UK Psych Doom Metal Band – DOOMICIDAL – are releasing their new album Shadow Of The Gallows today and it’s a weird and trippy wild ride into the realm of Doom Metal.
These guys were actually new to me and I didn’t know what to expect. When I listened to the album I was blown away by the different strands of Doom Metal the band have included on their debut album.
Shadow Of The Gallows is worth checking out and will make a mighty impression on you all.
I wanted to find out more about DOOMICIDAL and I’m happy to say that Roger Densham (Bass Guitar) from DOOMICIDAL did this interview with me recently.
Hi Roger. Thanks for doing this interview. How are things with you today.
Hi Steve! Things are very good today thanks. We have a lot to look forward to in the coming days and weeks.
Before we discuss your new album. Can you give a brief overview of how the band formed and where it is today.
Migo and I formed the band in 2013 when we had to put our other band on hiatus. We wrote a few songs and decided to play live. That meant we had to find a drummer. We now have a settled line up and started playing in areas outside of Bath and Bristol about 18 months ago.
How would you describe your overall sound. As you have included quite a few different elements for a seedy and heavy sound. Especially on your excellent new album.
Migo and I have been listening to music since the late 60s/early 70s. We feel our sound reflects that although there are some more modern sounds in our music as we feel there is also a lot of great new music around at the moment.
You’re about to release your superb album – Shadow Of The Gallows. What can people expect from the album.
Thank you Sir! I think people can expect an album that sounds as though it COULD have been made in the 70s had modern recording and mixing techniques been around then. A lot of great guitar solos and some huge drums from Barney.
What is the main theme of the album and why did you call the album Shadow Of The Gallows.
The album is not a concept album but there is a theme running through it which is poor choices, justice and retribution. Some of the characters have their ideas of justice but sometimes get a surprise and are left to reflect on the consequences of their actions. The Shadow Of The Gallows is part of a line from the song Hangman.
Who is releasing the album and what formats is the album being released upon.
The album is self released and is being released on CD and digital format on Bandcamp and is available in digital on Itunes, Spotify, Amazon and the other usual places
What influenced you when writing and recording the album. As it’s quite a complex sounding album.
We were mainly influenced by various bands including Black Sabbath, Hawkwind, Pink Floyd and My Dying Bride among others but also films that we’ve seen, especially Hammer Horror films, also books we have read, especially by HP Lovecraft.
Was recording the album an easy or hard experience.
We recorded the album using a click track for the drums. Once we got the hang of how that worked, it was quite easy and made easier by the excellent Josh Gallop at Stage 2 Studios in Bath. We finished recording about a day ahead of schedule.
What is the song-writing method in the band. Is it a group collective or down to one individual.
With most of the songs, I write the lyrics and pass them on to Barney and Migo and Migo will then come up with some guitar parts and Barney will then find a beat that works well with the song. Rats in the Wall is the odd track out on the album as Migo wrote everything for that track.
Will you be doing any gigs to promote the album near or after it’s release.
Indeed! We have an album launch in Glastonbury on April 13th and we’ll also be playing at South West Heavyfest on May 5th in Bridgwater as well as other gigs after that in various places. We also have a couple of live radio interviews lined up over the next couple of weeks.
Who designed the album cover and how much input did you have into the final design.
The album cover was designed by Sara Jane Swettenham. We just gave her an outline of what we wanted and what colours we thought would work well and we were blown away with what she came up with.
Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go do you have anything to say to your fans. Best of luck with the new album.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to us! Thank you to everyone who has supported us, been to our gigs, bought our stuff and had a good time.
Words by Steve Howe and Roger Densham
