Doom/Stoner Metallers DUST PROPHET Unleashes Gritty New Single "Written In Holy Blood"

Stoner and doom metal quartet DUST PROPHET have returned with a searing new single, "Written In Holy Blood," pulling listeners into a gritty, riff-heavy soundscape that perfectly captures the darkness of the genre. The Manchester-based outfit, known for their intense, apocalyptic musical and lyrical themes, takes a no-holds-barred approach with this latest release.

"Written In Holy Blood" was originally recorded for DUST PROPHET’s debut album One Last Look Upon the Sky (released in January '23), but was ultimately left off due to space limitations. Now, re-recorded to reflect the band's evolving sound and their growth as a four-piece ensemble, the track is being released as a standalone single. This marks the first taste of the band’s forthcoming EP, which will feature reworked tracks and B-Sides from One Last Look Upon the Sky, showcasing the dynamic new energy brought by guitarist Jason Doyle.

"Written In Holy Blood" is a raw, powerful track that grips from the first note. It channels thick, distorted guitars, thunderous bass, and pounding drums that coalesce into a sonic assault of pure doom metal. The track’s abrasive energy and haunting atmosphere showcase DUST PROPHET's ability to blend crushing heaviness with apocalyptic, prophetic vocals. With lyrics that explore the darker elements of biblical myth and human suffering, the band continues to delve into themes of destruction and doom. Fans of BLACK SABBATH, KYUSS, and CLUTCH will revel in the track’s sheer weight and unrelenting drive, as DUST PROPHET pushes the boundaries of gritty, hard-hitting stoner doom.

The new single serves as a bridge between the band’s critically acclaimed debut album and their future projects. The forthcoming EP of reworked tracks will showcase the expanded lineup, adding new dimensions to their already powerful sound.

About DUST PROPHET

Formed in 2020, DUST PROPHET is a rising force in the stoner and doom metal scene, blending heavy, distorted instrumentation with deeply apocalyptic and thought-provoking lyrical content. Drawing inspiration from humanity's fragile existence and the looming specter of doom, their music is a gritty, raw exploration of the darker aspects of life. The Manchester, New Hampshire-based band pulls influence from genre-defining giants like BLACK SABBATH, KYUSS, ELECTRIC WIZARD, TOOL, and CLUTCH, creating a unique sound that merges 70’s psychedelic drug rock with down-tuned, riff-focused metal and hypnotic rhythms.

DUST PROPHET began as the project of longtime friends and musical collaborators Sarah Wappler (bass/keyboards) and Otto Kinzel (guitar/vocals), who sought to craft a sound that reflected their shared love of heavy music and apocalyptic themes. Joined in 2020 by Tyler MacPherson (drums), and most recently by Jason Doyle (guitar), the band quickly shifted into high gear, writing and recording material that would soon make waves in the metal community. Kinzel’s lyrics are deeply influenced by classic literary works such as Paradise Lost and the writings of gothic authors like Flannery O’Connor and Ray Russell, as well as apocalyptic biblical imagery. These elements combine to create songs that are not only heavy in sound but rich in storytelling.

2023 was a landmark year for DUST PROPHET, as they released their debut album, One Last Look Upon the Sky, on January 27th to widespread acclaim. The album debuted at #13 on the Doom Charts for January '23 and garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from major outlets including Decibel Magazine, Metal Injection, and Outlaws of the Sun. The band’s apocalyptic vision, combined with their heavy riffs and powerful stage presence, earned them a growing fanbase across the stoner and doom metal communities.

In addition to the album’s success, DUST PROPHET spent much of 2023 and 2024 touring extensively across the Northeastern United States and at high-profile festivals such as The Maryland Doom Fest, New England Stoner & Doom Fest, and RPM Fest. Their powerful live performances and relentless touring schedule have solidified their place as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the genre.

As DUST PROPHET continues to evolve and expand their sound, they are well on their way to taking the stoner and doom metal world by storm — assuming the world doesn’t end first.

DUST PROPHET is:

Otto Kinzel – Vocals
Sarah Wappler – Bass/Keyboards
Tyler MacPherson – Drums
Jason Doyle – Guitar

Connect with DUST PROPHET:

Website: https://dustprophet.com
Bandcamp: https://dustprophet.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dustprophet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustprophet
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DustProphet
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07m2CJg33Zm9JV7RZx5wxy?si=ibLx80rDQj-je0svRVD3Cw

Thanks to C Squared Music for all of the info.

