Doomed Confessionary: Chris Hogan (Swamphead)
Swamphead is a four-piece sludge/doom metal band hailing from Boston, Massachusetts.
Having two full-length albums under the belt, »Devil’s Grin« (2021) and »Pine Box Blues« (2023), the band just released a brand new single »Curse Of The Witch« from their upcoming album.
Swamphead are Nick Aroyan (guitar, vocals), Chris Hogan (guitar, vocals), Kyle Flynn (bass) and Nick Swanson (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a four-piece American sludge/doom band from Boston, MA. Worshippers of the Riff.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our biggest challenge usually is just getting in the same room, we all work full time jobs, and our drummer travels the country building skateparks year-round, which is badass but not super great for regular practices. We make it work though. It probably keeps us from killing each other haha, we’re all stoked any time we get together. Absence makes the heart grow fonder or some shit.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our latest record for sure. We we’re still figuring things out when we recorded »Pine Box Blues«, it all came together pretty quick. This time around we took our time both in writing, and in the studio. Our friend Chris Johnson, who engineered and even helped produce it to a certain degree, definitely brought it to life. We’re really proud of it, it’s heavy as hell.
What was your biggest regret?
None really, we’re super grateful for everything we’ve done thus far. To be able to play music and have people come to shows makes it hard to have many regrets. Outside of the occasional hangovers.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We were lucky enough to be able to open for Elder when they played a warm up show in Boston before their tour with Tool. They are a huge influence on all of us, especially with them being a band we grew up seeing so that was a trip. Also playing with Pigsx7 was a blast as well.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Probably just how rad our scene is here, everyone is always stoked at shows and super supportive of heavy music up here in general. It’s awesome, and we’re proud to be apart of it.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Recently for me it’s been:
Crowbar – Sonic Excess In Its Purest Form
Hum – Inlet
Leak – God Hates The South
Only Living Witness – Prone Mortal Form
Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – Nell’ ora blu
Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Vocal warm ups. Went from blowing out my voice every show to being able to talk the next day. That shit was crucial.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I mean, I don’t think any of us would feel guilty about any of the shit we like, but I know what type of answer you’re looking for here so I’ll speak for all of us in saying Creed is tight and »My Own Prison« is a banger haha.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Boston?
We all played in hardcore bands when we were younger, so we’ve been going to shows around here for a while. It doesn’t matter what genre, doom, hardcore, metal, whatever, I believe Boston has one of the best music scenes in the world. I don’t know if it’s the cold winters but there definitely is an edge to the music coming out of here and I love it. New England in general rules. While we’re on the topic, I gotta shout out some of our friends Leather Lung, Mother Iron Horse, Mast, Sundrifter, High Command, Coma Hole, Mollusk, Kind, Chained to the Bottom of the Ocean, Summoner, Earthlore. There’s more but that’s a good start if you wanna know what we’re rockin’ with up here.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Now that the album’s done we aim to play as many shows as possible, as well as hopefully some touring. As of right now our next show is this year’s Hopsmokerfest at Widowmaker Brewing, April 17th with Rezn and Harsh Realm in Braintree, MA.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Our only plans are to play as many places as possible for the rest of the year, then maybe get back together to make another album. Touring would be awesome.
How can people best support your band?
Come see us at a show, support the scene. If you dig it, snag some merch or tell a friend. All of our music is available on Bandcamp and most streaming platforms as well.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We appreciate you. Thank you for giving us any of your time.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well