Merritt Gant, American guitarist
Merritt Gant, a name widely recognized in the heavy metal community, is an accomplished >guitarist > best known for his impactful tenure with the legendary >thrash metal > band >Overkill >. His journey through the music world has seen him evolve from a formidable performer into a multi-talented producer, engineer, and educator, deeply rooted in his New Jersey origins.

Early Life and Formative Musical Years

Born on February 18, 1971, >Merritt Gant > began his musical odyssey in >Millville, New Jersey >, where he also graduated from Millville Senior High School in 1989. The vibrant local music scene of the late 1980s quickly drew him in. His early professional forays included the hard rock band >Drastic Measures >, a period during which the group released a full-length album and a demo, showcasing Gant's budding talent. In 1989, his skills caught the attention of Chris Bombeke, leading to his recruitment as a guitarist for >Faith or Fear >. After a series of live performances and recording several tracks with Faith or Fear, a pivotal opportunity arose: an audition for >Overkill >. Gant successfully secured the position, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in his career.

The Overkill Years: Thrash Metal Icon

The year 1990 saw >Overkill > searching for a replacement for their departing guitarist Bobby Gustafson. Rather than a single replacement, the band opted for a powerful dual-guitar attack, bringing in both Rob Cannavino and >Merritt Gant >. From 1990 to 1995, Gant was an integral force in >Overkill >, contributing his distinctive style to some of their most iconic albums. His guitar work can be prominently heard on >Horrorscope >, >I Hear Black >, >W.F.O. >, and the blistering live album >Wrecking Your Neck >. He also appeared in several >MTV > music videos, including the seminal thrash metal anthem " >Horrorscope >," solidifying his presence in the genre's heyday. In 1995, both Gant and Cannavino decided to depart from >Overkill >, moving on to explore new musical directions.

A Multifaceted Musician Beyond the Stage

After his impactful run with >Overkill >, >Merritt Gant >'s involvement in the music industry expanded considerably beyond just being a performing guitarist. He ventured into engineering and production, demonstrating a broader scope of his musical talents. His experimental music project, >Blood Audio >, saw him creating and releasing music, including the albums >Bludgeoning Timbre > in 2001 and >Null Evil > in 2003, showcasing a different facet of his artistic expression. In 2009, Gant's guitar tracks also graced several songs for the New Jersey band >Dearly Beloved >. Coincidentally, June 2009 also saw >Faith or Fear > release their album >Instruments of Death >, featuring four previously unreleased tracks recorded with Gant back in 1990, offering a glimpse into his earlier work with the band.

Current Endeavors and Community Contribution

Today, >Merritt Gant > has settled down in southern >New Jersey > with his two children, deeply embedding himself in his local community through music education and services. He is not only a recording artist but also a highly respected >guitar instructor >, a skilled >producer > and >sound engineer >, and an accomplished repairman and restorer of both vintage and modern electric and acoustic guitars, along with other stringed instruments. In his hometown, he proudly owns and operates a music learning center and a recording studio, fostering new talent and providing essential resources for musicians. Furthermore, Gant shares his extensive knowledge as an Audio Engineering instructor at >Cumberland County College >, cementing his legacy as a vital contributor to the music world on multiple fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Merritt Gant

Who is Merritt Gant?

Merritt Gant is an American guitarist, producer, engineer, and educator, best known as a former member of the thrash metal band Overkill.

When was Merritt Gant born?

Merritt Gant was born on February 18, 1971.

Which bands was Merritt Gant a member of?

He was a key guitarist for the thrash metal band Overkill from 1990 to 1995. Prior to that, he played with Drastic Measures and Faith or Fear. He also leads his experimental project, Blood Audio.

What are some albums Merritt Gant played on with Overkill?

Merritt Gant contributed to Overkill's albums Horrorscope, I Hear Black, W.F.O., and the live album Wrecking Your Neck.

What is Blood Audio?

Blood Audio is Merritt Gant's experimental music project, through which he released albums like Bludgeoning Timbre (2001) and Null Evil (2003).

What does Merritt Gant do currently?

Currently, Merritt Gant is a guitar instructor, music producer, sound engineer, and a restorer of musical instruments. He owns and operates a music learning center and recording studio in Millville, New Jersey, and teaches Audio Engineering at Cumberland County College.

Where is Merritt Gant from?

Merritt Gant is originally from Millville, New Jersey.