Doomed Confessionary: Joe Davis (Vigil)
Vigil is a doom/death metal band from Kingston, New Hampshire featuring current and former members of Onera, Untombed, Come To Grief and Shrouded Luminosity. The band has recently signed with the Italian powerhouse Argonauta Records to release their debut EP »…And The Void Stared Back«.
From the ashes of the band Onera, Justin Christian (bass, guitars) and Craig Simas (guitars, synth) built Vigil to be heavier, and more aggressive but also beautiful and emotional. Joined by Joe Davis to compliment as one of the two bassists in the band, Brandon Phinney on drums and Dave Petillo on vocals.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Vigil is a death doom band with post metal elements. Something that sets us apart is that we have two bass players. No matter who is doing what, we are always heavy and groovy.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
Since the band is not our full-time job. It was very difficult to market and get our music in front of people that would be interested in partnering with us, and for booking us.
What can you be most proud of this year?
We signed with Argonauta Records out of Italy. It is always a great feeling to have the support of a label, especially for distribution and marketing.
What was your biggest regret?
Didn’t really have one. We take things slowly, and at a relaxed pace. We are writing new songs currently, and that’s a fun process for us. Our newest one clocks in at 15 minutes. It’s really a musical journey.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
For me it was seeing a local band we admire and enjoy getting put on the show with Bell Witch here in Boston. It was a great pairing for them. And they deserved it.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Seeing so many younger bands performing to click tracks. I appreciate the idea of it being able to control lights and backing tracks and such. However, I find it makes the live music feel sterile. The cost of technology is at a point that it is accessible to everyone. But I don’t think it’s always a great idea. Just jamming and “feeling” the music is really what we are about.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
We are laying low in the first quarter of the year. Working on new songs, and my other band A World Worth Burning is currently in the studio finishing up. That release will be out at that time. Then it’s pushing that release and finding shows. As for Vigil we are interested in festivals and shows with a good lineup. However, we love our local scene and will always jump on a show with bands we like.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
We would like to get back to the studio and record another EP. This time we have an idea for a cover tune as well. It’s been kicking around for some time.
Do you already know what you are doing on New Year’s Eve?
I can’t speak for the rest of the guys. But every year my family gathers at my parents’ house for quality time, games, drinks, and Chinese food. It’s our tradition.
How can people best support your band?
Keep your eyes open for the announcement from Argonauta Records. They are releasing our EP on vinyl, CD and all the major streaming services. You can currently find us on their YouTube page, our Spotify page and Apple Music. We have our EP up on Bandcamp as well. We would really like to get the album into as many fans hands as possible.
Do you have any messages for your listeners?
Support your local music scene and get your ass out to shows. The local venues need all our support to keep doing what they do. Some of my favorite bands are local unsigned bands that are out there killing it. And of course, go find Vigil out on the internet and support us too. It will help us keep doing what we do.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well