ARC raises metalhead pets on European power metal

Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s ongoing column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with NYC metal outfit Arc, whose pets scratch to Dirty South beats and wag their tails to power metal, just like their humans… mostly.

Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?

I have a German Shepherd named Ember (20 months), a Hairless Cat named Binky (6 years old), and a Tarantula named Fuzzy (over 20 years old). Ember protects the kingdom, Binky rules it, and Fuzzy vibes.

Have you ever taken your pet on tour?

No, it would be too stressful and loud for them. However, I have taken Ember on a road trip from Brooklyn to New Orleans, to Vegas, to LA, to San Francisco and back across the country to Brooklyn. We camped all over the country, and she did really well. Her favorite city was New Orleans because it was quite dog-friendly, and the restaurants often allowed us to sit on the wrap-around porches.

Who looks after your pet while on the road?

I have an amazing dog walker and pet sitter. I am blessed with a supportive girlfriend and good friends with keys to my place. It takes a village. I also have security cameras connected to Wi-Fi that feature motion detection. This way, I receive a notification when Ember jumps up to look out the window or if Binky knocks something over.

What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?

I can’t play Necrogoblikon, Children of Bodom, or Nile in the house anymore because Ember howls along. During my cross-country road trip with Ember, we mostly listened to Sabaton, DragonForce, Project Pat, and 36 Mafia, so she feels safe with European power metal and Dirty South rap, just like her father.

How did you introduce your pet to metal?

Long car rides and house-cleaning playlists. Binky sat on my lap in my home studio while I edited the drums for ARC’s second album, “Awaken the Machine.” In fact, when we’re not playing shows, my current bass drum, which I’ve also used with “Power Glove,” “Master Boot Record,” and “Visions of Atlantis,” is the perfect size for her cat bed. So, she just naps in my kick drum until I have a show.

What animal charity means most to you?

I’ve always loved animals, but I’ve been obsessed with reptiles since I was a child and have had many over the years. The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary (PHS) is the largest reptile sanctuary in the United States and a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on reptile rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation education. I’ve always found organizations like PHS to be very important for sustaining commonly misunderstood wildlife. Additionally, the ASPCA does wonders for the animal community, and I always try to direct aspiring pet owners to check out the abundant inventory of pets in need of adoption and care.