#doomstress

Listen to: Rainbow Demon ( Uriah Heep cover) by Doomstress

~By Tom Hanno~

Photographs by Mark Brown

I remember hearing DOOMSTRESS for the first time a couple years ago. I was absolutely stunned by the weighty riffs, '70s vibe, and the vocal work of Doomstress Alexis. I was immediately hooked on the band and have got the ink on my arm to prove it. Now, after all of our waiting, the Doomstress is preparing for the release of their full-length album, 'Sleep Among the Dead' (2019) on May 10th, with the CD version released through Ripple Music and the vinyl issued by DHU Records.

Steeped in the type of rock heard in the movie Heavy Metal (1981), Sleep Among the Dead is full of driving riffs, powerful drumming, and an old school vocal flair that really grabs me. In my opinion, this is Album of the Year material. I don't say that out of my love for the band, but from the way this music is put together -- the songwriting, arranging, lyrics, studio performances, and overall feel of this album are proof of my boasting.

Sleep Among The Dead by Doomstress

We shall begin with my favored track, “Dreaming Spider.” I own a beautiful rose hair tarantula, so the title attracted me -- but only after I had heard this excellent number. The intro is a slow, arpeggiated piece on an acoustic guitar and it's beautiful. Hovering above is an amazingly played lead, with just the right amount of effects (including some nice fuzz) that complete the picture being painted musically. Then there's that main riff -- and it is so infectious! I heard it in my head for hours after my first listen. It's incredible in its power, as well.

Sleep Among The Dead by Doomstress

“Burning Lotus” is full of NWOBHM vibes and, in terms of tone, it also reminds me of early Judas Priest (the Sad Wings of Destiny era). Alexis’ vocals are better than ever and her performance is without flaw, in my opinion. There is just something within her execution, inflection, and word choice that I simply cannot get enough of. Let's not leave the lead guitar out, because the solos are ablaze like the Hindenburg, adding exactly the right touches to all of these tracks.

Before we go on, I'd like to address the sound across this record. The mix is great, with no instruments competing with each other for dominance, and it is as clear as any mainstream group out there. The cool thing about it is that it's also got a very classic-era metal sound, mixing the modern with the golden age of the genre.

Up next is “Your God is Blind.” The title really says it all, but the lyrics are decidedly telling. With the current state of affairs in the Catholic Church, priests being jailed for sex crimes and other distasteful aspects, the words of this track spell out how a great deal of people feel, myself included. The music is heavy when needed, light and atmospheric at other times -- just excellent work across the board.

Do you guys like fuzzed-out bass? Of course you do! Check out the title track for an introduction to just that: a beautiful, warm-sounding fuzz tone that creates a fantastic intro. “You're fate has come at last, it's written in my eyes” the lyrics declare. The chorus lines, “Lay your body down, let the stillness be one with you,” have alternating vocals. The first are layered, male voices, with Alexis singing the following part. I honestly believe that this track is the one to listen to for cool vocal work. The nuances are fantastic.

I urge, no, I insist that you all get on board the Doomstress train, because this album is their crowning achievement (besides the fact that I absolutely love them anyway). Sleep Among the Dead is headed your way in a matter of only weeks, and I suggest you get on it because vinyl pre-orders are flying fast. I ordered my CD version today. Enjoy!

Follow The Band

~By Jamie LaRose~

Doomstress is a heavy groove, seventies-inspired Houston group that's steadily filling the planet's airwaves with their infectious sound. If you haven't gotten into the band yet, check out their 'Supernatural Kvlt Sounds – The Second Rite' (2017) and the recent 7” single "Wicked Woman." Doomstress will be joining us for the third annual Doomed & Stoned Festival, taking place in Indianapolis on the first weekend of October (get tickets here). Their reality-inspired songs had me excited to get to know this passionate gang of doom better.

Supernatural Kvlt Sounds - The Second Rite" (CD) **Europe please order via Clear-Spot link listed below to save on shipping! by Doomstress

Can you give a little history of your role in the band and how you came to be a part of the group?

Doomstress Alexis: Well, I had wanted to do my own project for a number of years and it was just a matter of timing, really. Once I saw that opportunity, I jumped. I shared some early riffs and ideas with Brandon and eventually he asked to be part of the band, which I had intended on asking him anyway. So far, I've written the majority of the music, with Brandon offering input and a riff here and there. I wanted a twin guitar style, so writing more on guitar was different for me as I'd written most previous stuff on bass. I write all the lyrics and also form the artistic concepts I want for records and merch, but I'm not a tyrant about it and I'm always open to suggestions and input from whoever I'm working with. I try to be fluid, accommodating, and respectful with everyone, artistically and professionally, but ultimately it has to fit with my vision.

Brandon Johnson: I play guitar, write some riffs, and sing some backup vocals. Alexis and I have been making music together for many, many years.

Matt Taylor: We ran in the same music circles and she knew my bands at the time and I knew hers. She originally hit me up as a hired gun for touring, but two years later and I haven't missed a show, so they pulled me on into the full-time roster and the rest is history.

