The Blog of Doom
  • About
  • News
  • Album Reviews
  • Concert Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Miscellaneous
  • Contact
  • FAQ

Shadow Woods Metal Fest - Mary Spiro

4/16/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Three days of metal and camping in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains? Sounds like one hell of a weekend party to me. The inaugural Shadow Woods Metal Fest will be held September 25-27 at a campground near Fannetsburg, PA (about halfway between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia). Featuring 36 underground Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal and Noise Metal bands on two alternating stages, the festival is a one-of-kind metal experience for those of us in the States pining for a Euro-style metal campout. The weekend will also feature vendors such as record labels, artists and food stands, as well as workshops on guitar maintenance, runes, yoga and more. Tickets are only $92 (including camping) and are limited to 350 people in order to keep the event intimate. The festival is BYOB and restricted to the 21+ crowd. I plan to attend to cover the event for The Blog of Doom and I recently checked in with Mary Spiro, one of the event's creators, to get the full scoop on what promises to be the outdoor metal experience of the year.

How long have you had the idea for a festival like this? When did the planning start in earnest?

Mary Spiro: I have probably had this idea since after attending Stella Natura in 2013, or maybe before. That turned out to be the last year that fest in the Tahoe National Forest in California was held.  The idea of the open-air fest is not a new one. It’s just that the US doesn’t really have them the way they do in Europe. We have big outdoor fests, some with camping, but they tend to feature jam bands or pop music, not metal. And our metal fests are often held in parking lots or dark venues. Why not have fests outside in nature? I love camping. I love metal. This seemed like a natural thing. When the fest finally happens, I will have been researching and planning this fest for more than a year. It was in April of 2014 that I first started contacting potential venues about this fest. Many of my inquiries went unanswered. I visited a lot of possible sites. In October 2014, I finally came across the summer camp in Pennsylvania that we plan to use. After that, I brought together a group of extremely capable people to handle every aspect of planning and organization, from co-promotion, food, vendors, security, lights and staging. There are 18 of us working on this project. 

Were bands immediately receptive to the idea? What kinds of bands did you target from the outset?

MS: I would say the bands were very receptive! Our group of promoters comes from Baltimore and Frederick, MD, from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA and from Richmond, VA. So together we got the word out to bands and started making a list of whom we wanted to see there. We had our wish list and we also had an open call to solicit band submissions, something a lot of fests do not really do. We heard about so many great bands! It was hard to choose but also just speaks to the amount of talent we have in mid-Atlantic region. We have enough great bands to fill the lineup for several fests. To draw attendees, the lineup was going to have to have known acts like Midnight, Iron Man, and Falls of Rauros. But our budget was limited so we are combining that with popular regional up-and-coming acts like Dweller in the Valley, Psalm Zero, and Unsacred plus some bands that appeal to niche populations, such as Menace Ruine or Ashagal. And there are some complete unknowns that we think deserve exposure. Every band on the lineup has expressed their excitement to play this unique event and have been very supportive about getting the word out. We are honored to have them all on board! I am also pretty happy with the mix of bands. This is not all black metal (although I might prefer that!) and it’s not all doom and it’s not all death metal. I think the lineup accurately reflects the musical interests of the promoters involved and what we hope that people want to hear.

What were some of the biggest challenges in putting this thing together?

MS: The biggest challenge has been the logistics of putting stages up where there are none.  We need professional sound, staging, lighting and gear. We won’t skimp on that aspect. Everything else involved in planning the fest by comparison is “easy”. 

Aside from the incredible bands lined up, what can attendees expect to experience over the course of the weekend?

MS: We hope that people will take time to try some of our workshops. We have people coming to teach about various topics of interest such as yoga, guitar maintenance, band promotion and even the meaning of runes. This is an extremely intimate event and many of the band members will be staying on site and camping the whole weekend. This is a chance to make lasting friendships with people from all across the country. There is also a swimmable lake, a lodge with vendors, food vendors and just nature. The camp features bathhouses with flush toilets, running water and showers. Tent camping and all the workshops are included in the ticket price. 

Are there plans to make this a yearly event?

MS: I will evaluate whether this will become a yearly event after this one is over. This is a huge financial risk for me. If I lose money, it will never happen again. But, that said, so far we have sold 1/3 of our tickets and with only 350 total available, we expect to sell out long before we open the gates. No tickets will be sold at the gate, by the way, only advance sales.  I think people would like to see it become a yearly event. I think it is fulfilling a “need” if you can call it that. Metal is a need for me anyway. Our sponsors Grimoire Records and MusicForTheDead.com would probably want to see it happen again, especially so that their bands can be showcased. If things stay on the trajectory they are on now, I can see this happening again. 