Exclusive Video Premiere Of DUST PROPHET New Video For DEAR MRS. BUDD

Doom/Stoner Metallers DUST PROPHET, the Manchester, New Hampshire based outfit was born in 2018. Musically inspired by the likes of BLACK SABBATH, KYUSS, ELECTRIC WIZARD, TOOL and CLUTCH, they draw lyrically from classic literary works including the epic poem 'Paradise Lost', Gothic writers Flannery O’Connor, Ray Russell, and apocalyptic Biblical legends. Immersing in an eerie atmosphere, "A Storm of Time_Space part 1" begins the album with a foreboding tone. 

Apocalyptic moods run through the exploration of humanity's successes and failings across DUST PROPHET's music. Deliciously distorted guitar tones power through "The Axe Falls", and powerful vocals allude to the oncoming darkness. Sonorous bass notes resonate, bringing an immense sense of power to "Song 4". Synthesizers and keys weave eerie elements among the heavy instruments and enhance the overall sound. Contrasting the delicate and the hard-hitting, "The High Capital" brings a striking opposition of styles to emphasize the theme of the track. "Bury Me Before Noon" unleashes a bewitching conclusion to One Last Look Upon the Sky. From haunting chants and demonic growls, to folk instrumentation and an unceasing gloom, it's an enchanting experience.

DUST PROPHET are taking the stoner and doom scene by storm. Heavy rhythms, dynamic atmospheric composition and powerful execution give One Last Look Upon the Sky an epic edge that is sure to appeal to fans across the genre - assuming the world doesn't end first.

Line-up:

Otto Kinzel- Guitar/Vocals
Sarah Wappler- Bass/Keyboards
Tyler MacPherson- Drums

We are excited to premiere new video for the song Dear Mrs. Budd from their acclaimed new album One Last Look Upon The Sky.

Thanks to C Squared Music for all of the details. 

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter

Dust Prophet - One Last Look Upon The Sky (Album Review)

Release Date: 27th January 2023. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD

One Last Look Upon The Sky: Tracklisting

A Storm Of Time & Space Part 1

When The Axe Falls

Dear Mrs. Budd

Song 4

Put To The Question

The High Capital

A Storm Of Time & Space Part 2

Hourglass

Bury Me Before Noon

Members

Sarah Wappler - Bass/Keyboards

Otto Kinzel - Guitar/Vocals

Tyler MacPherson - Drums

Review

Doom/Stoner Metallers Dust Prophet are taking a different creative route with their music on their debut album One Last Look Upon The Sky. Sure, they're inspired by the normal big-hitters of Doom/Stoner Metal such as KYUSS, Black Sabbath, CLUTCH and Electric Witch but you have to throw in bands such as TOOL, A Perfect Circle and even System Of A Down into the mix. With Dust Prophet playing a more experimental and Gothic style of music that brings an edgy creative attitude to the band.

Bleak and Progressive "Out There" Desert Rock/Psych Rock elements moving into a darker style of Doom/Stoner Metal with the bands lyrical content inspired by Biblical passages, classic  epic poem Paradise Lost and a wealth of different Occult/Gothic Writers that allow this album to become more of an "outcast'' feel when first approaching the album. However, Dust Prophet have one "ace" up their sleeve to endear themselves to the Doom/Stoner Metal underground community and that's the fantastic riff, grooves and weird sounds that accompanies the dark creative content on the album. The music is "KILLER" and has a "SUPER FRESH'' appeal that you feel within the first few stunning tracks of the album with A Storm Of Time & Space Part 1, When The Axe Falls and Dear Mrs Budd.

All tracks showcasing a band with a unique and vivid imagination with that Progressive Doom Metal sound merging with the confinements of WEEDIAN METAL with the religious and occult lyrical imagery blending a darker Psychedelic Background you begin to realize. Imagine if KYUSS smoked that really fucked up bag of weed and had a HOLY PREMONITION about the end of the world. Well, Dust Prophet prove that vision for me on tracks such as When The Axe Falls and Dear Mrs Budd.

The music does become more Alternative with hazy progressive and distant grooves allowing the vocals being slightly inspired by System Of A Down and TOOL. This may sound too experimental for some but I implore you to stay for the whole musical journey. As Dust Prophet is only getting started on these tracks. 

Tracks such as Song 4, The High Capital, Hourglass and Bury Me Before Noon sees Dust Prophet bring more emphasis on melodic sounds that move into Post-Doom, Post-Rock or Post-Whatever gloomy creative splendour. The mood remains highly volatile with Dust Prophet opting for blunt force tactics when the heavy guitars appear and intense drumming becoming a more demonic presence before the album is out. Though, the album does become more calmer when the 70s Prog Rock inspired Instrumental moments appear on the later sections of the album.

