Doomed Confessionary: Al Mancrief (Dead Monarchs)
Veterans of the UK & European underground DIY music scene, Dead Monarchs began writing music together in 2020 in Leeds. Crafting a truly unique brand of metal, the band take firm influence from 70s and 80s rock, heavy metal, hardcore punk, stoner, doom and prog to create a mix of infectious melody and groove, laden with crushing riffs, mouth watering hooks and ravenous aggression. Now four years from their inception, Dead Monarchs look to forge an almighty impact upon the world of rock following the release of their debut album »Titan«, out on July 5th, 2024.
Dead Monarchs are: Al Mancrief (vocals, bass), Kevin McGonnell (drums), Adam Marshall (guitar) and Will Grinder (guitar).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Dead Monarchs; a diverse demographic of four middle aged white dudes from the north of England. We came together in Leeds a few years ago in order to play some righteous sludgy, stoner punk rock and roll noise. We’ve just unleashed our self-released debut album »Titan« upon the world, which we wrote, produced and recorded all on our own too (although we did have some help from the lovely Jason “the lord of creme eggs and massive brews” Sanderson on the mastering). If you’re reading this I strongly suggest you check it out, for all of our sakes.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Writing and recording all twelve songs on our own and it actually coming out pretty good… I think it nearly sent our drummer Kev, who was behind the desk the whole time, insane however! Fortunately he’s still in the band and on the mend. Next time, we might record something shorter!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Bit of a running theme here, but the success of the album and the reception it has received in the lest few weeks, such as making it into the top 25 in the Doom Charts for July. Not bad for a bit of DIY I think. We didn’t really set out with much expectation for the release, so the support and feedback we’ve had has been amazing.
What was your biggest regret?
Some days it’s waking up.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We played our #TITANAlbumParty a couple of weeks ago. It was hot and sweaty and great to see so many friends and family all joining in. I also managed to host a secret award ceremony mid set which was pretty hilario.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’ve not released an album with a band for about ten years, taking a bit of a temporary backseat with band life until recently, so it’s been quite a surprise to see how the scene and quite particularly the underground music industry has changed so much in that time, partly thanks to the continuing evolution of digital and social media. Also there are awesome bands and riffs everywhere you look these days which is wicked.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Solid question and thanks for asking. Recently I’ve been re-visiting some Kylesa and Annihilation Time albums, particularly »Annihilation Time III«. I’ve also been rinsing Thrones by Deathchant since it came out and the new Danava album »Nothing But Nothing«. Also UK wise, how good is that new Barbarian Hermit album?! Take us on tour please, haha!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t mumble into the microphone between songs, many years ago.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I’ve currently been binging this spy TV program called “Burn Notice”. It’s pretty corny but Bruce Campbell is in every episode playing a character called “Sam Axe” so it pays off every time the chin appears.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Bradford / West Yorkshire?
I call Bradford in Yorkshire my home. It’s absolutely rife with awesome riffage; Wolves In Winter, Iron Rat, Psychlona and Son Of Boar to name a few bands. There’s a great venue here called The Underground that puts on a lot of metal gigs and it’s such a great place to play and watch bands and the staff and atmosphere is awesome. It’s also home to the almighty 1in12 club, one of the birthplaces of crust and a world famous anarcho-punk venue since the 80’s; solidarity!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Next gig is on August 17th at Boom in Leeds with Black Sabbitch. Visit our socials for more dates incoming soon…
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’ve just released an album (did I mention?) so naturally we’re now focussed on writing some even better songs to record. Were also planning more shows (where people will have us), including a short trip to Europe next year which is in pipeline.
How can people best support your band?
Listen to our songs online, like/follow/subscribe to our socials, leave us loving comments, come to our gigs and bring us flowers, convince your friend with the fancy record label to release our next record!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Be kind. Reject hate. Be excellent to each other and party on.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well