DOOM METAL- Heavy, melodic, with variety and power...
Hailing from the city of Richmond, Virginia, the hometown of Edgar Allen Poe, Withersoul is the latest addition to the rich tapestry of doom metal. Unlike most bands within this genre, they are forging their own sound and looking towards the future, not the past. Their sound is an eclectic mix of the classic and current doom metal stylings, both musical & vocal diversity, and not to mention a sinister affinity for creating an oppressive drowning atmosphere that consumes everything in its path. The influences of this band range from My Dying Bride, Samael, Garden of Shadows, early Theater of Tragedy, and Candlemass to more esoteric influences like post-punk icons Killing Joke, My Bloody Valentine, and Joy Division. Throw all those bands into a blender, puree at slow speeds, serve at massively loud volumes, and you have beginning of what is Withersoul.
The foundation of this band started in early 2000, when Nathan (guitars) and William (bass) had been espousing to each other incessantly about their undying love for obscure world of doom metal. Even though, at the time, both musicians at the time were in non-doom metal bands themselves (Atromorta & From Within/Reflux respectively). It wasn’t until 2002 when both schedules for the musicians were free and clear, did the creation of Withersoul finally take place. Rough instrumental demo tapes were sent around for musicians to hear. Because of these demos, kindred doomed souls Jeremy Shepard & Laura Jones (vocals) joined the band quickly.
The band gathered a great buzz off of Mp3.com and Iuma.com, with the completed home eight-track recordings of “Forever, I Will Burn” and “Now Yours” in which both ranked highly on the metal charts for both sites. Riding off of the success of the home recordings, the band decided to go into the studio in separate sessions at the end of January and February of 2004 to record their first studio demo with Corey Smoot (who is Flattus Maximus of GWAR) at his Karma Studios in Richmond, Virginia. Not only did he record the band, but Corey also leant his shredding soloing lead guitar skills to the song “Forever, I Will Burn.” The demo was put on Soundclick.com where it has been a mainstay within the top 20 on the Gothic and Heavy Metal charts. The band has also released the demo in a hand-numbered cd-r release, with plans heading back into the studio soon early 2005.
Initially just a studio band, the band has added Brett Garner (drums) and Jeremy Yeatts (lead guitar) of local Richmond band, Autumn Grey to complete the lineup. Now armed with full lineup of dedicated musicians, Withersoul are now mercilessly reeking pure doom mayhem amongst the unwitting masses with their sonic oppression at live shows all along the East Coast.
And there will be no survivors
Doom has never been in great demand in America, so road-time is greatly limited for any band in this style. However, that doesn't prevent us from getting out there and unleash some savage doom upon the unwitting masses. We love playing live..
Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Killing Joke, Anathema, Septic Flesh, Dawn of Winter, Thergothon, Pentagram, Garden of Shadows, Lacuna Coil, Theater of Tragedy (old), Katatonia, Rotting Christ (old), My Dying Bride, Soilwork, Saint Vitus, Khanate, Rain Fell Within, Sunn o))), Skepticism, Opeth, the Obsessed, Paradise Lost (old), Blue Cheer, Celtic Frost, etc.