Otto Kinzel puts in a spellbinding vocal performance here by blending the showmanship of Maynard James Keenan and Serj Tankian real life wisdom whilst essentially doing his own thing. 

There is a lot to digest with One Last Look Upon The Sky and it's going to take listeners more than a few spins to understand all of the bleak themes and creative ideas of the album. The music is always addictive, brilliantly heavy and superbly engaging to entice folks back for more musical adventures with Dust Prophet.

Dust Prophet are a uniquely different band from the Doom/Stoner Metal Underground scene and that makes them such an exciting band to fully listen to on this album. The album benefits from a solid DIY based approach with the record having quite a solitary and distorted feel. Helped along by superb production values.

One Last Look Upon The Sky is a thought provoking and superbly entertaining album that offers a different style of Doom/Stoner Metal to really get excited about.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to C Squared Music for the promo. 

One Last Look Upon The Sky will be available to buy on CD/DD from January 27th 2023.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter

An Interview With Otto Kinzel From DUST PROPHET To Discuss Their New Album ONE LAST LOOK UPON THE SKY

2023 is almost upon us and today's guests DUST PROPHET will be releasing one of the first and essential Doom/Stoner Metal albums to listen and fully own with their debut album One Last Look Upon The Sky. 

A gothic tinged trip into the murkier sides of the WEEDIAN atmosphere. Progressive with a DARK TWIST that packed full of highly original and organic Stoner based grooves.

I caught up with Otto Kinzel (Guitars/Vocals) from the band where we discussed the making of the album, formation of the band and the struggles they went through just to release this outstanding album.

So Read On For More Info....

Hi there. How’s it going? Thanks for doing the interview.

Thank you for having me! I’m very appreciative of the opportunity.

For folks not in the know, can you give a brief history of the band and where it is today?

We are based in Manchester, NH (Manch-Vegas as the locals like to refer to it). Sarah Wappler (bass/keyboards) & I started Dust Prophet in 2018 but it took a little while to get everything going. It wasn’t until COVID lockdown that we found Tyler MacPherson (drums) and finally got some momentum. Once Tyler was on board, we had a consistent line-up and started writing & recording. As of today, we have released several singles & are gearing up for the release of our debut album, One Last Look Upon the Sky, which will be January 27th, 2023.

How would you describe your music in your own words?

We play Stoner/Doom Metal but have a big psychedelic/progressive rock influence that we try to let fly whenever possible. We all love “riff” focused music, and Sarah is our in-house Queen of the Riff, as she writes a huge chunk of the music. We’re equal parts inspired by Clutch, Acid King and Kyuss as we are Opeth and All Them Witches.

Why did you call the band - Dust Prophet? Any specific meaning?

We just thought it was a cool name ha ha. We wanted to find a name that conjured a specific image related to the genre of Stoner/Doom Metal. We had a few preliminary ideas that eventually evolved into Dust Prophet.

We’re here to talk about your upcoming new album One Last Look Upon the Sky. What can people expect for this album?

First off, hopefully people don’t think it sucks! We have a lot of longer songs, in the 7,8 and even 9-minute range. So, a lot of epic compositions that we hope will take the listener on a hypnotic journey. We want the album to be something you can put on and go track by track with a specific ebb & flow.

What is the record all about and why did you call the album that?

The title of the album is taken from one of the lyrics I wrote, in our single Hourglass. Sarah pointed it out and we all liked the idea behind it, and the imagery it inspired.

What were the recording sessions like for the new album? Was this a hard album to write and record for?

I wouldn’t say it was hard but it was challenging…but in a good way! We wanted to layer lots of drums with additional percussion; guitars with organ and synth. We wanted to create an album that would be ideal for headphone listening & give the listener a real mind f*ck, with lots of melodies and even noise. The goal was lots of dynamics within each song.

I read within the PR Notes that this album took you 4 years to make when you were beset by roadblocks along the way. Was this a troubling process for you all and would you change anything about the whole experience about making this album?

There were times where we didn’t think the music would ever be released, and times Sarah and I thought we should just give up and try a different genre or band altogether. We were on the verge of doing that until we found Tyler. He injected new life into the band and gave us our mojo back. Once we had him on board, we focused on moving forward 100% but between previous members quitting abruptly, family struggles with health issues, Covid, and the day-to-day challenges of having a working career outside of music with all of us having families of our own, there were days where we felt like it was never going to happen. But yes, it was all worth it. Because if we hadn’t been through those challenges, I don’t think the three of us would’ve appreciated where we are today.