Where can folks go to reserve their spots?

MS: You can purchase weekend passes at http://shadowwoodsmetalfest2015.whindo.com/. Camping areas will be marked off, but there are no reserved camping spots. Our early bird ticket holders will have first pick on camp areas since they can arrive on Thursday night. To stay informed about the fest, people should either follow our website or like our Facebook page. That is where you can find out information about lineup changes, camp information or whatever. 

http://shadowwoodsmetalfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/shadowwoodsmetalfest


2015 SHADOW WOODS METAL FEST LINEUP:

Ashagal (New Hope, PA - ritual folk)
 
Bridesmaid (Columbus, OH - instrumental doom-sludge)
 
Cladonia Rangiferina (VA - ritual black metal, doom, acid rock)
 
Dendritic Arbor (Pittsburgh, PA - black metal / powerviolence)
 
Destroying Angel (Philadelphia, PA - folk music for exorcisms)
 
Dreadlords (Philadelphia, PA - ritual black metal blues)
 
Dweller In The Valley (Frederick, MD - black, death, doom)
 
Existentium (Baltimore, MD - melodic technical death metal)
 
Falls of Rauros (Portland, ME - folk/atmospheric black metal)
 
Fin (Chicago, IL - black metal; unsigned)
 
Heavy Temple (Philadelphia, PA - psychedelic doom)
 
Hivelords (Philadelphia, PA - experimental psychedelic black doom)
 
Immortal Bird (Chicago, IL - black/death metal)
 
Iron Man (MD - doom metal/heavy rock)
 
Menace Ruine (Montreal, QC - avant-garde drone black metal)
 
Midnight (Cleveland, Ohio - black heavy metal)
 
Molasses Barge (Pittsburgh, PA - traditional doom metal)
 
Occultation (New York, NY - doom metal)
 
Oneirogen (New York, NY - dark, doom, drone)
 
Psalm Zero (New York, NY - experimental black doom)
 
Sentience (Woodland Park, NJ - death metal)
 
Slagstorm (Hagerstown, MD - prehistoric doom thrash)
 
Snakefeast (Baltimore, MD - jazz metal sludge)
 
Stone Breath (Red Lion, PA - experimental folk)
 
The Black Moriah (Dallas/Fort Worth, TX - Western occult black/thrash)
 
The Day of the Beast (Virginia Beach, VA - blackened death metal)
 
The Expanding Man (Baltimore, MD - solo improvisational electronic soundscapes)
 
The Flight of Sleipnir (Denver, CO - black metal)
 
The Owls Are Not What They Seem (York, PA - experimental ritual soundscapes)
 
Tyrant's Hand (Baltimore, MD - deathened black metal)
 
Unsacred (Richmond, VA - savage black metal)
 
Velnias (Denver, CO - blackened folk/doom metal)
 
Wormreich (Huntsville, AL & Nashville, TN - black metal)
 
ZUD (Portland, ME - bluesy outlaw black metal)
0 Comments

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 8; Holy Serpent...

4/16/2015

0 Comments

 
In advance of the reissue of their fantastic debut EP on RidingEasy Records (May 12), Melbourne, Australia's Doom/Stoner quartet Holy Serpent has checked in with the 10 songs that melt their faces. There are some pretty tasty recommendations below from Scott Penberthy (Guitar/Vocalist)​, Michael Macfie (Bass) and Nick Donoughue (Guitar)​. Definitely take some time to check out the strong EP after you get done jamming on these tracks.

http://holyserpentband.bandcamp.com/

http://www.facebook.com/HolySerpentBand

Picture
Black Sabbath – “Sweet Leaf” (Master of Reality, 1971)

Scott Penberthy: “One of the first Sabbath songs I got into and one of the most badass riffs out! It bounces around your skull like a bong wielding maniac, packing fat chunks of your brain into his cone-piece.”

Picture
Ty Segall Band – “Wave Goodbye” (Slaughterhouse, 2012)

Scott: “The fuzz sinks its teeth into the main riff of the song, grinds it up and spits it back out. A perfect blend of dirty garage and heavy riffage.”

Picture
Monolord – “Audhumbla” (Empress Rising, 2014)

Scott: “The earth-shattering riff that this song begins with is enough to make anyone fear for their own life and cower beneath its undeniable brutality. Plus it’s such a fun riff to play!”

Picture
My Bloody Valentine – “Only Shallow” (Loveless, 1991)

Michael Macfie: “Kevin Shields guitar tone in this track and the whole Loveless album is amazing. Seeing them live at the Palace in Melbourne a few years ago was the loudest show I have ever been to.”

