Doomed Confessionary: Bael (Shi)
Shi is a doom ‘n’ roll quartet hailing from Louisville, Kentucky. The band consists of Tyler (drums), Jayce (guitar), Zach (bass) and Bael (guitar, vocals).
Shi just released their third full-length album »Pure Disgust« on November 15th, 2024. Recorded and mixed by Dave Chale at DeadBird Studios. Mastered by Jason Groves at Sneak Attack Recording Co. Cover art by Nathan Pietrykowski.
Fans of Church Of Misery, Weedeater, Leather Lung and the like, pay heed.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a Deep Fried Doom N’ Roll™ band from Louisville, KY! When our coworkers ask us to describe ourselves, we usually just go with “Black Sabbath but madder, or sad Thin Lizzy”. 2025 marks 10 years as a band, which I don’t think any of us thought would be a milestone we’d hit. Feels very cool to have been a unit this long.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Balance – all of us have lives outside the band, as well as other musical projects we are involved in. Moving eggs from one basket to another, blocking out time and energy (both emotional and physical) definitely is something we all have to be constantly mindful of.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We recently were asked to open up for High On Fire and Weedeater on their stop here in town for that tour; what an incredibly humbling experience to be considered for that slot. We got to see a ton of our friends at that show, and play for a slew of new faces. Being able to open for two bands who directly have influenced us was such an honor. Will remain a cherished memory!
What was your biggest regret?
Weirdly enough, sticking with our name (Shi) when we were working on the first album in 2019; unsurprisingly, the SEO for Shi is not particularly strong. We discussed changing the name as we were getting ready to release Depressive Suicidal Stoner Doom, but ended up opting to maintain what momentum we’d built to that point with the name. I like the name, I don’t like how hard it is for folks to find us in search systems.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Aside from the aforementioned High On Fire/Weedeater show, any of our 3 album release shows have been beyond our hopes and aspirations. We are so fortunate to have made the fans and friends we have in Louisville, and they have shown out for the album releases to make those nights particularly special celebrations. Mag Bar has been such a gracious host to us since day one as well.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Watching various scenes rise and fade, shift and blend, and seeing how time never ceases to move forward.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Faerie Ring – »Weary Traveller«; Howling Giant – »Glass Future«; Dua Lipa – »Radical Optimism«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The studio is the most expensive practice space.
What are your guilty pleasures?
It’s a bit of a cliche to say, but the idea of a “guilty” pleasure is kinda a bummer; we should all like what we like, right? That said, the thing(s) I’m given the most grief from friends for liking would easily be Good ‘n Plenty (the candy), Necco Wafers (also candy), and the first KISS album. I’m basically a 63 year old man trapped in a 36 year old body.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Louisville / Kentucky?
Louisville, and KY in general, has such a fantastic pool of bands. In our particular scene we can’t help but mention our friends in Blind Scryer, Crop, Swamp Hawk, Stormtoker, Deady, Shitfire, and so many more. Outside that pool of direct homie-ship there’s definitely been a S U R G E of hardcore and death metal influenced hardcore that’s on the rise (see bands like Gates to Hell, Surfaced, etc.). The younger crowds are getting more and more involved in their scenes too, which is really cool. It absolutely reminds me of being 16 and going to shows at the VFW shelterhouse on the north end of the town in Southern Indiana I grew up. An absolutely formative experience I’m glad is still being carried out.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re working on finalizing details/dates/etc but we’ve got some Spring regional dates in the surrounding areas of Louisville.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Rock and roll until we don’t.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Speaking for myself I’m going to stay home under a blanket if I can help it!
How can people best support your band?
Share share share share, add our tracks to playlists, come out to shows if we are in your area, and once again share!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you, from the depths of the void where a human heart once beat, for spending any amount of time listening to our band, and thank you for reading this!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well