Doomed Confessionary: Matt Werner & Bryan Johnson (Our Earth Is A Tomb)
Photos by Greg Johnson
Our Earth Is A Tomb is a blackened doom/noise/industrial trio hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Established in 2019, Our Earth Is A Tomb consists of Matt Werner (guitars, vocals), Bryan Johnson (guitars) and Mike Ford (drums).
The band released their new full-length album »Flowers Of Faith // Dregs Of Black« on June 13th, 2025. Available now on all major streaming platforms.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We formed in 2019 and have 2 LPs and an EP, as well as a couple covers we have released in the last 6 years. We recently released our latest LP, »Flowers Of Faith // Dregs Of Black« which sees our band taking a turn for the heavier.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Balancing full time jobs, families, and finding time to write and record. Our latest LP has been a long time in the making.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our newest album »Flowers Of Faith // Dregs Of Black«. We went to great lengths to achieve the vision we had for it. We continue to find joy in writing/recording and do all of our recording/art ourselves so we are proud of doing everything in house.
What was your biggest regret?
While not a regret, the timing of the pandemic very much stifled our band in its beginning stages. While Covid and other barriers led to our band being dormant for quite some time, in the end it allowed us to evolve into what we have released in »Flowers Of Faith // Dregs Of Black«.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have not toured with OEIAT as of yet. We played our first show the night before Covid shut everything down in 2020. With this latest release, we are finally rehearsing for more shows – and hopefully no more pandemics.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Nothing we can make note of at this stage of the band. As we become more active again perhaps we will run into new surprises along the way.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Thou, Cult Leader, Portrayal Of Guilt.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I believe Joshua Homme said it best. “If you’re expecting anything from music, you’re expecting too much.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
We would be remiss not to mention our poor spending habits as it relates to collecting musical equipment to achieve our vision.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Chicago?
Chicago has a history of great heavy music being created here. Maybe it has something to do with our brutal winters. We hope to soon be playing with the list of great Chicago bands.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nothing booked yet but will be playing in the Chicago-land area come late 2025.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
In the immediate future we are rehearsing to prepare for shows and working on merch to support the release of our new record. Ongoing we will continue to write and play based upon whatever is inspiring us. Music is an excellent distraction from the burdens of everyday life.
How can people best support your band?
Through Bandcamp, sharing/reviewing our new album »Flowers Of Faith // Dregs Of Black«, and (eventually) coming to our shows.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Appreciate anyone listening. Keep it heavy.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well