Picture
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – "Vad Hände Med Dem?" (Revelation, 2014)

Michael: “First track from the latest BJM album Revelation. Always puts you in a good mood when putting this on the turntable. Definitely one of their best albums”

Picture
Kyuss – “Green Machine” (Blues for the Red Sun, 1992)

Michael: “No bullshit Kyuss with the classic Garcia/ Bjork/Oliveri/Homme lineup. Best enjoyed loud whilst driving the open road on a sunny day.”

Picture
Melvins – “The Bit” (Stag, 1996)

Nick Donoughue: “When I first heard that huge riff after that eerie intro I was blown away by how heavy it sounded. I picked up my guitar straight away and taught myself how to play it. I've always been a big Melvin's fan.”

Picture
Pentagram – “Forever My Queen” (Review Your Choices, 1999)

Nick: “After that big drum beat intro comes that evil riff that just bounces along and you just can't help banging your head to it. Also Bobby's voice and lyrics are spot on as usual.”

Picture
Turbonegro – “Prince of the Rodeo” (Apocalypse Dudes, 1998)

Nick: “This was one of the first Turbonegro songs I ever heard years ago and I've been a big fan ever since. Euroboy really shreds in this one and it's got a riff that always gets me in a party mood when I hear it.”

Picture
High On Fire – “Ten Thousand Years” (The Art of Self Defense, 2000)

Nick: “One of the first songs I heard from High on Fire and what a track! Matt Pike is the modern day riff master! Just goes to show that a couple of great riffs can fit together and make a whole song sound amazing. Super heavy.”

0 Comments

If These Trees Could Talk...

1/14/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Since forming in 2005, Akron's instrumental metal outfit If These Trees Could Talk have released an EP, two full-lengths, toured the US and Europe and had their music licensed by several video games and films. Most recently, the quintet has signed with Metal Blade Records and has begun work on their next release, slated for release this year. To start the year off with a bang, Metal Blade will reissue the band's two albums, 2009's Above the Earth, Below the Sky and 2012's Red Forest, both of which are stunning displays of heaviness and musicianship. In anticipation of the January 27 release date for the reissues, I caught up with the band for a quick interview.


Tell me about the formation and early years of the band.

“The band started as a bedroom project of sorts when Zack Kelly was at the Art Institute in Pittsburgh. He came home with a bunch of instrumental songs that laid the groundwork for our first album (self-titled EP). We dug what he was doing, so he suggested that we learn a few of them and maybe play a show or two. It was all very organic, but once we got going, people seemed to really respond to it. At the time, there weren't that many instrumental bands around, so we had a hard time finding shows to play that fit with our style. We were cool with that though. We were just looking to rock, and it didn't matter who the audience was. It ended up working out, and we've been at it ever since!”

When was the decision made to go all instrumental?

“There wasn't much of a decision really. That's just how the tunes came out, so we never consciously said ‘no singers’. We just felt like the formula was right as it was, so no need to screw it up. Nothing worse than too many cooks in the kitchen!”

How was the early reception in the NE Ohio area? Is there a decent heavy music scene up there?

“There is a big metal scene here, but we weren't really metal enough for it. We definitely got started playing at metal shows though as myself and the Kelly Brothers were in a metal band at the time. When we would play metal shows, you would get the few people there who were into what we were doing, but a good majority could not have cared less. Ha. Overall though, NE Ohio has been quite receptive to what we've been doing, but not as much as other places around the world.”

How did the game and film licensing deals come about?

“They just got in touch with us. We never actively pushed our music out for licensing opportunities. Every piece of music that has been licensed of ours was a result of word of mouth and the company getting in touch with us to use. We've always found that to be very cool.”

How did the Metal Blade deal materialize and what does that mean for the band?

“In terms of how we came to be on Metal Blade, it was all very organic. Brian Slagel had been turned onto us by a chef in NYC named Chris Santos. Slagel reached out to us, and after a few months of back and forths, we signed the dotted line. Things have been elevated since then, and we hope that it keeps going in that direction.”

How is the new album coming along?

“Great.We start tracking in a week or so! We are very excited for people to hear it!”

Where do you draw your inspiration?

“Life in general really. 4/5 of the band is married and a few of us have kids, so we just pull from life experience.”

What kind of gear are you using live and in-studio these days?

“Just the basic stuff really. Our live rig is essentially our studio rig with some tweaks. Some of the gear we use currently is PRS Guitars, Gibson Les Pauls, Music Man basses, Gretsch drums, Mesa Boogie, Marshall, Ampeg and Fender amps and tons of boss pedals!”

What's next for the band?

“Hopefully more road work in addition to our new album before the close of 2015. Can't wait!”