What is your all-time favorite album? Do you remember the first time you heard it?

Brandon Johnson: It changes depending on my mood, but it’s always been between these three albums: Through the Darkest Hour by Solitude Aeturnus, Awaken the Guardian by Fates Warning, and Epicus Doomicus Metallicus by Candlemass. So this week, I would have to say that my favorite album is Epicus Doomicus Metallicus. The first time I heard it, I was blown away. Dark atmosphere, heavy riffs, great vocals, and awesome lyrics make for one excellent album that I never tire of.

Matt Taylor: If I had to pick, I'd definitely say Judas Priest's Defenders of the Faith.   I don't necessarily remember the first time I heard it, but it's crept its way into my heart, nonetheless. If I had to show somebody who doesn't listen to heavy metal one album to show them what it's all about, it would definitely be Defenders. Front-to-back banger for the ages.

What makes you most excited about playing Doomed & Stoned Fest this year?

Doomstress Alexis: The very first Doomstress show was in Indianapolis in August of 2016. Everyone there has always treated us exceptionally well, from Melissa at Doomed & Stoned to the bands, venues, and fans, especially. Being part of Doomed & Stoned Festival is just gonna be so kick ass!

Matt Taylor: Meeting all the new people, seeing old friends, drink, smoke, and playing loud music!

Brandon Johnson: I look forward being around like-minded people gathering to celebrate one of my favorite genres of music. I also look forward to checking out some bands I've never seen before, seeing old friends and making new ones. Oh, and beer!

What's a typical band rehearsal like for you guys?

Doomstress Alexis: Well, because we tour so much with different touring drummers, we typically only rehearse a couple times right before a tour to get the drummer up to snuff and that's about it. I have written most of the music so far, which I share with Brandon and we work out some changes or he brings in or smooths out a riff here and there. He has some songs he's been developing. I let both Brandon and Matt work out the solos, but I will give my input if I have a certain feel I want.

Wicked Woman 7" single a few available at: Clear-Spot in Europe! See link below! by Doomstress

How many instruments do you own -- or maybe I should ask how many own you?

Doomstress Alexis: Currently, I own four basses, two electric guitars and two drum sets.

Brandon Johnson: About twelve guitars at the moment.

Matt Taylor: About three or four guitars.

Out of all the places you’ve visited, what's been your favorite?

Doomstress Alexis: I’d never had much chance to travel previously, but since I formed Doomstress with the intent of touring, I've been all over so much of the US. We never get much time to spend outside the drives and venues, but traveling along the West Coast and throughout the southwest landscapes was just so beautiful.

Brandon Johnson: Seattle, Washington. It is such a beautiful area. The mountains, forests, ocean, the abundance of doomy weather, and the people seemed really nice. Outside of Texas, Seattle is one place I could see myself living.

Matt Taylor: I really don't think I could pick one place, but if I had to pick a region, I'd say the Pacific Northwest. The scenery and drives are out of this world, from the mountains to the redwoods to the coastlines -- there's always something to look at!

What’s your favorite found sound? In other words, if you were just up to any old thing, what would be the noise that strikes you?

Brandon Johnson: The scream of a Merlin engine flying by at 2500 rpm. There’s nothing like it.

Matt Taylor: I'd have to say metallic industrial sounds or the sound of a crackling fire.

For my parting shot, I just have to ask: are you behooved to groove?

Doomstress Alexis: Always down to rock!

Brandon Johnson: Of course!

Matt Taylor: I am indeed behooved to the groove!

Follow The Band

THE DOOM CHART COUNTDOWN RETURNS!

We're just days away from the latest rankings from Doom Charts. While you anxiously await the new list, catch up with the present one on this brand new episode of The Doomed & Stoned Podcast. Bucky Brown from The Ripple Effect and Billy Goate, Editor in Chief of Doomed & Stoned, share our thoughts and favorite songs from records by Astral Mass, Catapult The Smoke, Clouds Taste Satanic, Corrosion of Conformity, Dead Quiet, Doomstress, Electric Wizard, Fuzz Evil, Foghound, Galactic Gulag, Gypsy-Sun-Revival, Heavydeath, HELA, King Buffalo, Legba, Monolord, Mother mars, Motherslug, Purple Hill Witch, Shadow Witch, Snowy Dunes, Spectral Haze, Switchblade Jesus, The Age Of Truth, The Atomic Bitchwax, The Re-Stoned, and The W Likes. Info about the purchase of the music in today's program at www.DoomCharts.com.

