Doomed Confessionary: Chris, Stuart & Justin (Bleed This Earth)
Bleed This Earth are a melodic funeral doom band based in Wellington, New Zealand, mixing crushing, looming riffs with haunting melodies. The band consists of Justin Chorley (drums, vocals), Stuart Fone (guitar) and Chris Pointer (guitar).
Bleed This Earth released their self-titled debut album in April 2020, and their awaited follow up »The Slow Decline« was released in March 2022. »The Slow Decline« continues the evolution of their sound into alternative song structures while remaining oppressively heavy. Their third full-length album, »The Shapes That Stood In Silence«, was just released on all streaming platforms on September 6th, 2024.
»The Shapes That Stood In Silence« is about a mother and father who die in an accident, leaving behind their little girl. As spirits, they return each night to watch over her as she sleeps, but the girl no longer recognises them. To her, they appear as dark, ghastly figures that loom over her bed and terrify her beyond measure.
Watching their child tremble with fear at the sight of them once again, the parents decide that, as a final act of kindness, they must say their last goodbyes and abandon her forever.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a melodic death/funeral/doom band based in Wellington, with a sound that swings from delicate and bittersweet clean passages, through to deep, miserable, feel-in-in-your-bones funeral doom.
We take a lot of inspiration from bands like My Dying Bride, Ahab, Bell Witch, and Mournful Congregation.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Being from New Zealand there aren’t a lot of bands of a similar style here. It can be a challenge to assemble gigs with bands of similar genres. This does mean we’ve been a part of some awesome shows with a good variety of different metal/goth rock bands which is really great in its own way.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think the latest album is a real highlight for us so far, especially due to some of the feedback we have had from audiences after playing those songs live. We work really hard to conjure up a lot of emotion, and when people get lost in the music in a live setting, it is truly awesome to be a part of.
What was your biggest regret?
This latest album took a bit longer to finish than we would have liked, but on the plus side, we still managed to write a lot more music along the way. We’ve got plenty of fresh ideas in the bank for album 4.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
It’s tough to pick a favourite show, but generally whenever we’ve teamed up with our friends Planet of the Dead, we’ve had an awesome time. We balance each other out nicely when trying to fill an evening with all the different flavours of heavy.
Photo credit: Jechtography
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It’s no surprise, really, but one thing that continues to amaze us is how supportive the whole heavy music community is. All the other bands, venues, engineers and supporters we’ve ever joined forces with have been absolutely awesome, and it’s so nice that we’re all helping each other as part of one big, giant, heavy team.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Between us, we’ve been enjoying the latest releases from Thou and Pallbearer, Conan’s »Evidence Of Immortality« has been on repeat since it came out, and we’ve been enjoying the Peaceville classics as always, with a bit of Paradise lost and early Anathema.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Always listen closely to the rest of the band, and focus on doing what’s right for the song.
What are your guilty pleasures?
We’re very easily swayed into buying shiny new ‘necessities’. Like, say, oh I don’t know… a custom baritone guitar made out of native NZ woods.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Wellington / New Zealand?
Wellington has a great little scene, supported by some very dedicated and excellent people. We’re delighted to be a part of it.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re aligning our calendars to organise some shows in March/April 2025, so watch our website/socials for more information about these.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re hoping to do some shows early next year around New Zealand, and we’re already thinking about working on album number four – the ideas keep flowing!
How can people best support your band?
Listening and engaging with our music on any platform is humbling and greatly appreciated. Of course, if you can see us play a show or want to support us by purchasing the album through our Bandcamp, that is a great way to directly support us. And if you like what we’re doing, send our music to your friends!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Enjoy the new album! And thank you for your support.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well