ITTCT Facebook
ITTCT Twitter
ITTCT YouTube
0 Comments

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 7; Ian Graham (The Well)...

10/9/2014

1 Comment

 
Fresh off of the release of their fantastic debut album Samsara (09/23/14, RidingEasy Records), Austin, TX Stoner/Doom trio The Well are preparing to head out for a three week tour of the western and midwestern U.S. at the end of the month. Guitarist/vocalist Ian Graham took some time to check in with his Ultimate Playlist on The Blog of Doom.

Picture
Mountain – “Don't Look Around”  (Nantucket Sleighride, 1971)

“This song is off of Nantucket Sleighride and is full of some of the best guitar tone I've ever heard. Gritty, biting, beautiful and heavy as shit! We like to listen to this before rehearsal. Reminds us of what a killer band should sound like…Christ! The bass player produced Cream for God's sake!”

Picture
Pentagram – “Be Forewarned” (First Daze Here, 2002)

“This might be the single track that inspired us to start The Well. I got turned on to this album by a close friend. We put it on the turntable and I listened to this track over and over. Afterward, I smoked, grabbed my guitar, went into the garage and wrote the first of our songs in one sitting. I hadn't done that before and haven't since. It completely set my brain on fire! Getting the chance to perform with them was more than a dream come true. All hail Pentagram!”

Picture
Lord Vicar – “Down the Nails” (Fear No Pain, 2008)

“The main riff, the killer vocals, slamming drums, super creepy subject matter and stripped down, no bullshit structure make this song a brutal fucking masterpiece. Can listen to this one over and over.”

Picture
Black Sabbath – “Behind the Wall of Sleep” (Black Sabbath, 1970)

“Favorite record hands down! My mother bought this album when it came out and it was and still is one of her favorites. I literally have listened to and enjoyed it my entire life because of that (hell, it was most likely playing during my conception). I chose this track because I rarely find anyone referencing it. It's heavy, jazzy, spacious and hypnotically weird as fuck!”

Picture
Om – “Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead” (Pilgrimage, 2007)

“Okay, so you have two thirds of Sleep…that should be enough said right there, but I have to mention a few more things about this band. I've never heard something so repetitious be so incredibly compelling, engaging and wholly its own thing. This is what happens when doom/stoner icons subtly borrow tricks from 70's Jamaican dub…which sways us into our next track.”

Picture
Lee Perry and The Upsetters – “Blackboard Jungle Dub” (14 Dub Black- board Jungle, 1973)

“This is what strong weed would sound like if it were a band. Dark, rhythmically echoing, experimental mind fuckery! Don't be scared, this shit ain't just for hippies! For us, it's a must have on long road trips."

Picture
Saint Vitus – “Born Too Late” (Born Too Late, 1986)

“Everything Saint Vitus does fucking kills! We're especially partial to the Wino stuff... well, because Wino is an awesome singer and not to mention every interaction we've had with him, he was cool as hell. I picked this song because when I was teenager we used to always go on about how we were born in the wrong era and how everything sucks now! Ha! This song is pretty much the musical embodiment of my teenage years.”

Picture
Electric Wizard – “Dunwich” (Witchcult Today, 2007)

“This H.P. Lovecraft inspired tune is like a fuzzed out, 60's Halloween cartoon song from Hell! I can picture sketchily drawn witches stirring cauldrons while skeletons dance in the shadows. And dare I say it… it's fucking poppy?! Electric Wizard=insane genius.”

Picture
Stoned Jesus – “Red Wine” (First Communion, 2010)

“I really think that within our "genre", this is the most important band that's rarely talked about. Three dudes from the Ukraine making music that absolutely punishes. The place is getting turned over, politically, and they're producing this?! The tones are spot on, the vocals are sincere, and the song as a whole, is super compelling. I'd love to tour with these guys!”

Picture
Dwarr – “Starting Over” (Starting Over, 1984)

“This is obscure as fuck, but if you are reading this, and you can find any song of his, listen to it, and buy this album immediately. What this man did essentially on his own back in 1984 was make music that not only exists within, but transcends the genre of doom and stoner metal. This is some other level shit.”


