Dee Calhoun - Angry Old Man (Album Review)

Release Date: July 18th 2025. Record Label: Black Doomba Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Angry Old Man - Tracklisting

1.A Last Cold Kiss 05:04 video

2.Angry Old Man 05:56

3.Voodoo Queen 05:04

4.A Piece From The Shoulder 05:44

5.Rise Up To March 04:15

6.Give Up The Ghost 04:20

7.VVitch (A Chant) 05:24

8.K*ll A M*ther F*cker 05:18

9.The Damned Human Race 08:27

Members

Dee Calhoun - Everything

Review

Dee Calhoun is back with his latest solo album Angry Old Man and for the uninitiated, Dee is considered a bit of a legend within the underground Doom Metal scene thanks to his stints with the legendary band IRON MAN and the excellent Spiral Grave. Dee Calhoun has been focusing upon his solo records for quite some time now blending Americana, Country, Doom, Blues, Stoner and Southern Rock but all told in a highly fashionable Acoustic Rock way.

Dee is also an acclaimed writer over the last few years and he’s got real talent and credibility with how he writes his lyrics that deal with some pretty dark themes even when they branch over into Horror and Fantasy though this record is mostly based on his own observations with the world.

Angry Old Man is quite an in-depth and highly involving record with Dee Calhoun once again used stripped back musical techniques to generate a gloomy and down-trodden atmosphere which some of the most well known figures of the underground scene have used for their own solo material such as WINO and Steve Von Till.

The AMERICANA and DOOMED OUT COUNTRY BLUES is a big aspect on how this album fully moves along at a cracking slow-to-mid pace. The whole record oozes gloomy atmosphere with Dee being quite political throughout but he does offer some superb wry and humorous sly commentary on certain parts of the album.

The music is quite abstract with ghostly sounds and twangy guitars reminding me of Johnny Cash at the best of times especially on tracks such as A Last Cold Kiss, Angry Old Man, Voodoo Queen, Rise Up To The March and K*ll A M*therF*cker. You can detect echoes of other vocalists that have perhaps shaped Dee’s musical knowledge but it’s his forthright confessional style that shows you what a damn fine storyteller Dee has ultimately become. 

Some parts of the album do become DOOM-FOLK obsessed in places but the solitary Americana and Roots based sound keeps things grounded. You can even detect a sense of MONSTER MAGNET gloomy rhymes in certain instrumental melodies that has a slight passing resemblance to the opening intro of SPACE LORD but that could be just me looking way too much into things.

The political message of Angry Old Man runs deep especially with today’s political climate and fucked up turmoil going on in the world and Dee Calhoun becomes more rebellious on the later stages of the record with Dee perhaps taking political cues from Neil Young is no bad thing at all. 

Angry Old Man is another forthright, bleak and outstanding release from Dee Calhoun who is perhaps in the best creative form of his life at the moment and that’s saying something especially with the career that Dee has lived through and ultimately achieved. 

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Doom Metal Legend DEE CALHOUN Announces New Book LUMAN And Releases New Trailer

Underground Doom Metal legend SCREAMING MAD DEE aka DEE CALHOUN of bands such as IRON MAN, SPIRAL GRAVE, THEE IRON HAND and now releasing amazing solo records under is own has announced details of his new book called LUMAN.

More details below

LUMAN Lowdown

Who: Dee Calhoun

What: Publishing sixth book (and second novel), titled "Luman." This will be my first hardcover release

When: Friday, April 4, 2025

Where: Online retailers and at Dee's live shows

Book Synopsis:

Cursed with a dark power that rises under the full moon, one man has discovered a dangerous way to keep it at bay is a method nearly as deadly as the curse itself. Resigned to a life of solitude, he is blindsided by love. But will this unexpected connection lighten his burden or lead him into even greater peril?

