Doomed Confessionary: Juhyun (Varim)
Varim is a four-piece stoner rock/doom metal band from Seoul, South Korea.
Seoul-based multicultural band was formed in 2020 and performs music that encompasses elements of fuzz, stoner rock, doom metal, sludge, psychedelic and classic heavy rock.
Varim are Ju Hyeon Yoon (bass, vocals), Christopher Bubp (guitar, vocals), Jose Kim (guitar) and Barend Harris (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We provide sludge sounds and doom lyrics for stoners and headbangers.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
In a country that values speed and efficiency (even music!), playing slow music was a big challenge.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Starting a band!
What was your biggest regret?
Starting a band! (Seriously)
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Queens Of The Stone Age, live in Osaka 2024. It was perfect in every way. When I shouted “I love you, Josh” to Josh in the middle of the show, he responded “I love you too baby.” Everyone cheered.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Price list of new guitar and bass!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I don’t listen to heavy music these days. I listen to Charles Bradley a lot these days.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t think about becoming a touring musician!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Eating Korean-style chicken. Definitely Korean-style seasoned chicken!
Can you say something more about current music scene in Korea?
I live in Seoul, Korea. As expected from a country that’s “fast, fast,” there are a lot of metalcore musicians. It’s hard to find musicians with mid-tempo and long-winded music like us. Doom metal, stoner rock musicians are even harder to find.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Seoul! And I’m planning on other cities in Korea. I think it’ll be decided when the first album comes out. And I’m also considering a tour in Japan and China.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
I want to release up to the trilogy album that I’ve envisioned. I’ve finished demos for the next Varim’s album.
How can people best support your band?
Buy a T-shirt, listen to my music a lot, and recommend it to people around you.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Look forward to Varim’s first full-length album!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well