Doomed Confessionary: Ben Astbury (Ghostsmoker)
Ghostsmoker is a four-piece blackened doom/sludge metal band hailing from Melbourne, Australia. Formed in 2021, Ghostsmoker consists of Nathan Brunning on vocals, Ben Astbury on guitar, Rhys Brennan on bass and Brayden Becher on drums.
The band will release their debut album »Inertia Cult« on March 21st, 2025 via Art As Catharsis. Following their 2022 EP »Grief«, »Inertia Cult« represents an evolution for Melbourne’s Ghostsmoker. Their newly refined, collaborative approach to recording has allowed the band to hammer out powerful riffs, tighter song structures and further experiment with mood and atmospherics.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a blackened sludge/doom band from Melbourne, Australia. We’ve been together since 2021, and in that time we’ve released one EP (»Grief«), and are about to release our first full-length album, »Inertia Cult« via Art As Catharsis Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our drummer, Brayden, lost his father unexpectedly during the recording of our album. It was gut wrenching and tragic, but we did our best to support our friend when he needed us. Grief like that never truly ends, but I’m so proud of Brayden and how strong he’s been since that day. He’s a young guy, but he’s wise beyond his years. I didn’t know Brayden’s dad, but I can see what a great person he must have been in the incredible son he raised.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Speaking personally, when I found out someone wanted to release our debut EP on vinyl (shoutout to Jason Fuller at Goatsound!), my mind was blown. As an average metalhead kid, that felt like something my heroes did, not me. The fact that we’re about to do it again with our debut album is still just as exciting to me.
What was your biggest regret?
Nothing really! I try to view everything as a learning experience that gets you closer to where you want to be, good and bad.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Playing at the legendary Frankie’s Pizza in Sydney a few months before it closed was a night I’ll never forget. When we finished our set the venue manager decided that all the bands would get free drinks all night. From that point everything was a blur and several band members nearly missed our flight the next day.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The thing that struck me the most upon joining the Melbourne doom scene was just how much everyone supports each other. I love being around so many talented people who all just want to build each other up and see each other succeed.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve had the new Oranssi Pazuzu album (»Muuntautuja«) on repeat since it came out. To still sound so unique and fresh this far into their career is not easy for any band to achieve, and it’s something I really admire. Also the new Disentomb EP (»Nothing Above«) is incredible. Just punishing Aussie death metal executed to perfection with everything you want and nothing you don’t.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Focus on songwriting and composition, and not just writing cool riffs. Think about the journey you’re taking the listener on, and let that guide you where to go next. The song has to tell you what it needs.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I have no guilt about this, but any millennial metalhead that denies cranking Limp Bizkit on YouTube after 6 beers on a Friday night is lying to you.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a world-class heavy music scene, particularly in the doom/sludge genres. I highly recommend everyone check out Religious Observance, Isua, Whitehorse, Black Aleph, Mammons Throne, Kvll, Goat Shaman, Giant, VVarp… I could go on forever.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We kick off our »Incarnate« tour on November 1st in our hometown of Melbourne, followed by shows in Sydney and Adelaide. All the details are on our Instagram.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’ll be doing a longer Australian tour in March to support the release of the album, and we’re very excited to play some cities we haven’t been to yet. Then after that we’ll probably start focussing on writing for the next release. Gotta keep moving!
How can people best support your band?
Check out our single »Incarnate« on Bandcamp, and if you like what you hear, preorder our upcoming album »Inertia Cult« on badass coloured vinyl via Art As Catharsis Records.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Just a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for listening and supporting us. Everyone is doing it tough at the moment, and we’re just incredibly grateful that we get to have fun doing this and making lifelong memories with you!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well