
Minnesota progressive metalcore crew After the Burial are gearing up to drop their sixth LP, Evergreen, on Friday, April 19th, and to hit the road with Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage and Vein the day before in San Francisco. Ahead of both dates, we caught up with the group’s newest member, bassist Adrian Oropeza — who joined ATB as a full-time member in 2016 — to talk about his tattoos, including which piece hurt the most and what ink he’s thinking about getting next.
What’s your most painful tattoo?
Adrian Oropeza This hourglass I have on the inside of my bicep. Did it all in one session that lasted about five hours and it ended up being swollen as fuck for about a month! Glad I got that shit out of the way early on …
What was your first tattoo?
Got this owl holding a broken compass the same week that I turned 18. I remember my parents being so pissed off that I set the appointment without their permission, but when they saw it, they were pretty stoked on it. [Laughs] Fun fact: Years later, my dad later got a tattoo in the exact same spot by my artist. God damn hypocrite …
Do you have any band tattoos?
No band tattoo yet. Funny this question is brought up because I’m actually planning on getting a tattoo based on the lyrics from a Have Heart song.
What is going to be your next tattoo?
I’m actually planning on getting a black-and-white portrait of John Frusciante on my right shoulder right when I get back from this next tour. Gonna have a couple weeks off before the next run, so I gotta plan that shit soon!
Do you have a favorite tattoo artist?
Herb Auerbach. Hands down. Always has been and always will. He’s done my whole sleeve and I’m still blown away by his art to this day! Check out his Instagram and see for yourself!