As the full moon tests the limits of his control and love challenges the depths of his heart, he must decide how far he'll go to protect the one who makes him feel human. A gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the relentless fight against inner darkness, Luman will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Notes:

This is a story that I conceived in the early 1990s. I took a stab at writing it in 1996, but only finished one chapter and realized I was in way over my head. After I published my first full novel (One Whore's Town in 2021), I decided to revisit this story at some point. It was great fun seeing this story, and the scenarios within, come to life after all these years.

Just for grins, here is the teaser video: 

Thanks to DEE CALHOUN for all of the details.

Dee Calhoun - From Under the Smogberry Trees - A Novelty EP (EP Review)

Release Date: August 23rd 2024. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DDl

From Under the Smogberry Trees - A Novelty EP: Tracklisting

1.Taylor's on the NFL Today 04:37

2.Bumpin' Uglies 02:17

3.Off is the Direction... 04:03

4.(She) Learned it from Watchin' a Porn 03:17

5.The Legend of Woke Dolly 03:55

6.Under the Smogberry Trees 03:47

Members

Dee Calhoun - Everything

Review

Doom/Stoner Rock musician Dee Calhoun takes a break away from his usual bleak way of usual storytelling by taking a humorous and sly look at modern day pop culture and mainstream media. The music is still a mix of Americana, Southern Rock, Folk Rock, Boogie Rock and Doom Rock with spiky lyrics that takes aim at the American male stereotype especially on the brilliantly funny opening track of Taylor’s On The NFL Today. 

Even with myself being British or a Limey Prick who has no right commentating on the American way of life but Dee has tapped into the similar type of humour that I’ve seen with the whole Taylor Swift vs NFL Football fan. (Even though in my mind there’s only one real game of FOOTBALL and it’s not the NFL. It’s what you guys call SOCCER - Anyway I digress). The music itself is simply played acoustic jams but it’s the music and Dee’s deadpan serious manner that makes everything stand out. 

The whole EP is delivered within the whole style of Dr Demento Radio Show with perhaps some Weird Al Yankovic influence shining through along the way. Bumpin’ Uglies is another funny little oddity which doesn’t quite work overall but the music was solid enough. The rest of the EP is bang on point with Off Is The Direction and (She) Learned It From Watchin’ A Porn seeing Dee’s real musical identity shining through with his music mostly and dark comedic lyrics perhaps drawing influence from the likes of Bill Hicks and George Carlin with Dee’s commentary on modern day life.

The final two tracks of The Legend Of Woke Dolly and Under The Smogberry Trees expands the Adult Humour which does show a more rebellious side to Dee’s songwriting skills but it’s the instrumental sounds that impress yet again with the music being quite daring, raw and honest that explores the darker style of Americana, Acoustic Rock and Southern Rock grooves.

From Under The Smogberry Trees is silly and downright hilarious entertainment where it’s good to hear Dee Calhoun releasing a different style of music that he’s currently known for. I’m not sure if I could listen to a full record of this and as the EP states within the title, the novelty could quickly wear thin but this is still a superb EP.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Dee Calhoun: Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia (Album Review)

Release Date: June 23rd 2023. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia: Tracklisting

The Day The Rats Came To Town

Verachte Diese Hure

A Wish In The Darkness

New Modern World

Conjured

Pulse

Self Inflicted

Stand With Me

All I Need Is One

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia

Members

Dee Calhoun: voice, guitars & other various stringed instruments, harmonica, keyboards

“Iron” Louis Strachan: bass guitar

Rob “Little ‘Houn” Calhoun: lead vocals (tracks 4 & 8), backing vocals, percussion

Queen Nadia, Heiress of Dyscord: backing vocals (track 8)

Katharina Neuert: non-intro spoken word (track 2)

Dave Benzotti: backing vocals (track 9)

Old Nancy: intro (track 2)

Review:

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is the new album from Doom Metal Artist Dee Calhoun who has been part of bands such as Iron Man and Spiral Grave. Dee is also an accomplished solo artist with a string of acclaimed albums under his belt. This is his fourth full length album and the album is accompanied by a sublime novella. Dee Calhoun is also an established writer of Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy novels. However, I'll only be focusing on the actual album from Dee Calhoun and this is a refreshing type of Americana, Country, Folk and Doom Rock but all told within an Acoustic style for the whole album.

