” style of the metal music genre, and it really improved morale by settling the drama that did occur. A former member stole a huge chunk of money from the band account and spent it on unnecessary things. Dehetre also told us that Amanita decided to switch to this style because Maine listeners appear to have a preference towards heavier metal. AJ mentioned some of the other bands they have played with, and he states that most of their shows are DIY shows. The band recently played a show in Farmington at a public skatepark, for instance. Amanita typically does more DIY shows versus venue shows because it’s easier to move equipment, and you’ll get bigger mosh pits – and mosh pits are a huge attraction when it comes to heavy metal music. Dehetre said that you can “never settle”. Don’t record a song only once; do it until everyone in the band is in agreement that it sounds as perfect as it can get. And if it does sound “off” to even one person, hear them out and resolve the issue. It’ll keep the band’s morale flowing and make sure everyone is getting the best experience. 

Now, Amanita may be a deadly mushroom, but it’s also a deadly metal band on the Maine Music scene.