Jennifer Touché
Feb 19, 2025
Daemon Grimm is drawing their influence from more than just metal.
Last year, I had the opportunity to work with Eddie Sartor, bassist of Daemon Grimm. Through that connection, I was introduced to the rest of the band. Learning about their adversity over the years made it clear that their bond is built on more than just music—it’s a brotherhood forged in resilience. This is their story.
Emerging from the underground scene of NOLA, Daemon Grimm was formed in 2016 as a studio collaboration among friends. Leading the partnership was drummer Brock Champagne, joined by original members Brandon Landry (guitar), Eddie Sartor (bass), and Jake Walker (vocals). In the beginning, there was no real direction for the band, just four good friends creating music together with each member bringing their unique style and emotion to the mix. Once the songs were complete, the band knew they had created something much more than just a few recordings. They made an entity, an alter ego, now known as “Daemon Grimm.”
In 2017, the band dropped their first single, 'Peaceless World', and their self-titled debut EP, Daemon Grimm—a collection of early recordings. However, it wasn’t until the release of their 2019 EP Big Bad Daze that Daemon Grimm’s signature sound was truly defined. The band draws inspiration from The Acacia Strain, Trapped Under Ice, and Portrayal of Guilt, with a distinct infusion of New Orleans hip-hop. “As far as taking inspiration outside the genre, we absolutely do. I think being from New Orleans, it's second nature to be into or listen to hip-hop, and in our music, certain songs, you can hear the hip-hop crossover. Whether it be the way Jake [Walker] does vocals, or a certain drum beat that Brock [Champagne] plays behind the music,” Brandon Landry explains.
Since the release of Big Bad Daze to their most recent single release, 'DLYH Don’t Lose Your Head', the band has matured and morphed into a sound of heavy riffs, trippy music visuals, and lyrics written to reel you in.
Over the years, Daemon Grimm has faced significant adversity. Their biggest setbacks were line-up changes and the pandemic, which caused them to lose the momentum they had built. In 2019, the band had just purchased a van to begin their journey on the road, only to have their plan crushed by the world’s shutdown of COVID-19. In addition to the pandemic lockdown, they lost members while in the middle of recording. It was an emotional turmoil with such a devastating blow combined with bad timing. All hope was lost, and they sold the van in which they had invested their dreams. Eventually, Jake and Brandon brought in bassist Nick Moore and drummer PJ Huesmann, allowing them to play a few shows. Their last performance in 2022 seemed to mark a possible end to their journey, as the absence of Eddie and Brock left a noticeable void in the band's chemistry.
By 2024, the band’s future had begun to take shape. Brock’s return in 2022, the addition of a second guitarist, Lacy James, in 2023, and the solidified return of Eddie in 2024 provided precisely what the band needed to rebuild their momentum. The band reignited their passion for their musical journey. “It just sparked that ignition to put in months of work learning and teaching songs, building an entirely new backline, just a newer version of the band, while being the same band you knew before,” recalls Daemon Grimm. By August 2024, all their hard work paid off when they played their first show back at Southport Hall, supporting Entheos alongside Transient and Edifice. Shortly after, they played a second show supporting Texas-based Upon a Burning Body alongside Baton Rouge-based Branded for Exile.
Kicking off 2025 at Chelsea’s Live, Daemon Grimm supported Swamp Stank alongside local acts Voice of the Enemy and Branded for Exile, making for a night to remember. “It was amazing to start the year with that show at Chelsea's, especially with such great local acts. Our expectations were surpassed tremendously…,” recalls Jake, “… honestly the whole night was memorable. It was one of our best shows since coming back, and to be the first to start the year set the bar for all of our upcoming shows. It is always great to have the crowd singing along to your songs, moshing from the set's first song to the last song.”
Daemon Grimm’s electrifying live performances have made them one of my favorite bands—not just to photograph but to experience. Their relentless energy and crushing groove riffs make it impossible to stand still. Don’t miss out—catch them live and throw yourself into the chaos of the pit!
To learn more about Daemon Grimm:
Upcoming Shows:
8448 Main St
Houma, La
$10 Doors @ 7pm
Show @ 9pm
*All photos by Jennifer Touché
Jennifer Touché (@jennatouche) • Instagram photos and videos
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