The Well Tour Dates:
10/31    Red 7; Austin, TX
11/01    TBA; El Paso, TX
11/04    Hemlock; San Francisco, CA
11/06    Cozmic; Eugene, OR
11/07    Bunk Bar; Portland, OR
11/08    Sunset Tavern; Seattle, WA
11/09    Crazy Horse; Boise, ID
11/11    The Shred Shed; Salt Lake City, UT
11/12    Lost Lake; Denver, CO
11/14    Czar Bar; Kansas City, MO
11/15    The Demo; St. Louis, MO
11/17    TBD; Texarkana, AR
11/18    TBD; Dallas, TX
11/22    TBD; Austin, TX

The Well Online
The Well Bandcamp
The Well Facebook
RidingEasy Records
1 Comment

Winterfylleth

9/17/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Winterfylleth is the Old English name for October, so it's fitting that these British black metal lords will release their 4th full-length album, The Divination of Antiquity (Candlelight Records), on October 6 (10/07 in the States). For those of you already familiar with this incredible band, you know that October provides the perfect backdrop for the enchanting, pastoral, pagan black metal purveyed by the Winterfylleth gents. I recently caught up with guitarist and vocalist Chris Naughton to get his thoughts on the new album and the band's upcoming plans.


How would you describe your sound to those unfamiliar with the band?

Chris Naughton: Winterfylleth plays black metal with a distinctly British twist on it. We have brought in folk, monk chant and other traditional influences into the black metal style and have hopefully made it our own. We sings songs about our history that relate to how we could - as a people - change and adapt to our pressing social and political issues in the modern world. The songs are typically quite expansive in length and quite epic/emotional in their style. Check out
this video of our latest 'single' to get a feel for what we are doing as a band 


How does The Divination of Antiquity differ from your previous releases?

CN: I think this album is a progression from the other albums, as they all have been I feel. It is our 4th album as a band and finds us in a place where we have been together for 7-8 years and have really found our way as a band and as songwriters. We have had the chance to do tours together and play bigger shows, really honing our live performances, and I feel this has really translated into our writing. We’ve a few different songs on this album compared to the other albums and have moved the sound into broader realms than just black metal on a few songs. I think this keep it interesting and puts a nice twist on what a Winterfylleth song can be. Also I think the production on this record is better than the previous albums. We had more time to consider it and also the
surroundings of a new studio environment alongside our long term producer, Chris Fielding, really helped the sound.

 Who are some of your main influences?

CN: In terms of our individual influences as band members, they are quite varied across the spectrum of metal, and beyond. But as a band I would say our influences are bands like Drudkh, Primordial, Enslaved, Ulver, Hate Forest, Bathory and bands who have mixed the aggression and passion of black metal with the folk influences and culture of their countries. 
 
What inspired you to start playing music?

CN: Personally (as I can only speak for myself here) I always loved rock and heavy metal music and grew up around great British rock bands like Queen, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep and Cream. I lived in a town with a huge punk rock and live music scene, which really inspired me to pick up a guitar in my early teens and start trying to learn and write songs. I always loved the way that Tony Iommi and Ritchie Blackmore played the guitar and wanted to be like that. I just happens I discovered heavier more underground bands and went down that route, which led me to playing black metal.

Who are some current bands that you're listening to?

CN: For me personally, I am listening to the following at the moment:

Pallbearer – Foundations of Burden
Ghast – Dread Doom Ruin
The Ruins of Beverast – Blood Vaults
Necros Christos – Nine Graves
The King is Blind - The Deficiencies Of Man
Worship – Terranean Wake
Opeth – Deliverance
My Dying Bride – The Vaulted Shadows
Eastern Front – Descent into Genocide 
Bölzer – Soma
Sheol – Sepulchral Ruins Below the Temple
Ashes – Hreow

How did Winterfylleth come together?


CN: Winterfylleth came together in 2007 as Simon and I were wrapping up the Atavist – doom metal
band – project we used to do. We talked about doing songs based on history and culture and trying to put a uniquely English spin on to black metal. It started off raw and punky in the beginning but we soon refined that to be the expansive, flowing black metal you would hear today.

What kind of gear did you use on the new album and does that differ at all from your live setup?

CN: On the record we used 3 different guitar amplifiers; a Peavey 5150, a Peavey XXX and a Green amp belonging to our producer Chris. We also used an Ampeg bass rig. In terms of this differing from the live environment, we tend to just use the XXX amps live and have a Peavey bass head we tour with. In terms of guitars, I use and am endorsed by Caparison guitars and I used my custom Dellinger fx guitar on the album. Mark is endorsed by Fender/Jackson and used his baritone Telecaster on the album. Simon played a custom Mapex kit on the album with Paiste cymbals, but he also uses that live so there is no change there.

Do you have any touring plans coming up?

CN: We have a few things coming up. We play Colchester with our friends in Eastern Front and The King is Blind on Sept 20th; we play our label's ‘Candlefest’ show in London on October 4th; Damnation Festival in Leeds on November 1st; and then a 5 date UK/Ireland tour with Behemoth, Decapitated and Grand Magus in December from the 9th to the 13th. Otherwise, we have a few things on the back burner for 2015, so keep a look out.

Anything else you'd like to add?