PLAYLIST

INTRO

1. The W Likes - "Cometh" 00:26 2. Foghound - "Keep on Shoveling" 05:53

THE COUNTDOWN

3. Host Segment I 10:36 4. Red Stone Souls (#25) - "Night's Watchful Eye" 19:04 5. Dead Quiet (#24) - "Dear Demon" 25:06 6. Legba (#23) - "Necromance" 33:30

7. Host Segment II 39:58 8. Monolord (#22) - "Wormland" 45:08 9. Switchblade Jesus (#21a) - "Snakes & Lions" 51:12 10. Fuzz Evil (#21b) - "Flighty Woman" 56:21 11. Motherslug (#20) - "Serpents" 1:02:43

12. Host Segment III 1:09:30 13. Galactic Gulag (#19) - "To The Hollow Moon" 1:14:44 14. Catapult The Smoke (#18) - "Spread That Evil Tone" 1:23:30 15. HELA (#17) - "Bodies In Hell" 1:27:52

16. Host Segment IV 1:31:42 17. HEAVYDEATH (#16) - "Path To The Altitude" 1:37:02 18. King Buffalo (#15) - "Centurion" 1:44:16 19. The Age of Truth (#14) - "Come Back A God" 1:50:11

20. Host Segment V 1:55:18 21. Clouds Taste Satanic (#13) - "Greed" (radio edit) 1:59:45 22. Doomstress (#12) - "Bitter Pleas" 2:09:28 23. Spectral Haze (#11) - "The Dawn of the Falcon" 2:13:55

24. Host Segment VI 2:18:26 25. Purple Hill Witch (#10) - "Around The Universe" 2:22:53 26. Astral Mass (#9) - "Cosmic String" 2:27:57 27. Mother Mars (#8) - "On Lunar Highlands" 2:33:59

28. Host Segment VII 2:42:39 29. Gypsy Sun Revival (#7) - "Growing Shadows" 2:47:30 30. The Re-Stoned (#6) - "Save Me Under The Emerald Grass" 2:52:03 31. Corrosion of Conformity (#5) - "Cast The First Stone" 2:57:04

32. Host Segment VIII 3:00:51 33. Electric Wizard (#4) - "Necromania" 3:06:41 34. Shadow Witch (#3) - "Cruel" 3:12:58 35. Snowy Dunes (#2) - "Testify" 3:17:42

36. Host Segment IX 3:26:19 37. The Atomic Bitchwax (#1) - "Shell of a Man" 3:29:58

Big thanks to Jason Ogle for composing the show's new opening theme!

*Also streaming at soundcloud.com/doomedandstoned

* Check out Doomed & Stoned's ongoing, scene-by-scene doom-stoner compilations, available por nada at doomedandstoned.bandcamp.com

Sunday morning loot report: What a great show last night! Every band was excellent, and the venue (Black Magic Social Club) was so cool. Breakdown:

- Cloak: back patch, cassette, and pin.

- Red Mesa: patch.

- Doomstress: patch and wood coaster.

As I did not bother to write down a top 100 records of 2019 list let me point to my absolute favorite of the year “Sleep Among The Dead” by Doomstress.

Doomstress Alexis and the guys delivered a perfect Doom record with not a single weak track on it.

Bitter Plea is a hell of an opener. Epic in scope and delivered with such heart it can make stones weep.

Burning Lotus manages to sound classic and modern at the same time.

Dream Spider is in one word dreamy.

Your God is Blind according to my stats my most played track of the record

Superb lyrics here

Reap what you sow You planted hate, now your seed is overgrown Baptized upon the blood of the innocent sacrificed Your sins won't be absolved Complacent in their “holy” lies Forced to your knees-Your god is blind You've been deceived-Your god is blind The eyes that bleed-Your god is blind Your god is blind Live with your shame You brought this world down in flames Too late you see the writing on the wall Beneath your war machines you watch your children crawl

Unlike that blood on your hands today

That stain on your soul, it never washes away Thousands of years of wars the human race Has waged beneath these skies-the silence doesn't lie The cries of orphans echo, answered by The cruelty of their fate-And still they wait In sullen pain, born unto the grave Unlike that blood on your hands today That stain on your soul, it never washes away

Bones and Rust is a Song that makes me envious. The base line in the beginning stays as a constant with the rest of the music kicking in and Alexis building a cathedral of comfortable decay and gloom over it with her killer vocal performance.

Apathetic Existence if there's such a thing as comfortable bleakness that’s what this song is. The line “I never understood what others feel, no need to belong Always on my own When I gaze upon the mirror my reflection's already erased I can see through my face This is my existence and it's all I have ever known Drifting day to day I'm not lost in the haze, it's my home, there's no path No path to see, No path for me, Only apathy.“ is so on point in regards to how so many I highly value feel in this world.

Sleep Among the Dead an other killer track and the finisher for this masterpiece of modern Doom. 

Some of Alexis vocal work on this record reminds me of the stronger moments of One Lana Lane. I’m thinking of “Frankenstein Unbound” in particular.

Get "Sleep Among the Dead” here on bandcamp. Thank me later.

FESTIVAL PREVIEW: Shadow Frost Music and Arts Festival

  Shadow Frost Music & Arts Festival is here and it promises to be a unique experience. The debut the hotel-based fest is brought to you by the producers of Shadow Woods Productions, LLC and Shadow Woods Metal Fest, and is the winter-time companion to the Shadow Woods Metal Fest, expected back in action this summer. The Shadow Frost fest takes place on February 21st and 22d and will feature…