Doomed Confessionary: Kyle, Logan & Kevin (Cobranoid)
Cobranoid is a speed/thrash/doom metal trio hailing from Denver, Colorado. Erupted out of the pandemic with crushing musical momentum and sheer sonic volatility, Cobranoid is comprised of Logan O’Connor on bass, Kevin Wylie on drums and Kyle Gaso on vocals & guitar. Cobranoid unapologetically cranks the volume on riffs, rhythm and rage.
In addition to being a group of goofballs that not only understands but embraces the role humor plays in a band, there exists a undeniable sincerity and intensity to Cobranoid’s music. Like an 80’s horror movie, there is comedy, aggression and social commentary intermixed throughout their approach to songwriting.
Cobranoid just released their self-titled debut album on August 16th, 2024 in digital format.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Cobranoid, Denver Metal Speed Doom.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Kyle: Adjusting to the “post covid” music scene. Having to modify your promotion to fit the algorithm of social media & realizing that your identity as a band is almost completely in the hands of your online presence. This isn’t entirely new but the power those platforms have has grown substantially. Handing out flyers at a local show is sometimes looked at as archaic.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Logan: Definitely the 1st album. We took a lot of time nitpicking certain sounds, making sure certain parts shined through at points, and mostly making sure it was loud as fuck when you went to listen to it. We knew we wanted heavy/booming drums, but you can’t just turn everything up to 11. There was a fine balance and sacrifice when it came to what we wanted the loudest. Shoutout to Bart McCrorey and The Crash Pad Studio for the minimal eye rolling while dealing with the hydra of opinions coming at him from all directions.
What was your biggest regret?
Kevin: My biggest regret is not getting this album out to the masses sooner. With the love we have received since its release, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. We have each been in many successful bands locally, but the role of band leader was always in someone else’s hands. We have learned a lot with this first release and I can tell you that the fangs will come out sooner on the next record.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
The album release was definitely a high water mark for us. It was a great show, the perfect culmination to the work we had done over the years carving our name into the scene.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Logan: I would say the biggest surprise would be the immediate approval and acceptance of Cobranoid. The scene, for the most part, is a bunch of rad bands helping each other out and looking out for each other. In the past I’ve seen people screwing over other bands, just to get on as main support for a touring band. While in this band I’ve heard the phrase “That’s the perfect band for that show.” or something along those lines. BUT! the fans and crowds are a different story. I feel you need to prove yourself and make a name for yourself just to get booked on South Broadway. I feel Cobranoid has been applauded and accepted from day one.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Logan: The new Judas Priest album, Warthog, Lowest Creature, Greenleaf.
Kyle: I second Lowest Creature.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Kyle: 1. Don’t paralyze yourself trying to make the perfect decision every time 2. Write every song like it’s the standout track.
Logan: Don’t put numbers in your band’s name and make sure people can spell it.
Kevin: Don’t try to play songs in 13/8, ain’t nobody gonna shake their booty. Play 4/4 Mutha Fucker.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Kyle: I don’t feel guilty about any of them but I love well crafted pop & disco music. Definitely a huge Kylie Minogue, Bee Gees & Spice Girls fan.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Denver / Colorado?
I’m sure this rings true for most scenes in most places but Denver, as a whole really is a melting pot of musical diversity. If we’re talking about the metal / heavier side of the scene, it’s a fucking face melting pot. There are so many bands that bring something aggressively unique to the table and it spans across the spectrum of heavier genres in town.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have the rest of this year booked locally. Opening for Black Tusk on September 15th at The Hi-Dive in Denver. On October 18th we’ll be in Tulsa and you can catch us at The Whittier Bar, and on October 19th in OKC at The Blue Note Lounge.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Logan: We’d love to spread the word of Cobranoid around the country. We have plans to tour in 2025, and plan to hop on some bigger shows in the Denver area as main support. One thing is for sure, this band loves to perform live. We have a really hard time turning down shows in Denver because we love to play that much. Unfortunately, ya can’t play em’ all. So we have to start being strategic about what’s going to be the best for the band moving forward.
How can people best support your band?
Logan: Just listen to the record! Enjoy it! Tell all your heathen friends to check it out, and come to a show! Get you one of those bad ass Cobranoid shirts you’ve been seeing around the Denver area. Share the record on your socials and get the word out that Cobranoid has arrived and we’re here to crush your eardrums. Ya betta ask somebody.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
All of you absolutely fucking rule. We truly cannot thank you enough for the support, appreciation & love that you’ve shown us.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well