Doomed Confessionary: Jez, Joshua & Emmet (Hail Darkness)
Hail Darkness is a female fronted occult rock trio from the US, whose sound can be described as the bastard daughter of doom and psychedelia.
Initially the goal was to recreate the vintage sound of their idols: T-Rex, Jefferson Airplane, Pentagram, Shocking Blue, Focus, Jes Franco soundtracks, Black Sabbath, Lucifer Rising, Mountain, Captain Beyond and many others… and mix with the sounds of their more modern favourites like Cathedral and Electric Wizard.
After the release of 5 singles in digital format, the debut album »Death Divine« will be self released on Hail Darkness’ own label Vatican Records on August 15th, 2024. The album contains 10 songs showing their musically diverse side, incorporating aspects of occult 70’s rock, psychedelia, doom and folk to present the listener magical retro dark cosmic journey.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a 3 piece occult doom/rock band from the U.S. Jez on guitar and vocals, Emmet on drums and Joshua on bass. Started the band in the early stages of the pandemic, about 4 years ago now.
Often accompanied by a host of friend musicians to create the extra exotic and psychedelic vibe to the songs. Beth, Jez’s sister often takes lead vocals in some songs and regularly as backing vocalist and various keys and synth parts…basically the shadow 4th member.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Existing. Music is no longer a career, but its a tough and demanding hobby. We live in the past musically and long for another world…not so much moving to the past or backwards, but having the past become the future again. We dont feel connected to this world, thats including the current creative world also. We are (musical) hermits and will keep our retro bubble and people are welcome to step insinde.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Existing. Especially still remaining sane in this world.
Musically we are proud of our sound. We strive to make it sound vintage using old and new technologies…best of both eras and worlds. We like it dirty and imperfect.
What was your biggest regret?
There’s no time for regrets.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have not performed yet. We’re not sure if we ever will. It will depend on many circumstances.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
None really, we’re not really up to date on any scenes.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
At the moment we are listening to a lot of Cathedral, especially »Statik Magik«, as we’re working on a ‘cover’/adaptation of their Voyage of the »Homeless Sapien« track.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Quit.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Hallucinogens.
Can you say something more about the music scene in South Carolina?
I guess its similar to the other states. There are local scenes, venues and the same stereotypes.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
No shows planned at the moment, we are busy wlring on our self released debut album, so there’s quite some work for us there.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We want to release as much music as possible. We said we wouldn’t quit until we’ve released 5 albums, 1 down…4 more to go!
How can people best support your band?
Buy our music and merch:
haildarkness.bandcamp.com
haildarkness.bigcartel.com
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Enjoy Life. Hail Darkness!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well