Doomed Confessionary: Joey McTorvus (Torvus)
While having their roots in death/doom metal, Torvus has channeled an evolved sound since their early, filth ridden full-lengths, »Metu Deorum« from 2018 and »The Innate Disease« from 2021, that is most akin to the gothic, melodic, post-punk-tinged likings of bands such as Type O Negative and Paradise Lost at their prime. New album »Words Within« will be released on June 28th, 2024.
Torvus are Joey McTorvus (vocals, guitar, keyboards), J.K. (guitar, vocals, synths) and Noktal (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Greetings! We are Torvus, a gothic doom metal band from Washington DC. While we started out as a raw death/doom metal outfit, we have since evolved our sound to something more melodic, melancholic, and clean vocal oriented. All the while being still just as devastating sounding!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Biggest challenge as a band has been to make the time and accomadate for the distance we have between how far we live from each other. We are all busy people, but have the same resiliant, headstrong attitude which is needed to survive in this industry and prevail.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are proud of how far we have come as a band, and how we continue to do solely what we love. This new record showcases that pride.
What was your biggest regret?
We regret not having played more. We hope to expand across the states and play in as many new towns as possible.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
One of our best tours was back in September when we kicked it off with a local show, then followed with a run of shows in various cities throughout Virginia and North Carolina. My favorite show we have done was back in February when we played a sold out show in our hometown to a bunch of locals who were eagerly ready to support the local metal scene.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Our biggest surprise was seeing how well recieved our scene has been in regards to our new sound. “Gothic Metal” is not really the most popular niche around these parts, so it is cool to see how embraced the change of our sound has been to since we started playing within that genre.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lotta death rock, lotta 90s goth and a lotta 90s metal. Bands like Tristania, Scarlett’s Remains, Cemetery Sex, and London After Midnight to name a few.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Don’t take this shit too seriously.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t feel guilty about listening to anything. Though I will say my buddies poke fun at me for liking Nickelback.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Washington DC?
The scene around here is definitely a big one. Lots of cool bands out of this scene, in both the metal, rock and goth realm. Definitelly feel blessed about having the oppurtunity to know so many metalheads locally thanks to this scene. Also proud proud, as a doomhead, to have grown up so close to the Maryland doom scene.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have a whole tour planned for the early fall, but will have album release show in both DC as well as Richmond. Though we will get around to playing everywhere imaginable sooner than later.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We plan to further progress and refine our sound, and become more active as a touring band.
How can people best support your band?
You can support us by streaming our music (on all platforms), buy our merch, and attending our shows once we get around to playing in whatever hometown whoever may be in!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for the endless support. Means everything to us. Stay heavy.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well