Doomed Confessionary: Jurren & Harm (Thammuz)
Dutch heavy rockers Thammuz return with their new full-length album »III«, set for release on May 9th, 2025 via Argonauta Records.
Formed in Gelderland, the Netherlands in 2020, Thammuz quickly made their mark with their debut »Into The Great Unknown«, landing at #2 on the international Doom Charts. Their follow-up, »Sons Of The Occult« (2022), released via Argonauta Records, delved into darker, more introspective territory, establishing the band as a standout act in the stoner and doom underground.
Now entering a new era with »III«, Thammuz push their sound into even heavier and more melodic terrain. The upcoming album will feature ten tracks that fuse raw power, haunting moods and hypnotic groove, featuring guest vocals by Jelle Aaron Scholtes of Baardvader on »When Darkness Comes«.
Thammuz consists of Harm (guitar, vocals), Jip (guitar), Jurren (bass) and Tinus (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Jurren: We’re Thammuz, a heavy rock band from the Netherlands. We draw inspiration from stoner, doom, grunge, blues – you name it. But we like to leave it up to the listeners to decide what genre we really fit into.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Jurren: Making a third album without bashing each other’s skulls in – haha. But seriously, probably keeping a clear vision and setting goals while juggling our day jobs.
Harm: Re-inventing ourselves. We all want to grow as musicians, and since Jip and I have different musical tastes, blending our influences into something that still sounds like Thammuz was definitely a challenge – but it worked out great.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Jurren: I’m proud of everything we’ve created, but our upcoming album »III« feels like a big step forward. It’s next level for us.
Harm: For me, it’s how »Old Man« turned out. It’s a personal track about my father, who passed away in 2017.
What was your biggest regret?
Jurren: No regrets. In the Netherlands, we say: “Spijt is voor de domme,” which means “regrets are for the stupid.”
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Jurren: Our last show in Arnhem was sick. It was at a festival called Swingersfest, organized by the punk band DMNG. Check them out – you won’t regret it.
Harm: A show in Antwerp really stood out. It was underground, we were in the crowd, tons of smoke, great vibes. Just raw energy.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Jurren: The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from fans and other musicians. It’s amazing how the community really comes together.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Jurren: Nothing new at the moment – just some old favorites: Helmet, Ramesses, and Mark Porkchop Holder.
Harm: Devil and the Almighty Blues, Slomosa, and Baardvader.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Jurren: Stay true to your sound and vision. Make music that resonates with you first – the right audience will find it.
Harm: Couldn’t agree more.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Jurren: I have a soft spot for Creed. That’s enough of a confession, right?
Harm: ABBA – The Winner Takes It All. No shame!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Gelderland?
Jurren: The scene in the Netherlands is vibrant and diverse. There’s a strong community and lots of chances to perform. Great place to be as a musician.
Harm: I’m from a small town called Eibergen, and a surprising number of great musicians come from around here – like Wout Kemkens (Iron Jinn, Shaking Godspeed, De Niemanders), Bob Hogenelst (Iron Jinn, Birth Of Joy, Molasses), and Pieter Holkenborg (Automatic Sam). I saw them live in small local venues and they blew me away. That’s when I knew I wanted to play loud music.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Jurren: We’ll be playing several festivals and venues across the Netherlands. But mark your calendar for May 8th – we’re celebrating the release of »III« in Arnhem with our friends from Baardvader. If you haven’t heard them yet, go check them out.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Jurren: Promoting »III« is our focus right now. We’re excited to see where it takes us.
Harm: Same here, but I also can’t wait to start writing new material and test it out live.
How can people best support Thammuz?
Jurren: Come to our shows, buy our music, and spread the word. Every bit of support helps us keep doing what we love.
Harm: Exactly – spread the word if you like what we do.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Jurren: Thank you for your incredible support! We can’t wait for you to hear the new album and hope to see you at our shows. Keep rocking and stay true to yourselves!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well