Doomed Confessionary: Alana, Mat, Mel & Tom (Crowgod)
Photos by Libby Malandrone
Crowgod are a progressive sludge metal band from Brighton, UK. With their first full-length album on the way they are already bringing in a loyal and enthusiastic crowd. Bringing a unique twist to each gig they move the crowd with their enchanting grooves, gnarly riffs and dark spiritual lyrics, moving from crooning haunting clean harmony to a bellowing heavier style.
Having performed across the UK with their bewitching performances and with their majestic New Blood Stage performance at Bloodstock 2024, Crowgod are a show to behold and lose yourself in.
Crowgod are Alana Rose Martin (vocals), Mateusz Gluszniewski (guitars), Mellisa Dylan (bass) and Tom Hyatt (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
When the demons come a callin’ to juice the strawberries of your mind, that sweet melody you hear is what the spirits call Crowgod.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I don’t know that we have any challenge that lives in the past for us. Anything that was, is, and is something we continually have to face head on. Communication, management, money. All the stuff no one wants to have to deal with because all we really want to do is make and perform our art.
What can you be most proud of so far?
That question might be answered differently depending on who in the band you ask. Overall, I think we’re proud of making it through Metal 2 The Masses on our first debut there, and playing Bloodstock this year. Additionally, each of us coming into our own as a confident performer and being received well not just by audiences, but by our peers and the people we look up to in the scene means a great deal to us.
What was your biggest regret?
None. Regret isn’t part of the Crowgod lore. Everything is a learning experience.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Apart from Bloodstock, some of our home gigs this year have really popped off and those are always so fun to play. People are starting to sing our lyrics and shout out songs they wanna hear. It’s crazy. More recently, we had our first London headline gig at The Dev in Camden and the pits were outrageous. That’s what we like to see. Vibe hard! We also had so much fun on our first lil’ 3 day tour back in June and it’s gotten us all riled up to hit the road again in November to bring some chaos to York, Edinburgh & Manchester.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
A constant surprise is how small the scene overall really is, even when you’re looking at it internationally. It’s kinda beautiful when you think about it.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Mastodon, Korn, Deftones, Architects, Portrayal Of Guilt, Gojira, Kylesa, Loathe, Unpeople, Chat Pile, Rezn, and Elder.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Mel: “To believe that I am one.”
Mat: “As a fresh band you need a live video.”
Alana: “Never really been given much advice but always followed the lame ass moto of never stop believing or giving up on yourself.”
Tom: “Never settle for mediocrity. Even if it means scrapping something you’ve worked on for a while.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
We don’t really believe in guilty pleasures. Life’s harsh. Enjoy as much as you can.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Brighton?
What can we say? The GOAT. So many great people and so much enthusiasm for the craft. Music lovers abound, the city and the scene thrive. There’s a lot of love that goes around the metal bands, promoters, fans, and from crossover with other scenes like punk and hardcore.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Brighton, Eastbourne, Manchester, York, and Edinburgh. Feb next year we’ll be back in London, going down Bournemouth way, and returning to Kent.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Immediately, it’s taking our time to finish our debut album off right and release it in spring. We’ve got some music video plans in the works as well. Greater goals for us would definitely be to get on the bills for the festivals we love – Arctangent & Desertfest, namely, but we’d also love to go back to Bloodstock. So fingers crossed for 2025/2026!
How can people best support your band?
Come to our shows and experience Crowgod live! Have fun with us then buy a t-shirt 😀 You can also buy our singles on Bandcamp at crowgod.bandcamp.com.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Tune low, stay crow.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well