The album does have it's fair share of Southern Gothic/Horror influences which evokes gloomy chills on the excellent opening track of The Day The Rats Come To Town which could be used as an analogy for Politicians in my mind taking over small town life anywhere across the world. However, the song draws upon Southern Rock grooves with that semi-acoustic sound allowing Dee Calhoun to fully speak his mind and he doesn't hold back with the lyrics he's written for this track. A lo-fi and dirty sounding Blues Rock vibe holds everything together.

Second song Verachte Diese Hure continues with the Gloomy soundscapes and bleak lyrical content that offers a slightly Grungy and Alt Country attitude with Dee offering heavy passionate vocals that can easily be drawn and compared to other Metal musicians' solo output such as Wino and Steve Von Till. The instrumental work has a dark Blues Rock essence with the acoustic grooves full of Southern Rock and even NOLA charm. There's also a few instances of almost Electronic sounding guitars starting to appear but my hearing could be playing tricks on me. 

Third song A Wish In The Darkness offers a more American Western approach with subtle "soundtrack" elements being used with Dee Calhoun adopting a more Neil Young and Bob Dylan persona on this track. The song is quite a cautionary tale on both modern and historical era's of America. The "Americana" aspect shines the most here with the twangy guitar sounds offering a more solitary feel. There's some killer instrumental solos that remind me of Stadium Hard Rock bands from the 1970's with Dee Calhoun keeping everything real.

Fourth song New Modern World is a more up-to-date style of acoustic music with great vocals from Rob "Little Houn” Calhoun making a fleeting appearance. The song does have a more simplistic approach creatively speaking but remains one of my favourite tracks on the album. As this song takes you on a wicked journey of Americana/Blues Rock instrumental jams and trippy Psychedelic beats with a kick-ass HARMONICA being delivered on the later stages of the track.

Fifth song Conjured opens with a distorted and drone based sound before the semi-acoustic vibes appear. The song is the gloomiest track on the album and I'm wondering if this as a full blown Doom Metal track that Dee Calhoun changed into an acoustic track. As the song has a more dramatic flair with Dee's vocals becoming more DOOM based along the way. The instrumental work is quite intense with that Southern Gothic flavour becoming more Occult driven along the way. The lyrics are sinister and show a different side to Dee's creative journey for this album. The use of different styles of Instrumental Doomed Out Rock becomes slightly progressive but never takes anything away from the album.

The second half of Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia continues the gloomy Americana message of the first with that sinister approach that has appeared on the last few songs especially within Pulse, Self-Inflicted and Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia. The music has a consistent "OUTLAW" Quality and feel to it with appearances from folks such as Queen Nadia, Heiress Of Dyscord and Dave Benzotti lending their backing vocals along the way on tracks Stand With Me and All I Need Is One respectively.

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is a dark, mysterious and intense record which offers a few chills and spills along the way. The album is most definitely a DOOM album and easily qualifies under the "DOES THIS DOOM" category. Screaming Mad Dee should be proud of this album. As it's a superbly entertaining album and perhaps one of the best "semi-acoustic" albums you'll hear all year.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotions for the promo.