CN: The Divination of Antiquity is out Oct 6th. Hail Heritage.

Winterfylleth Website
Winterfylleth Facebook
Candlelight Records
0 Comments

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 6; Rafa Martinez (Black Cobra)...

9/11/2014

0 Comments

 
San Francisco's doom/sludge heroes Black Cobra are currently out on tour (see dates below) with Lo-Pan, destroying cities across the country before returning home to wrap up work on their forthcoming 5th album. Drummer Rafa Maritinez checked in from the road with his surprisingly eclectic Ultimate Playlist.
Picture
Blue Öyster Cult - "Take Me Away" (The Revölution By Night, 1983)

Picture
Pentagram - "Starlady"  (First Daze Here, 2002)

Picture
Metallica -"(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" (Kill 'Em All, 1983)

Picture
Tom Waits - "Shore Leave"  (Swordfishtrombones, 1983)

Picture
Antonio Carlos Jobim - "Insensatez" (The Composer of Desafinado, Plays, 1963)

Picture
Ludwig Von Beethoven - "9th Symphony, 2nd Movement" (N/A, 1824)

Picture
James Brown - "Sex Machine" (Live at the Olympia, Paris, 1971, 1992)

Picture
Les Baxter - "Calcutta"  (Sensational!: The Exciting Sounds & Rhythms of Les
Baxter
, 1961)

Picture
Vangelis - "Rêve"  (Opéra sauvage, 1971)

Picture
The Moody Blues - "Nights in White Satin" (Days of Future Passed, 1967)


BLACK COBRA US Tour w/ Lo Pan:
 
9/11/2014 Chop Shop - Charlotte, NC
9/12/2014 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA
9/13/2014 The Pinch - Washington, DC
9/14/2014 Dusk - Providence, RI
9/15/2014 Nectars - Burlington, VT
9/16/2014 TT The Bears - Boston, MA
9/17/2014 Kung Fu Necktie - Philadelphia, PA
9/18/2014 Saint Vitus - New York, NY
9/19/2014 Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY
9/20/2014 Bug Jar - Rochester, NY
9/22/2014 Howlers - Pittsburgh, PA
9/23/2014 Reggie's - Chicago, IL
9/24/2014 7th St Entry - Minneapolis, MN
9/26/2014 Replay - Lawrence, KS
9/27/2014 Lost Lake Lounge - Denver, CO
9/28/2014 Burt's Tiki Bar - Salt Lake City, UT
9/29/2014 Dive Bar - Las Vegas, NV
10/01/2014 The Garage - Ventura, CA
10/02/2014 New Parish - Oakland, CA
0 Comments

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 5; Pontus OttossonĀ (Snailking)...

9/5/2014

1 Comment

 
As Swedish stoner/sludge/doom titans Snailking prepare to release their debut album Storm (9/16, Consoling Sounds), guitarist and vocalist Pontus Ottosson checks in with his top-10 playlist. Check back next week for a review of the new album. In the meantime, check out a few tracks here: http://snailking.bandcamp.com/album/storm. Huge thanks to Pontus for his participation.

Picture
Melvins – “Night Goat”  (Houdini, 1993)

“My first introduction to Sludge. I was heavily in to grunge at the time and I’m afraid I only bought the album because Kurt Cobain had production credits on it. Instant favourite and the record that has probably changed my life the most.”

Picture
YOB – “Ball of Molten Lead” (The Illusion of
Motion
, 2004)


“My introduction to YOB was through their album The
Illusion of Motion, a pheno- menal album and band that everybody should listen to.”

Picture
Sleep – “Dragonaut”  (Holy Mountain, 1992)

“This together with Electric Wizard is what got me into stoner and doom metal many years ago. I actually heard it in the movie Gummo for the first time.”

Picture
OM – “At Giza”  (Conference of the Birds, 2006)

“Two thirds of Sleep, bass, drums and vocals only. This is music you start cults to.”

Picture
Indian – “The Impetus Bleeds” (From All Purity, 2014)

“Simply put, the best song of 2014 so far.”

Picture
Pink Floyd – “Have a Cigar” (Wish You Were Here, 1975)

“Took me many years to try to figure out if it was Roger Waters or David Gilmour singing on this one, turns out it’s Roy Harper.”

Picture
Black Sabbath – “Snowblind” (Vol. 4, 1972)

“This is a song we’ve jammed together in the band, even before there was a band. If not the best, one of the best Sabbath songs.”

Picture
Alice in Chains – “Sludge Factory” (MTV Unplugged, 1996)

“Who would’ve known Alice in Chains were better un- plugged? Classic per-formance.”

