DEMONSMOKE, formed in early 2015, hails from
the slums of the Delta, Antioch CA. Playing their own style of down-tuned
heavy blues riffs with punishing rhythms, and aggressive vocals, the band wear their influences on their sleeves, with hints of EYEHATEGOD, Weedeater, Graves at Sea,
and Iron Monkey found within their bulldozing
doom tones
DEMONSMOKE’s debut full length album, “Morphine Moonshine”, is out May
2nd and was recorded/mixed/mastered by none other than Brainoil
lynchpin Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios in
Oakland, CA. With this man’s stamp on the record, you know you’re guaranteed quality
and this debut is no different. So we couldn’t
be more delighted to be debuting this filthy bastard into your ear canals, in conjunction
with our friends over at Doomed & Stoned.
To
get the low down about the band, I fired six pointless questions in their
decision and here is what they have to say.
“Morphone Moonshine” can be streamed below and the interview follows directly after. And remember in a battle of sludge versus evil, The Sludgelord wins.
Can you give us an insight into how you started playing music, leading up to the formation of Demonsmoke
Vinny (guitar): Listening bands like Black Sabbath
Iron Maiden Judas Priest and other classic bands wanting to know how they make
such great riffs
Cam (vocals): Just grew up appreciating heavy music,
taking more influence and wanted to be apart of the music myself, play what I
wanted to hear
Mitch (drums): Self taught drummer, learned how to
play hanging out with friends, partying with music equipment. My
drums were a gift from a friend
Boug (bass): Been an addict of music my entire
life..focusing on heavy music since I first heard montrose. I had to be a part
of making that music
Although you are set to release “Morphine Moonshine” for folks unfamiliar
with your band, is there any
bands on the scene past and present that you would use as a reference point
band to describe your band, and who or what continues to inspire you and push
you to try new things?
Vinny (guitar): EYEHATEGOD, IRON MONKEY, WEEDEATER, BONGZILLA,
BUZZOV.EN, GRAVES AT SEA, BRAINOIL. I can make a list that goes
forever
Cam (vocals): Sabbath, Sleep, Weedeater, Dopethrone, just
love that sinister sound
Mitch (drums): Sleep, Bongzilla, YOB, Bison, Mastodon, Sabbath,
Baroness, EHG, Neurosis, Weed eater, Black Cobra
Boug (bass): Eyehategod, Iron monkey, Warhorse, DEMONSMOKE
What can you tell us about your upcoming record and where do you feel it sits
within the context of current metal scene
Vinny (guitar): I think it's a very niche
genre some people dig it some people don't I just like playing the music that I
would want to hear
Cam (vocals): Loud, dirty fun metal, not for
everyone all the time, but I think people will appreciate the intensity and feel
something.
Mitch (drums): We play what we want to listen to
ourselves. The record is a gritty, groovy, and extreme showing of our
disgust for the greed and wasteful nature of our existence
Boug (bass): Very proud of it. Everybody worked
their asses off for it. Very riff heavy, mean vocals, aggressive groove. Hard
to tell where we sit, I think we sound like Demonsmoke
Does
anything spring to mind when you think about the completion of your upcoming
record and how is the mood in the camp at present?
Vinny (guitar): Fucking
juiced!
Cam (vocals): Fucking
stoked, things have really come together and we can't wait to see how these
coming months go
Mitch (drums): Excited as
fuck to finally get it out there, been two years in the making! We are
all ready for the future and stoked on all the opportunities out there!
Boug (bass): Fucking
stoked!
What stands out as your overarching memory from
the recording sessions? How was the experience of working with Greg. I must say I fucking love Brainoil and the
dude seems to know his shit
Vinny (guitar): The man
is a straight-up professional an all-around good fucking dude to kick it with
and extremely knowledgeable. I've been a fan of Brainoil since the early two thousands and seen
them play burnt Ramen and other spots many times and they were a huge influence.
The fact that he dug our demo and wanted to record us was fuckin awesome
Cam (vocals): Greg is a
master of his craft for sure, the sessions were fun and he really gave us a lot
of great insight and advice
Mitch (drums): Greg is a
goddamn Doom Wizard! He's knowledgeable as fuck about all things music,
and what's going on in this fucked up world we live in. The drum room was
huge, and he made sure to get the biggest sound out of my kit. He's a
down to earth dude who knows his shit!
Boug (bass): His
knowledge and the fact that he is a straight up solid dude. I was totally
blown away that he offered to take us under his wing and help us go above and
beyond our expectations. I've loved his body of work for years. So working with
him was very cool.
With a solid gold album
in the bag, how is your schedule shaping up over the next 12
months?
Vinny (guitar): Book us
and we will come
Cam (vocals): We just
hope to get out and promote it as much as possible; it’s all about having a
good time and bonding with cool people through music. Lots of support from
friends
Mitch (drums): We have a
couple shows booked and a radio spot, but that's it. May 10 @
Hemlock Tavern in SF, and June 15 @ Winters in Pacifica. We are
totally open for booking, and always down to play a show. Hit us up!
Boug (bass): We're all
hoping..busy as hell
Finally, do you have any final comments/word of wisdom you’d like to bestow
upon us?
Vinny
(guitar): In a world of shit flush it down with some alcohol
Cam
(vocals): This world is fucked up but if you can focus on what makes you happy
then at least your time is worth something
Mitch
(drums): Do what you love, and don't focus on all the negative around
you. Question and resist the bullshit we all get fed and are told to
accept as fact. Every generation needs a revolution. Fuck
Trump! WEED>BEER
Boug
(bass): Thanks for the coverage. It's much appreciated