Old Scratch Comes To Appalachia is available to buy now on CD/DD via Argonauta Records

Links:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

Dee Calhoun - Godless (Album Review)

Release date: July 10th 2020. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD

Godless – Tracklisting

1. Here Under Protest - 04:30
2. Godless - 05:52
3. The Moon Says Goodbye - 05:10
4. Hornswoggled - 04:20
5. To My Boy - 04:33
6. Spite Fuck - 05:50
7. No Justice - 03:49
8. Ebenezer - 05:41
9. Ride Away - 05:01
10. The Greater Evil - 05:41
11. The Day Salvation Went Away - 04:26

12. Prudes Puritanicals Puddles of Piss - 06:34

Review

Legendary Doom Metal Artist – Dee Calhoun – returns with his 3rd solo album Godless and it sees Dee on on fine form with an album that has 12 tracks to soothe your soul with. This is a deeply emotional and quite troubling album in places. As Dee lays his heart out here. Playing a more subdued acoustic style of American, Doom, Country and good old fashioned Outlaw Rock.

The album features Dee’s infinite wisdom which he’s built up with almost 40 years in the musical business and performing for great bands such as Spiral Grave and IRON MAN. This is Dee’s 3rd solo album and it’s good to see him continuing his excellent relationship with Argonauta Records yet again.

Godless is quite a spiritual album despite the name of GODLESS. As there’s a lot of deep meaningful lyrics that touch upon religious themes. The music is constantly captivating with Dee playing a wild style of Acoustic Rock that offers the perfect balance of different sounds and still keep the gloomy atmosphere thriving from start to finish.

Dee is joined by Iron Man and Spiral Grave bandmate, Louis Strachan, provided the bass tracks. Dee’s son Robert, “Little ‘Houn” Calhoun, appears on the record with percussion and backing vocals performances. So it’s good to see that Dee has made this a very close and personal affair and you can tell that on the lyrics for the majority of the songs.

Maybe 12 tracks is slightly too long for this album but it’s quite a powerful album that pulls no punches with the dark vocals and lyrical content that Dee has included on this album. The album is deeply soaked by the legendary Blues Rock scene as it’s steeped in a very cool and vibrant Blues Rock sound.

Standout songs on the album include – Here Under Protest, Godless, To My Boy, Spite Fuck, Ride Away, The Greater Evil and Prudes Puritanicals Puddles of Piss.

The “Outlaw” aspect of this album is perhaps the best part of GODLESS. As Dee writes and performs some of his best material when he’s in a more rebellious mood but though there are still plenty moments of emotionally charged acoustic rock to be impressed with.

GODLESS is wonderfully eerie and challenging in equal measure. So don’t expect an easy ride as this album offers no easy answers or solutions but a showcase for a Doom Metal Legend at the top of his game.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for the promo. Godless is available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | Twitter

Exclusive Song Premiere Of New Dee Calhoun Song NO JUSTICE

DEE CALHOUN's upcoming album Godless will be released next month and you can hear the new song for NO JUSTICE

Dee has said this about the song;

"I wrote this song for the great Rev. Jim Forrester, who was bassist for Foghound and beloved by the Maryland Doom scene. It was written on the day his murderer was acquitted, and all of us who loved Jim again felt betrayed by the system in this country. In recent days, that idea has taken on a much bigger scope. As we now sit and watch the response to injustice, we can only hope that steps are being taken to assure that there will be a change, and that betrayal, heartbreak, and death from this broken system can be eliminated."

Details about Godless

Godless coming July 10th on Argonauta Records!

The voice of iconic doom titans, IRON MAN, and SPIRAL GRAVE vocalist DEE CALHOUN, revealed the details about his upcoming, third solo- album titled Godless. Slated for a release on July 10th via powerhouse label Argonauta Records,

“To say that I am excited about this album is an understatement.“ Dee comments. “I began writing the songs on it shortly after Go to the Devil was released, and a lot of this was written during some very turbulent times. I think there is a blunt honesty in this record that people will identify with. I’ve played some of these songs live, and the response has been amazing.”

Godless was recorded in Dee’s home studio, The DustBuster in Walkersville, MD. The mastering was done by Doug Benson in nearby Thurmont MD at the Commodore Recording Studios. Dee handled vocals, guitars and other various instruments, while Dee’s Iron Man and Spiral Grave bandmate, Louis Strachan, provided the bass tracks. Dee’s son Robert, “Little ‘Houn” Calhoun, appears on the record with percussion and backing vocals performances.