Picture
Toto – ”Africa” (Toto IV, 1982)

“Not many people know this, but we have a ritual in Snailking and that is to listen to this song before every gig. It started out as a joke but has now become a thing we do.”

Picture
Ufomammut – “Lacrimosa”  (Snailking, 2004)

“If Toto’s Africa is our joke song in the band, this is the one we’re all serious about. We love Ufomammut and this is our favourite song from their record Snailking that we ended up taking our band name from.”

1 Comment

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 4; Laura & Ross Dolan (Electric Citizen)...

8/8/2014

1 Comment

 
Fresh off of successful tours with Fu Manchu and Wolfmother, Cincinnati retro rockers Electric Citizen will make their triumphant homecoming tonight at Northside Tavern for the official release party for their debut album, Sateen (RidingEasy Records). Vocalist Laura and guitarist Ross checked in with The Blog of Doom to give us some insights into their biggest influences and favorite tracks.
Picture
Frumpy - "How the Gypsy Was Born"  (Frumpy 2, 1971)

"Inga Rumpf is one of our favorite singers, and the organ work on this song is out of this world. And the lyrics...it's near perfect."

Picture
The Masters Apprentices - "Catty"  (Choice Cuts, 1971)

"Great example of how a song can be simple, and still be a masterpiece."

Picture
UFO - "Prince Kajuku" (Flying, 1971)

"This is a song we love, and occasionally cover. Written by the original guitar player Mick Bolton (pre Michael Schenker)."

Picture
Jethro Tull - "Cross Eyed Mary"  (Aqualung, 1971)

"Perfect song, perfect riffs."

Picture
Chrissy Zebby Tembo - "Trouble Maker" (My Ancestors, 1974)

"Doom before doom. Love the lofi recording. Raw, heavy, pure, and the lyrics are genius."

Picture
Lucifer's Friend - "Ride In The Sky"  (Lucifer's Friend, 1970)

"This guy's voice is from another planet. They should have been a lot bigger."

Picture
Budgie - "In the Grip of a Tyrefitter's Hand"  (Never Turn Your Back on a Friend, 1973)

"We love Budgie, and pretty much every song they ever wrote. It was hard to choose one."

Picture
Epitaph - "Moving To The Country"  (Epitaph, 1971)

"Love the guitar work on this tune. Great band."

Picture
The Pretty Things - "Old Man Going" (S.F. Sorrow, 1968)

"One of our favorite songs from one of the greatest psychedelic albums ever made."

Picture
The Runaways - "Is It Day or Night?" (The Runaways, 1976)

"Pure female badassery and attitude."

Picture
Edgar Broughton Band - "Death of an Electric Citizen"  (Wasa Wasa, 1969)

"Our Namesake. So perfectly raw. And the lyrics are badass..."

"This is my heaven, you can make it if you try."

"You hear the promises blowing on the wind, and the wind is a vehicle for a bad man's sins."

"and then it's just about
The death of an...
The life of an...
Electirc Citizen"


1 Comment

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 3; Steve Myles (Khuda)

7/15/2014

0 Comments

 

Khuda, an instrumental stoner/doom/prog duo with members hailing from England and Finland, released their third album, Molasses Constricts The Clinostat, on June 10. Drummer Steve Myles checks in this week with his ultimate playlist, every bit as diverse as Khuda’s music itself.

Picture
Harvey Milk – “I've Got a Love” (Special Wishes, 2006)

“Only got turned onto this fairly recently but the main hook is on repeat in my head a good 20% of the time. How they manage to get it to lazily trip over itself so consistently is a mystery to me.”

Picture
Magnapinna – “Pretend to Convert” (Magna- pinna/Abracadabra Split, 2014)

“Best band in Leeds, infinite grooves, angular guitar work and lovely blokes to boot. This song in particular is amazing, the break and subsequent riff at just over halfway through is genius.”

Picture
Meshuggah –“In Death - Is Life/In Death - Is Death” (Catch Thirtythree, 2005)

“Maybe it's cheating a little to list two songs but you can't really have one without the other. The first time I ‘got’ this was a real eye opener, it just didn't sound like anything else at the time, ignoring melody and dragging you face first into the rhythm. Think this album is responsible for a lot.”

Picture
Four Tet – “Great Day (Madvillian Remix)” (Remixes, 2006)

“The original version of this track is incredible by its own rights, but this remix trumps it for me, lyrically poignant while still unassuming, possibly the only hip hop track to mention jalapeños (get it like a whooping when you holla at your seniors).”

Picture
Converge – “Phoenix in Flight” (Jane Doe, 2001)

“One of my favourite albums, I must have listened to it on a weekly basis since it was released. This track is such a welcome break within the chaos. I love how disparate the production is.”

