Mitch Harris was born in 1970 on the most unholy day of the year: October 31st. A true guitar god and songwriter, Harris currently melts people’s faces off as the guitarist of death metal/grindcore legends, Napalm Death.
Napalm Death, from Birmingham, England, has remained a pinnacle of their genera since their formation in the early eighties. Mitch joined at the turn of the following decade and since has been the driving force behind the legendary sound, as well as backing vocals. In concert, when Harris’ blood chilling voice overlaps his guitar.
At the early age of fourteen, Harris bought an Ibanez Roadstar II with his birthday money and the path had begun. He started out just writing riffs and structuring basic songs. While he never studied any theory, he made his own riffing approach and expanded from there. In the beginning he learned a few complete songs such as Seek and Destroy by Metallica, Crionics by Slayer, and No Love by Exodus.
Growing up, his influences now include: Slayer, Metallica, Venom, Exodus, Kreator, Destruction, Sodom, D.R.I, S.O.D, Cryptic Slaughter, Celtic Frost, Manowar, Excel, Accused, Beyond Possession, Whermacht, C.O.C., Pig Children, Attitude Adjustment, Jane’s Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden, Don Cabbalero, Skinny Puppy, Bjork, Cardigans, Cranberries, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Further Seems Forever, Sensefield, Ladytron, and Scale the Summit.
Backing him was his wonderful family with their belief and support. Harris worked extremely hard with his passion and to quote Harris himself, “Being prepared to eat shit when necessary helps too.”
With such support, talent, passion and a list of some of the most intense bands to ever live as his influences it was only a matter of time until he would part the skies with his abilities.
Harris has been in a variety of bands over the years including: Righteous Pigs, Defecation, Goatlord, Exoterracy, Meathook Seed, Little Giant Drug and finally, Napalm Death. His guitar rigs are Framus Cobra, Framus Dragon, a Laboga called ‘Mr Hector’, and Mesa Boogie. These days, he writes about half of the Napalm Death music.
Harris currently uses his Gibson Les Paul Custom pro, ESP Eclipse, VGS. and a unique B.C. Rich custom 12 string. He uses EMG 81 pick ups with Ernie ball string and Jim Dunlop 0.88mm picks through a MAXON tube scream pedal. He currently has two Framus Nirvana custom guitars in development that are set to redefine the way things work in the metal genre.
Mitch also has a couple projects in the pipeline that will hopefully see the light of day over the next year. His accomplishments are limitless, with his biggest one being his children. In addition to his work with Napalm Death and side projects of his, Harris is also a teacher at South Birmingham College teaching Media. A proud father, music legend and even teacher, Mitch Harris is a force to be reckoned with.