Godless Tracklisting:

01. Here Under Protest
02. Godless
03. The Moon Says Goodbye
04. Hornswoggled
05. To My Boy
06. Spite Fuck
07. No Justice
08. Ebenezer
09. Ride Away
10. The Greater Evil
11. The Day Salvation Went Away
12. Prudes, Puritanicals, Puddles Of Piss

Dee Calhoun began his musical journey nearly 40 years ago, and first appeared on record in the late 1980s. Aside being the vocalist of Spiral Grave, he was the singer and lyricist for Doom icons Iron Man from 2010 until the passing of founding member Alfred Morris III in 2018, appearing on two of their EPs and the critically acclaimed 2013 LP South of the Earth. Calhoun released two critically acclaimed solo-albums to date, his new album Godless will be available on July 10th via Argonauta Records, with a pre-sale and more tunes to be unleashed in the weeks ahead.

For More Info Visit:

www.screamingmaddee.com
www.argonautarecords.com

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for all of the details.

Dee Calhoun - Rotgut (Album Review)

Release date: June 2016 . Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD

Rotgut – Tracklisting

01 Unapologetic

02 Rotgut

03 Not Everyone Wins A Prize

04 Little Houn Daddy Houn

05 Babelkowa

06 Backstabbed In Backwater

07 The Train Back Home

08 Sincerely Yours

09 Deifendor

10 Cast Out The Crow

11 Winter A Dirge

12 At Long Day's End

Band Members:

Dee Calhoun

Review:

Dee Calhoun has had quite a varied music career over the last 20 plus years or so. He's been the vocalist of Doom Metal legends Iron Man for the last 6 years. It's a role that he's excelled in over the last few Iron Man records with some superb vocal performances especially on their 2013 album – South Of The Earth.

Now Dee has released a solo album called Rotgut. An acoustic Southern/Blues/Country/Doom kind of album. Rotgut has a similar vibe to Scott Kelly and Wino's recent solo albums. So if you're a fan of those kind of albums then Rotgut will speak volumes to you.

The album can be a very hard album to listen to at times especially with the bleak subject matters that Dee covers. The lyrical content is bleak but one that also offers moments of hope. A very hard thing to do but Dee pulls this off with style and grace. Songs such as Unapologetic, Rotgut, Backstabbed in Backwater, Cast Out The Crow and At Long Day's End show that Dee has a keen eye for Americana based melodies especially when mixed with elements of Folk, Southern Rock and a hint of Doom.

Rotgut is an album that will take a few listens to fully enjoy the overall feel of the album. It's not an album that's going to appeal to everyone. These acoustic solo albums can be an acquired taste for me a times but thankfully Rotgut is an exception to the rule. As it's superbly produced and it offers the listener a vintage style of sounds.

The instrumental work is good throughout the album though there's a few moments where the guitars can sound a bit out of tune at times. Maybe that's just me but it shouldn't stop you're enjoyment of the album. You can tell that Dee has been influenced by Neil Young on this album as the track – Not Everyone Wins A Prize – sees Dee perform his best Neil Young style vocal performance. The song itself is a haunting and heartfelt melody as it takes aim at the heart-strings.

Little Houn Daddy Houn is perhaps one of the weakest songs on the album. It's a song that Dee perform with his own son Rob Calhoun. I can see why Dee included this song on the album as it's a tender experience that Dee could enjoy with his son. Though it feels out of this place on the album. I applaud Dee for including this on the album as it shows you the more paternal side of Dee that people may not be used to. Maybe I'm being too harsh on the song itself.

Apart from that minor complaint, Rotgut is a stunning solo musical odyssey that brings the audience closer spiritually and musically to the man himself which Iron Man could never do.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Barbara at NeeCee Agency for the promo. Rotgut is available on CD/DD from Argonauta Records now.

Links:

Official | Facebook | Twitter