Doomed Confessionary: Wes, Vaughn & Devyn (Beyond The Portal)
Beyond The Portal is a psychedelic neo sludge metal band from Gastonia, North Carolina. The band was formed as a side project by Evilleaf’s “EvilTheWes” McCumbee on guitar/rig of doom and harsh vocals. Joined by Digital Dolls frontman Vaughn Hughes on lead guitar and clean vocals. Rounding out the trio we have multi-instrumentalist Devyn Dayton on drums.
The bands main influences are Domkraft, Sleep, Spaceslug, Monolord, Oрeth, Deftones, Pallbearer, and Mastodon to name a few. Their brand of music blends slow sludgy down-tuned fuzzed out guitars over big tribal drums. Fused with spacey psychedelic overtone leads, melded with a wailing of vocals and death growls.
Beyond The Portal will independently release their debut album »Genetically Engineered«, via Vaughn and Evilthewes’ indie label Babylonian Records spring 2025. The singles »Plan 9 For Planet 9« and »Origins Of Man« can be found on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We don’t just play heavy music we conjure it. We wanna speak to your subconscious!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Getting our debut album »Genetically Engineered« completely recorded and ready for release on October 3rd, 2025!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Creating music together as a band and having Fun while doing it.
What was your biggest regret?
Not pushing the record button on some of our jam sessions!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
March 30th, 2025 at The Milestone Club Charlotte, NC with Kalgon, Black Diamond Empress, and Stormwatchers. This was our very first time Headlining plus we had 3 epic mosh pits breakout too!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
We got our OG drummer back to join the band in time for our debut album!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Wes: Somali Yacht Club, And I Become Death.
Devyn: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dopelord.
Vaughn: Weight Shift, Domkfraft.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Wes: Stay original do not follow trends and gimmicks create honest music!
Vaughn: Trust your gut and follow your instincts.
Devyn: Just create even if you feel it’s bad just create cause creating is the reward!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Wes: Rocking out and singing to The B52s.
Vaughn: Doing yard work and landscaping for the enjoyment of the transformation.
Devyn: SpongeBob, and nature documentaries.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in North Carolina?
The doom scene in Charlotte metro area is growing rapidly! Punk and hardcore/death metal bands are still the more popular in the local scene! But don’t sleep on doom and sludge cause it’s growing fast in the Charlotte metro area!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We start our regional journey on July 25th at Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC and end in our hometown of Gastonia, NC at the Rooster!
Complete tour schedule:
Jul 25th Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC
Aug 1st Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC
Aug 3rd The Den Winston-Salem, NC
Aug 8th The Odd Asheville, NC
Aug 29th Ground Zero Spartanburg, SC
Aug 31st Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
Sep 12th Tommys Pub Charlotte, NC
Oct 4th Hightowerfest 3 Gastonia, NC
Nov 15th The Heavy South – Vol: 1 Peidmont, SC
Nov 22nd The Rooster Gastonia, NC
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Write our follow up release and get signed to a label specific to our genre like Black Doomba Records or Electric Valley Records!
How can people best support your band?
U can listen to all our music on all major streaming platforms furthermore u can buy merch and support us directly at our website beyondtheportal.org.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Think For Yourself and Question Everything!!!!
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well