I love your new album and I admire how the album can be quite gothic and apocalyptic in places which isn’t surprising since you're including a wealth of different gothic writers and even biblical references within your lyrics but still being a proper WEEDIAN based album. Was that an easy decision to make to include themes such as those within your music?

Good question. For me, when it comes to the lyrical subjects it was a natural fit. I take inspiration from so many places, as you mentioned. The things I find interesting I just put to paper and work into the music. Sometimes I have to check with Tyler & Sarah to make sure they’re comfortable with some of the subject matter but so far so good

What is the creative process or setup within the band? Do you all write the music together or do certain people within the band do that?

Typically, one or two of us will have some riffs pre-written and will “bring them” so to speak to the rest of the band. Sarah is a huge part of the writing process and she is responsible for writing probably 90% of the riffs on the album. She will bring a riff to practice, and she might have some additional parts and/or changes. We will jam on it and all three of us will craft and form those parts into a complete song. Although while 1 individual might be the source of the song writing, all 3 of us are involved when it comes to the completed version as its recorded. For the lyrics however, those are all me. I write all of the lyrics.

Who influenced you all musically for the new album?

We all have very different influences, and at the same time we all have similar influences. Sarah is hugely influenced by Frank Zappa and Prog-Rock for example; Tyler is influenced by NIN, Tool and other 90’s artists; I’m influenced by Ministry and lots of Industrial-Metal. But we all love Clutch and The Sword; We all like Rush. So, there’s all these different aspects that go into how we as individuals write and perform, yet also these OTHER influences that tie us all together. I hope that comes across in the music.

I love the different vocal styles on the album. Quite experimental in places. Was it challenging recording the different vocals on this album or did it all come naturally.

Thank you! And the majority of it comes naturally to me. But having said that, it was a challenge because I’m always trying to push myself. I want to always present different styles and voices for each song. Most of them I worked out in practice before tracking, but once I’m in the studio and have the chance to multi-track it gets my creative wheels going. I love coming up with different layers. Its something I’m pushing to experiment with even more on the new music we’re writing. As we develop musically as a band, I want the vocal layering & experimenting to develop as well.

Who designed the excellent artwork for the new album?

The one and only Mirko Masala! They’re an artist based in Germany and we LOVE their work. You can see more of what Mirko does at www.behance.net/mirkowgastow

Who is releasing the album and what formats it’s being released on?

We are releasing the album ourselves. It will be available in digital and physical format through our Bandcamp page. For physical product we will have CDs and will also be getting the album pressed on Vinyl, for the summer time. WE also are working on a potential distribution deal with a well-known indie label in the Stoner/Doom genre, but I’m not at liberty to elaborate on that at the moment.

How did you get involved with music? Was it a particular album, group or artist that made you want to write and play your own music?

I started playing guitar around the age of 12. It was when Nevermind was released, and I fell in love with Nirvana. That was the album that made me want to learn the instrument. A few years later I got into heavier bands & discovered industrial music. I love bands like Ministry and KMFDM and that pushed me to learn more about drum machines, sequencers and studio engineering. I just kept going deeper down the rabbit hole as I got into more types of metal and different underground artists. In many ways I still feel like that 12-year-old kid who thinks the sky is the limit when it comes to be creative and finding new influences.

What is the current state of the Manchester, New Hampshire Rock/Metal scene? Do you perform gigs on a regular basis and do you have a local scene that you're actively involved with?

Its slowly coming back to what it was in the mid-2000s. We used to have lots of venues that catered to live music, and in particular heavier bands. Over the last 10 years various venues have either shutdown, or decided to no longer book heavier bands (and some no longer book any bands at all, regardless of genre). And Covid contributed to the demise of several of these venues. But in the last year there have been more and more new venues popping up that are really supporting live music, so that’s been fun to see. There’s a LONG way to go but it’s heading in the right direction.

Will you be touring this album heavily in the future? If so, any plans you can share with us at this moment in time?

Oh yes! We plan on playing out a ton to support this album. We already have several shows for the early part of 2023 booked, and we’ve been confirmed to return to Maryland in June for the 2023 Maryland Doom Festival. There will be a lot more stuff getting booked as we continue to fill our 2023 schedule

Thanks for doing this interview. Before you go, do you have anything to say to your fans currently out there?

Thank you for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. We hope you enjoy the album and hope to see you at a show in 2023. Hopefully, it doesn’t suck lol

Words by Steve Howe and Otto Kinzel

Thanks to Curtis at C Squared Music for arranging the interview.

One Last Look Upon The Sky will be available to buy on CD/DD from January 27th 2023 with a Vinyl Release scheduled for next year.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram | Twitter