The Gates of Slumber
Morbid and moribund Doom Metal, created by a troglodyte mind, bent on crushing the feeble hippy and goth plague that hath infested the Doom Metal scene!
Influenced by Saint Vitus, Celtic Frost, Revelation, Blood Farmers and the ilk.
"Fookin' unleash de Fiory!"
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The Gates of Slumber
Founded in the early winter of 1998, The Gates of Slumber is the brainchild of Guitarist/Vocalist Karl Simon. Started as a backlash against the stoner rock trend prevalent at the time, The Gates of Slumber's mission was to drown those would-be usurpers in their own gore.
The early days of The Gates of Slumber were full of disappointment and frustration. Line ups fluctuated from month to month. In the Spring of 2000 with the help of Jamie Walters (Boulder/Midnight/Abdullah) The first demo was produced. "Blood Encrusted Deth Axe" the ultra-cult demo featured Walters on drums and a shadowy figure known only as Dr. Phibes on the bass. Due to other commitments Phibes could not commit to the band at that time, and the line up fell apart: the demo still remains shelved to this day. After this setback, the band lapsed into dormancy.
Then in the Summer of 2002, the band finally had a full line up - featuring Chris Gordon, a local club musician on the drums and Brad Elliot on the bass guitar the band launched a frenzied practice schedule and in the winter entered Castle Esterlein studios to record a two song demo CD. The demo featured the songs: "The Judge" b/w "Stitched Back From Death" was warmly received by the doom metal underground. The band managed to take the stage for the first time on St. Valentines day 2003. Shortly after this line up problems developed and on the eve of performing at the first Born Too Late Fest in Rochester NY, drummer Chris Gordon departed. Karl's long time friend Chuck Brown stepped in on the drums and in a few short weeks managed to make the band several degrees tighter. The bands appearance at Born Too Late was a display of strength that further caught the attention of the doom scene... sadly a few months later after providing local support for the Doomination tour bassist Brad Elliot departed the band.
Enter Jason McCash, another long time friend of both Karl and Chuck, took up the bass and again, the band moved from strength to strength.
UPDATE: The Gates of Slumber have finished their debut record for Belgium's Final Chapter Records... and are working on songs for a split with fellow doom fiends Orodruin, due out in the winter. The debut is available at finalchapter.net or through the band for:
$15 US post paid. contact slumberingsouls@yahoo.co.uk for further information!
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, anywhere with booze.
Your musical influences
Saint Vitus, Celtic Frost, Revelation, Blood Farmers, Black Sabbath, The Obsessed, Candlemass, Warning.
What equipment do you use?
Gibson Guitars, Fender Basses, Noble and Cooley Drums, Laney & Ampeg Amps, Marshall Cabs, Ampeg Cabs.
Anything else?
support True Doom Metal, Slay the weak.
