Doomed Confessionary: Jeff von D (VIIHB)
VIIHB is a heavy doom metal band formed in 2018 in Zevenhuizen, Netherlands. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the band started to write material for a full-length album. In November 2021, Luce Vee (vocals), Jeff Von D (vocals/guitars) and Ray DiBianco (drums) were joined by Peter H Boer on bass guitar and they were ready for recording sessions in 2022, but in April 2022 Luce Vee passed away.
His departure had a huge impact on the band and on each member personally. After a period of grief and overthinking, the remaining members of VIIHB have decided to continue and record the band’s debut album dedicated to Luce. VIIHB’s debut album »Memento Mori« was finally released on October 23rd, 2023.
Can you say a few words about your band?
VIIHB (pronounced Seven Houses Burn) is a heavy doom metal band. Formed in 2018 in the south of Holland by Jeff von D (Hooded Priest, guitar), Ray DiBianco (drums) and George Ritter (bass). In 2019 (Hooded Priest/King Heavy vocals) Luce Vee joined the band. After a line-up change Peter H Boer (bass) joined VIIHB late 2021.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
In april 2022 our frontman Luce passed away which is, up to this very day, a huge loss. He was our best friend and a great singer. We didn’t know what to do; to quit or continue. I didn’t touch a guitar for months, I could not get myself into it anymore. But after many nights of overthinking, countless band meetings and many glasses of whisky we decided to continue as a band. Then, things started to flow again.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We had written a complete album but not recorded it when Luce was with us. We had only a few rehearsal recordings with his vocals on it, barely had any lyrics, so we had to figure out what he sang. We owed it to Luce to release it, went to Peter’s studio and started recording. We weren’t emotionally ready to add a new vocalist so we decided to let Peter and me do vocal duties. We wanted Luce to be on the record, re-recorded one track of our first EP and added his vocals from previous recordings.
So in September 2023 we released our album »Memento Mori«, in memory of Luce and also, personally, another dear and close friend who died 4 months earlier. 2022 was really a disastrous year on a personal level.
What was your biggest regret?
We have no regrets whatsoever. We weren’t lucky I guess, we lost our momentum due to Corona and got a lot of shows canceled. And then Luce’s passing happened…
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Up to this day, every show has been great so far. We’ve had shows in Belgium, Holland, Austria. We love to be on the road, and mostly play outside Holland.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The great friends we made on the road, the bands, the support from the scene and the true and honest doom fanatics. I have been in many bands in different genres (metal/speedrock/stoner/hardcore) but never have seen a scene that’s so supportive, warm and encouraging for bands.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The past week was all about Conan, old Melvins, Ruins Of Beverast, Imperium Dekadenz, Urfaust, Bill Fisher, Portal and James Last!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Never give up, its fun and enriching.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I have an extensive James Last record collection (about 600 LP’s), merch and a lot of signed posters/albums etc. Also I am an avid vintage guitar and amp collector.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Zevenhuizen, South Holland?
North Brabant has a strong stoner/doom scene with some great bands. Especially the Tilburg and Eindhoven area. The area where I live has none, except tribute/cover bands and Carnival music. It’s hard to get any shows here and is this area (western part of North Brabant) basically a shithole when it comes to music.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We will play on November 1 in Belgium at Café Chapeau, Merksem with our friends Blackflow from Chile. November 9 we will play in Austria at Doom Over Vienna Edition XVIII festival @ The Escape Metal Corner, Vienna.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently writing new material, we haven’t decided yet if we will record an album or EP….
How can people best support your band?
Come see us, have a beer with us, enjoy what we do and buy our music.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Have a listen to our latest album »Memento Mori«.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well