Doomed Confessionary: Davey, Erik & Erwin (A Faith Unkind)
A Faith Unkind is an independent doom metal band from Helmond, Netherlands.
Inspired by the likes of Bell Witch and Yob, A Faith Unkind released their first album »The Well« on April 3rd, 2025. Written, recorded, mixed and mastered throughout 2023 and 2024 by the band themselves, »The Well« is the debut concept album, which can either be listened to as a single coherent track or eight individual songs. Together the tracks capture the journey and return home of it’s protagenist.
A Faith Unkind consists of Davey Steevens (vocals, guitar), Erik Noten (drums) and Erwin Swinkels (bass).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are a 3 piece band from Helmond, The Netherlands that is mostly focused on having fun at creating new music. Aside from our music we don’t take ourselves too seriously and just see where our inspiration takes us.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Erik: As we created the album all by ourselves (recording, mixing & mastering, designing album cover) I would say that was our biggest challenge to date.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Davey: For me it’s the fact that we managed to create a concept album completely independent in a way that it captured the heart and inspiration of all 3 members of the band.
Erik: I second that.
What was your biggest regret?
Regret is a big word but the album cover on our physical release is a bit darker then we expected. But hey, you live and learn.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Unfortunately we haven’t had the chance to preform together yet but that is something we are planning to do in the near future.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
For me it’s the quality of recordings that are now possible from home. I can remember the time that tape-trading was the way to go when you wanted to discover unknown/new bands. Or using tapes to record your own music. And as we all know, at least the old farts like me, the quality of those tapes weren’t always that great. So if you wanted better quality you had to go to a recording studio. And I think it’s great that people can create their sound exactly how they want to.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Davey: »Mirror Reaper« (Bell Witch) and »Lonely People With Power« (Deafheaven).
Erik: »Part III« (Cavern Deep), »Smoldering Remains« (Burial Beyond The Sea) and »Strange And Eternal« (Oldest Sea).
Erwin: »Most Normal« (Gilla Band) and »Age Of Aquarius« (Villagers Of Ioannina City).
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Erik: As a drummer and you’re playing in an band, your drum parts are in service of the song. Don’t go showing of your skills when it “hurts” the feel and idea of the song.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Erik: Music wise I would say Frank Sinatra and Leonard Cohen.
Davey: Anything by George Micheal.
Erwin: Only feeling slightly guilty, Taylor Swift.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Helmond?
Erik: There used to be lots of opportunity for young musicians to rehearse, learn your instrument or meet fellow music lovers. All the old youth centra are being torn down or have barely any volunteers to run the place. Which is a shame. There used be a time that every Friday and Saturday there would upcoming band performing or mini festivals being held with just some volunteers and they were affordable.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are planning to arrange our first live gig soon.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently in the writing/rehearsing progress of new songs which will hopefully bloom into a second album. Our main plan is to just keep having fun making music together and we’ll just see where it takes us.
How can people best support your band?
Our music is currently available on afaithunkind.bandcamp.com. Aside from that we off course appreciate it a lot if listeners follow/subscribe to us on all streaming services, YouTube and social media.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Erik: When there are upcoming bands performing in your area, go and see them. Maybe you’ll discover something you really like.
Davey: Thank you very much for listening to our music of course!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well