The Birth of T3RMINAL: Chris Holmes & Tommy Skeoch on Building Rock’s Next Powerhouse

In a recent interview featuring Chris Holmes and Tommy Skeoch alongside Erin Greatrix, the guitarists opened up about their new project T3RMINAL, offering insight into how the band came together and what fans can expect from this exciting new hard rock venture.

The band features an impressive lineup consisting of Chris Holmes, Tommy Skeoch, Brian Wheat on bass, Josey Scott on vocals, and Sal Giancarelli serving as the studio drummer. With the debut album nearing completion, excitement continues to build around one of hard rock’s most anticipated new projects.

A Friendship That Became a Band
According to Holmes, the seeds of T3RMINAL were planted nearly four years ago after meeting Brian Wheat aboard the Monsters of Rock Cruise.

After spending time together, Wheat invited Holmes to visit him in Italy, where the two began discussing the idea of forming a new band. As ideas started flowing, Holmes brought guitar riffs to the table before Wheat suggested bringing Tommy Skeoch into the fold.

Once Skeoch joined the project, the chemistry clicked immediately.
“We met, cracked jokes, had a good time, and worked to see if our guitars matched,” Holmes explained. “They did.”

The trio quickly began writing together at Wheat’s studio in Auburn, New York, laying the foundation for what would eventually become T3RMINAL.

Finding the Right Voice

One of the biggest challenges was finding the right vocalist. Holmes admitted several singers were considered before Josey Scott entered the picture. Initially unsure whether Scott’s style would fit the band’s heavier direction, Holmes said his opinion changed almost immediately once Scott began recording.

“It was a lot different than I expected—and it worked out great,” Holmes said.
Skeoch agreed, praising Scott’s natural songwriting ability and unique approach.

“He just sits down and writes, and it comes naturally. He’s really bringing it on this record.”

A Fresh Sound

Despite the members’ well-known musical histories, both guitarists stressed that T3RMINAL has developed its own identity.

“It’s not like we’re playing old material,” Skeoch said. “These are fresh ideas. It’s its own thing.”

The band describes its sound as modern hard rock with plenty of variety, blending crushing riffs, melodic hooks, blues influences and moments that even surprised the musicians themselves.

“There are some metal moments, some bluesy stuff—it’s really diverse,” Skeoch added.

The Story Behind the Name

Holmes also revealed the deeply personal inspiration behind the band’s name. After battling throat cancer several years ago, he began thinking about the word “terminal.”

Initially inspired by the phrase “terminal cancer,” Holmes realized the single word carried multiple meanings beyond illness. He suggested “Terminal” to Wheat, who quickly embraced the idea after securing the domain name.

The band later stylized the name as T3RMINAL, incorporating the backward “3” into the logo.

Holmes also pointed out an interesting coincidence. “Everyone’s previous bands were one-word names,” he laughed. “It just fit.”

Brian Wheat Driving the Vision
Both Holmes and Skeoch credited Brian Wheat as the driving force behind the project.

In addition to playing bass, Wheat is overseeing the band’s business, production and overall direction.
Holmes admitted Wheat also convinced him to think differently about songwriting—particularly when it came to creating songs suitable for modern rock radio.

“If you want this project to work, we’ve got to get airplay,” Holmes recalled Wheat telling him. While Holmes admitted radio was never something he focused on previously, he trusted Wheat’s experience and embraced the approach.

“Brian’s the catalyst of the whole thing,” Skeoch added. “He’s bringing everything together.”

Sal Giancarelli Brings the Groove

Sal Giancarelli handled the drum duties in the studio, and both guitarists were quick to praise his contributions.
Skeoch highlighted Giancarelli’s powerful fills and feel behind the kit, while Holmes emphasized how every member has contributed naturally throughout the recording process.
“It’s just been fun,” Skeoch said. “Everyone’s bringing something to the table.”

When Will Fans Hear It?

While the album is still being completed, the band hopes to finish recording in the coming months. Holmes hinted that fans may even get an early preview during the upcoming Monsters of Rock Cruise if schedules align, although nothing has been officially confirmed.

As for live performances, the group expects to begin rehearsing once recording wraps up, with the possibility of debut shows sometime next year.

One thing Holmes made perfectly clear is what fans should expect on stage.
“We’re not going to sample. We’re going to rock.”

Looking Ahead

When asked whether T3RMINAL is simply a side project or something built to last, both guitarists expressed optimism. “If everyone likes it, I’d love for it to be a long-term thing,” Skeoch said.

With a lineup featuring decades of experience, genuine chemistry, and a shared desire to create something fresh rather than revisit old ground, T3RMINAL is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new hard rock bands on the horizon.

Stay tuned to This Day in Metal for updates on the band’s debut album, first single, and upcoming live plans.