Doomed Confessionary: Eryka Fir (Coma Hole)
Photo credits: Josh Esan / Rovo Pictures
From the stone-scattered shores of Rhode Island comes Coma Hole, a unique doom duo smoking out the underground scene with thick, fuzzed-out grooves destined for bigger stages. Formed in 2018, Coma Hole pairs the heavily overdriven basslines and powerful vocals of bass druidess Eryka Fir with the thunderously tight drumming of doom devil Steve Anderson. With a debut EP and killer single under their belt, the duo has risen in rank from basement headbangers to sharing the stage with notable psychedelic acts such as Horseburner, Heavy Temple, Temptress, Monte Luna, and more.
Since it’s release in September 2021, the band has been busy clawing up the coast with »Old Climb«, a ceiling-smashing track that had listeners craving their self-titled EP, released April 2022. With impeccable production value and lyrics that ring clear over a wall of fuzz, »Old Climb« quickly found homes across the globe in places like Ghost Cult Magazine’s »Crushing Underground Compilation Vol 2«. An audible blend of filthy riffs and energetic percussion, the two create their own uniquely grungy brew of stoner doom.
Coma Hole are now gearing up to release their new album »Hand Of Severance« on November 1st, 2024.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a stoner metal/grunge duo pulling influence from 90s powerhouses such as Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and QOTSA. Super heavy, fuzz laden riffage paired with massively energetic percussion.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think just figuring out where to begin. I was never really sure how people got shows, booked tours or went about releasing music professionally. We are always learning more along the way, but I think we’ve really come a far in understanding the business side of the music industry and how to be serious about it.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are both pretty proud of the tour we went on last year, as it was our first official “big” one. It was a little over two weeks and I booked half of those dates myself which I haven’t really had experience with doing before.
What was your biggest regret?
I’m not really sure we regret anything that’s been in our control, but we were finally getting started and then Covid hit and it delayed recording our record and a year of shows, so it was a real bummer and felt like a huge setback at the time.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We had a lot of fun on our first big tour last July into August. We got to play a lot of places we’ve never been to before and meet some great people and make some really awesome tour friends. Personally, my favorite gig of the tour we played a place called Stone Church in Newmarket, NH. I had booked that gig having never been there before, and leading up to it I felt super uncertain about the turnout. It ended up being a packed show and the vibes were so high, it’s probably my favorite show I’ve ever played.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How chill most people are. I’m sure there are unpleasant people out there we haven’t encountered yet, but overall everyone we’ve met and played with have been incredibly kind, friendly and supportive and it really helps things feel more achievable.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Now that we are getting close to the fall months, I’ve been listening to a lot of Carnivore and Acid Bath.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I haven’t quite utilized this piece of advice yet, but making your own booking email so venues/promoters will actually read it and respond to you faster. Also just approaching everything in a way that’s comfortable for yourself, nothing is a race.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t really think anyone should feel guilty for enjoying something, but I really can get down to some Chappell Roan.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Westerly / Rhode Island?
We have a pretty active scene in Providence (we are based in Rhode Island) but it seems like a lot of historic clubs have gone under and every time someone tries to carry its torch the rug is ripped out from under it within six months to a year. It’s super sad, there’s a lot of bands and not a lot of places to play and it seems to make bands from out of state steer clear of booking it on their tours.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have a couple gigs in August/September, then we head out on tour in October with our friends from PA, Boozewa. We play with them 10/21-10/26 and then 10/27-11/3 we tour with Mike Cummings solo (drummer/singer of Boozewa). Full schedule here:
8/30•AS220•Providence, RI
9/12•Alchemy (w/ Hippie Death Cult, Kadabra + Acid King)•Providence, RI
9/14•33 (w/ Spiritmother)• New London, CT
Coma Hole/BOOZEWA/mRc FALL TOUR
October
10/21•Fete Music Hall•Providence, RI
10/22•33 Golden St•New London, CT
10/23•Lucky 13•Brooklyn, NY
10/24•Nostalgia•Bethpage, NY
10/25•Curry Donuts•Wilksbarre, PA
10/26•Animated Brewing•Coatesville, PA
10/27•123 Pleasant St•Morgantown, WV
10/28•Highlands Tap•Lousiville, KY
10/30•The Nick•Birmingham, AL
November
11/1•Fleetwoods•Asheville, NC
11/2•Cafe Nola•Frederick, MD
11/3•John & Peters•New Hope, PA
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We just want to keep churning out music, developing our sound in studio and live, and tour more often.
How can people best support your band?
Streaming our music, following and sharing our socials, and maybe buying some merch (if they feel so inclined to). We are on all streaming platforms and Bandcamp is where you can buy some sick drip.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We have our second record coming out 11/1! We just released our first single off it titled »Alphaholics« and we have another on the way. »Hand Of Severance« will be available everywhere 11/1 but if you catch us on tour in October there’s a decent chance you can snag a copy beforehand.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well