Review & Photographs by Zaid Thanoon
I’m Zaid, a freelance photographer, filmmaker, and alternative culture enthusiast, and I’m currently working with a collective of artists on a documentary about the doom and stoner subculture here in the UK. We’ve been mainly following the doom scene in Sheffield (especially Holy Spider Promotions) to support and document what we see as a vibrant and close-knit community full of exceptional talent, and as part of the filming we attended Doomlines II on Saturday 23rd July to grab some live footage and interviews with the bands and people involved.
The all-dayer coincided with Tramlines, an inner-city music festival, but Doomlines wasn't formally part of the festival itself -- we all know this particular subculture isn't one that's usually incorporated into mainstream music festivals, but it's exactly this kind of grassroots and non-money driven ethos that we're wanting to explore. Here's my review of the event with a few photos.
This was the very first outing for a brand new duo, but the pair are no strangers to the local scene. Drummer and vocalist, George is the bassist in Kurokuma, who performed later in the day. Jay is also involved locally, contributing art for things like band t-shirts and posters in Sheffield, so it's great to see him finally let rip as part of his own project. George packs a punch on percussion here and certainly knows his way around the kit. The strong galloping rhythms are bolstered by Jay's sludgy riffs which arch over the room, and the pair an impressive show for a first performance.
Arae's sound is an energetic, blackened, motivating trance, touching on many of the hallmarks of doom in terms of atmosphere but at a slightly faster pace -- I guess that's why they call themselves 'speed doom'. I've heard George's piercing vocals as part of Kurokuma, but here in Arae too they don't fail to send a chill down your spine. These guys work really well together creating a special fusion and I can't wait to see how they progress.
Ba'al are another fresh new band on only their second gig here, but you wouldn't know it. Immediately, the vocals stand out with their distinct distorted, reverby texture, creating powerful and haunting screams of battle enraged fury. This all then contrasts with sections of clean vocal melodies later on--in fact, Ba'al are quite a melodic band at times.
The riffs combine the best aspects of doom and post-metal with a distinct vintage sound, and they're not afraid to repeat the good riffs over and over. Having a second guitarist really adds depth to the whole thing, so Ba'al have an impressively thick and fuzzy, well-rounded feel. Again, this group have a bright, or should that be dark, future.
High-pitched, thrashy screams burst out over a bass-heavy sludge sound as Wort take the stage. A classic power trio setup, these guys keep it simple but crushingly brutal. Their repetitive power riffs are lapped up by the crowd, and their bluesy sound is emphasised by the appearance of a guitar solo at one point, often a rarity in sludge circles. Forceful rhythms and breakdowns maintain constant head-banging. This is good old-fashioned sludge done properly.
Like Arae, Shrykull are another duo with a guitarist and a drummer who does vocals. "I've fucked up my life" is the opening line of their set - it's dark stuff. The low-pitched guitar creates a death metal influenced drone that hovers over the desolate rhythms and vocals. Drummer, Kez's screams feel like shrieks of pain, and guitarist, Will's guttural, monstrous voice adds another layer of filth. Saying all this, Shrykull are a surprisingly fun band to watch. The dirty riffs are almost catchy, and fits of grind and blast beats pummel your ears throughout.
Compared to what's come so far, Stockport's Under feel very lyrically focused and quite poetic, with three-part melodic vocals that are just one string to this talented trio's bow. They're not your typical doom band by any stretch of the imagination; they're quite proggy, a bit jazzy and obviously fans of Melvins. The whammy pedal takes a central role in many songs, sounding similar at times to something like The Mars Volta. They seem to get off on flaunting typical genre tropes and are happy to take odd riffs and repeat them for long stretches, which is strangely energising. Under have a strong experimental edge to everything they do and get plenty of nods of approval from the audience.
I was sad to learn Iced Out split up the day after playing here so this turned out to be their last gig! This five-piece combined elements of sludge, hardcore and a classically dark tone with abrasive vocals punching out over the top. Straight-ahead drumming formed the backbone of an unrelenting, punishing sound, and after the surprising and seemingly sudden split they'll be sorely missed in the northern doom scene. We hope at least some of the members will be making appearances in other projects soon.
Archelon bring a considered, post-rock feel to proceedings, but their brooding guitar tone and arrangement of notes still carry the feeling of sinister doom. There's a slight mystical feel to the way they play as they drift off into captivating melodies. They're mainly instrumental with occasional harsh vocals which add another texture rather than being a focal point; they lulled the crowd into a trance with their droning, driving songs.
Straight into it like a bolt of lightning: Kurokuma, another power-trio, take the stage with their familiar, exhilarating energy. The set was full of face-melting doom riffs and psychedelic guitar sounds that barraged the room, all backed up with some beastly, guttural screams from the bassist and guitarist.
The rhythms this band dish out get you feeling tribal to the core alongside their heavy and trudging sludge sound that’s really prominent. It certainly got the heads banging as the crowd got well and truly into it. With a series of thumping break-downs, powerful beats from the drummer and the ‘howling voids’ that pull you into an instant trance, Kurokuma represent everything great about doom/sludge/psychedelic music. I look forward to their new EP coming out soon and hearing the other face-melters they have to offer!
Featuring Adam Richardson of Ramesses, 11paranoias are another psychedelic whirlwind trip that transport the audience into the void. It's well known their songs emanate from jam sessions and there are definitely elements of improvisation at play here. In fact, they're one of those bands that feel like they're just jamming for themselves rather than playing for the audience. Their name represents their music well, as the band conjure up a sound that could well create paranoia and unease, if it wasn't all so damn enjoyable.
A wall of sound creates a feeling that you're smack bang in the middle of a furious psychedelic storm, and the band finish on a rip-roaring rendition of one of their big hits, "Lost In Smoke." The whole deal about this band is the absolute trip they send you on. Highly recommended that you try to see these guys live.
After Boss Keloid had to pull out due to illness they were replaced at the last minute by local stoner rockers, Shrine of the Monkey. This was the band's first gig in six years but they were actually the perfect choice to end the day. By this point many of the Tramlines revelers and Yorkshireman regulars had arrived and this made sure the day ended on a party atmosphere. Seasoned musicians, the trio were tight and accomplished and the crowd's appreciation peaking during a cover of Sabbath's "War Pigs."
Despite Doomlines II being considered a fringe event, this felt like a hugely successful day which managed to pull in a varied range of fun-loving/head-banging people of all ages, especially by the end of the night as it reeled in some stray Tramliners looking for a party. But, most of all, it only continued to emphasize the solidarity and camaraderie within the doom and stoner community, which is what I’m hoping our film will do justice in showing. Everyone’s always so cool with each other, respectful and open-minded and this was the main vibe of the day for me, and everyone else I’m sure. In the face of a mainstream music industry that tends to show no interest in these kinds of bands, it’s great to see a sub-culture so unified and persistently dedicated to shredding the hell out of those instruments and delivering some authentic, wild and awesome music.
Coming soon from Holy Spider Promotions (bringers of Doomlines)....
....Check out the Indiegogo campaign.
