The
Doom Doc is a new documentary focusing primarily on Holy Spider
Promotions and the local Doom Metal Scene in Sheffield. The
documentary has interviews with bands and artists from across the
globe. As the film makers interview Kirk Windstein, Bill Ward, Vinny
Appice to name just a few. The film gives a brief history of the Doom
Metal scene in general with the Sludge and Stoner scenes getting a
worthwhile mention. The documentary struck a chord with myself
personally as I've met some of the individuals featured on this
documentary. I respect and admire the people featured on the film.
The
film begins with a creepy and funny story of how Holy Spider
promotions received its name. The film then moves onto Wet Nuns and
the work of their drummer – Alexis Gotts aka Leki. Leki was
instrumental in starting off the DIY Doom Scene in Sheffield and
actually booked some great bands to perform in Sheffield. Sadly, Leki passed away in 2014.
I met Leki twice when he was
performing with Baba Naga, the band he was performing with at the
time. I had a very cool discussion with the band back then when they
supported HARK/Ken Mode in Sheffield and Brant Bjork the following
night in Leeds. I went to both gigs and he was an immense talent
behind the drums.
The
Doom Doc explains the local Sheffield scene suffered as there were no
people putting gigs on that time. Though that inspired Joe from
Kurokuma and Craig from BA'AL to form Holy Spider Promotions and to
kick-start the Doom Metal scene in Sheffield. The documentary focuses
on Holy Spider Promotions daily struggles putting on the second
annual Doomlines festival. A Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal festival that
the guys put in response to the more mainstream Tramlines festival.
Craig and Joe from Holy Spider Promotions
Before
we get to see their struggles putting on the festival, the
documentary showcases some great live venues in Sheffield such as The
Lughole and The Mulberry Tavern which Holy Spider Promotions promote
bands regularly. Credit should go to the filmmaker Connor Matheson
for trying to include as many important members of the UK Doom Metal
scene into this documentary. CONAN receive their fair share of the
attention here. As they're arguably the biggest Doom Metal band the UK has
to offer at the moment.
The
Doom Doc does show you the nitty gritty in running a promotions
company and the consensus of heavy metal music in general. Our style
of music is not the most widely known of the different subgenres
within the world of Heavy Metal. Though you can tell from this
documentary that it has some of the most passionate people trying to
create new music and to keep the scene alive. The interviews with
Kirk, Bill, Vinny and CONAN do offer bleak and truthful moments of
what influences them and performing on stage. Bill Ward is brutally
honest and it's refreshing to hear one of the greats tell people the
struggles he went through many years ago.
The
film does include some funny real life moments that I won't spoil for
you. The Doom Doc's main subject is Holy Spider Promotions and how
they sometimes struggle to bring Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal gigs
to the local masses. A lot of awesome bands are featured such as
Primitive Man, CONAN, Mower and Slabdragger, all playing heavy riffs
and intense live performances.
You
cannot deny the passion and involvement that Joe and Craig put into
running Holy Spider Promotions. The guys had a major hiccup last year
when the original venue meant to host Doomlines II cancelled on them
at the last moment. The guys do manage to find another venue for
Doomlines II, which was a massive success.
The
film shows why our music will never be accepted by the commercial
masses and how the Doom Metal scene will remain remotely unapologetic
for this as well. The live footage scenes are superb with excellent
live performances from the wide range of bands that appear on the
documentary. The audiences’ reaction is there for everyone to see.
As they live and breathe not only the bands themselves but the scene
overall.
The
Doom Doc maybe set in Sheffield but it's message and appeal is
universal for almost every underground metal scene worldwide. The
Doom Doc is a celebration of what is great within the Heavy Metal
underground scene. Holy Spider Promotions are the stars of this film
and I hope it gives them more exposure and even the bands featured.
The
film is superbly well made from start to finish. Director Connor
Matheson has put together an exciting, raw and very honest film. The
film is indeed grimy in parts but that matches the tone and
atmosphere of the Doom Metal world in general.
The
Doom Doc can be ranked alongside classic Doom/Stoner documentaries
such as Such Hawks, Such Hounds.
All photos kindly provided for promotional purposes by Connor Matheson.
Links:
Official | Facebook