Picture
Unsane - “Wind-shield” (Visqueen, 2007)

“Picking one Unsane track is a hard task. Visqueen, as an album, really nails it for me, though. It just sounds so full. I love how this track just drives straight forward, almost unremarkable, but really effective.”

Picture
Funkadelic – “Maggot Brain” (Maggot Brain, 1971)

“Legend has it that this is what happens when you give a guy acid, tell him his mother has just died and ask him to play a solo. Not entirely sure if that's the truth but it is harrowing, mind melting and has stood up to the test of time like a trooper.”

Picture
This Town Needs Guns – “Left Aligned” (13.0.0.0.0, 2013)

“13.0.0.0.0 is one of my favourite albums in recent years. The delicate noodling and intricate drumming all combine together to make something that is delicate yet cerebral.”

Picture
Bird Eater - “Bovine Flesh Dance” (Utah, 2007)

“2:17 onwards kicks the fuck out of everyone.”

Picture
Palehorse - “What Is Wrong with You People?” (Harm Starts Here, 2013)

“This band leaves me feeling fearful and elated in equal measure. I'm not really sure how to describe them; bludgeoning, brooding yet intelligent sludge. It's the musical equivalent of waking curled up in the fetal position in the bottom of a bin, slightly confused but reasonably sure you've just had the time of your life.”


0 Comments

Ultimate Playlist - Vol. 2; Paul Bearer (Funeral Horse)

7/9/2014

0 Comments

 
As Houston stoner metal outfit Funeral Horse prepares to release their 2nd EP in August,  Paul Bearer, singer and guitarist for the Texas trio checks in with his top-10 playlist. There’s plenty of variation here, but Bearer pays tribute to the masters with some Thin Lizzy, Priest and Sabbath. We’ll let it slide that he chose something off of Never Say Die!

Picture
Thin Lizzy - "Emerald" (Jailbreak, 1976)

“The dual guitar play of Thin Lizzy influenced my decision to play music like no other group. This song has all the important ingredients for my playlist: it's heavy, it tells a great story and it has an ending that you want to keep going and going and going.”

Picture
John Zorn / Masada - "Zenan" (Masada: Dalet, 1994)

“’Zenan’ stands out from the Masada catalogue for its intense drum breakdown. I love that trick and have written songs that use elements of it from time to time.”

Picture
Motorhead - "One Track Mind" (Another Perfect Day, 1983)

“This song in particular stands out for its mid-tempo steady grind that never gets boring. The song pops in my head frequently when we're on tour during long stretches between cities.”

Picture
Earth - "Seven Angels" (Earth 2 - Special Low Frequency Version, 1993)

“I heard Earth 2 the day it came out at Tower Records in Washington, DC. They had it playing over the store's system and it sounded like the world was about to come to a halt. I bought it and my girlfriend broke up with me on the subway ride home. Good times!”

Picture
Godflesh - "Dead Head" (Streetcleaner, 1989)

“I love how this song ‘rocks’ while still being Godflesh. I wish Broadrick and Green had explored this territory a bit more as it's one of the best song Loop should have written.”

Picture
Judas Priest - "Sinner" (Sin After Sin, 1977)

“This song stands out for its clever, sharp breaks, thick guitars and epic structure. Oh wait...that's a lot of Judas Priest songs from this era.”

Picture
Black Sabbath - "Swinging the Chain" (Never Say Die!, 1978)

“That ending riff just fucking rocks. It's one of those, ‘man, I wish I had written that’ riffs.  The use of the blues harp was a wise choice. Just an outright gritty song!”

Picture
Samhain - "Human Pony Girl" (Samhain III: November-Coming-Fire, 1986)

“The weird ‘production quality’ of the Samhain releases usually leaves me wanting more. But for this song...it works beautifully. It's murky with this driving beat that's hypnotic while Danzig's voice howls and barks out sinister things, drenched in reverb.”

Picture
High on Fire - "Sons of Thunder" (Blessed Black Wings, 2005)

“Those drums man. Those massive drums! Every time I hear this song, I have a strong desire to go pillage and crush things. I admire how cinematic the song is...I can see it being used in a Conan movie without being campy.”

Picture
Ennio Morricone - "The Ecstasy of Gold" (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, 1966)

“The piece builds in a similar fashion as Ravel's ‘Bolero’, which I also admire. I've been wanting to create something that builds in a similar fashion with that kind of epic tension.”

Picture
Honorable Mention:
Ride - "Grass- hopper" (Grasshopper, 1992)

“11 minutes later, I want to hear it again. 11 minutes after that, I want to hear it yet again. That is the mark of truly great song crafting.”

0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    April 2015
    January 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.