Doomed Confessionary: Edward & Ryan (Barren Altar)
Barren Altar is a five-piece doom/black metal band from Santa Rosa, California.
After 7 long years the Sonoma County titans of doom, Barren Altar return with a crushing new album that is a suffocating wave of suffering. Released on June 20th, 2025 via Transylvanian Recordings, »Bound By Impermanence« is a sonic offering of anguish, misery, and cataclysm. Since »Entrenched In The Faults Of The Earth« was unleashed, the land that the band calls home has been ravaged and devastated by wildfires, both in nature and from despicable arsons.
Imagine having to frantically evacuate your home on a whim to seek shelter with hundreds of thousands of others in your community, losing your most treasured belongings, becoming homeless in the blink of an eye, realizing that tens of thousands of scared animals are burned alive and feeling absolutely helpless. These are some of the emotions channeled into the creation of this album. »Bound By Impermanence« is cathartic for the sake of catharsis, it’s angry, emotional and a cry to the void.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Five humans waiting for the void to consume us all.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Finding the motivation to wake up every day.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our last album »Bound By Impermanence«.
What was your biggest regret?
There’s no point in having regrets.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our show in Bremerton Washington last summer. Killer venue and great crowd. Worth the 16 hour drive.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Watching our local scene thrive and finally get some well deserved recognition.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
As for local bands and also bands that we have close ties to: Drouth, Laceration, Vile Rites, Void Witch, Hexen House, Blighted Elder, Coffin Hunters, Vakker. All have put out releases this year and last and are killing it. As for other bands that have released albums recently or that are in heavy rotation: Hexekration Rites, Mizmor & Hell, Blood Monolith, Havukruunu, Thy Catafalque, Blut Aus Nord, etc. Too many to think of.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
There are no rules. Create anything you want without expectation. If you create art with the goal of fame or fortune, you’ve already lost.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Drinking, smoking weed, and all types of ill shit.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Santa Rosa?
Our local scene in Santa Rosa CA is currently very strong, with many killer, dedicated bands and individuals.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re playing shows next week with Tzompantli from L.A., also a couple shows in southern CA in November, and then we’re heading to Oregon and Washington in December for a quick run.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Continue on the path of most resistance.
How can people best support your band?
Go to barrenaltar.bandcamp.com.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
No.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well