Doomed Confessionary: Lüis Nieves (Leafblower)
Leafblower is a sludge/doom metal band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia.
Formed in the summer of 2020, when the world was in lockdown and mortality loomed large, Leafblower came together not just to make music – but to survive. That urgency is deeply embedded in their DNA, and it echoes throughout their new EP »Low Heaven«, released on August 1st, 2025 via Dark Sails Entertainment. The album showcases the band’s signature sound: deliberate, mid-tempo doom riffing paired with emotionally raw and cathartic vocal performances by frontman Tim Jones joined by Shalor Howell and Jesse Borsella on guitars, Chris Melillo on bass and Lüis Nieves on drums.
While their debut EP introduced the world to their instrumental foundation, »Low Heaven« pushes their sonic boundaries further – merging crushing heaviness with moments of mournful reflection and glimmers of hope. Without losing the ever-present undercurrent of gloom and doom, tracks like »I Know That You’re Watching Me Sleep« and »Spear & Fang« channel the raw ache of loss, yet still manage to hold onto a thread of hope. »Poison Creeper« serves as a gritty love letter – and a warning – to Atlanta, a city caught between economic progress and the risk of losing its soul.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Leafblower are self described as a “yardwork inspired lower-mid tier sludge doom adjacent Atlanta metal” band, which pretty much sums it up, in our opinion (we even put it on the back of our top-selling tee). Fans have started to call what we do as “yardwork” and some have called it “yardcore”, which we also love. Having said that, We’re just a group of dudes that got together to make music that didn’t sound like the music we heard around in the scene, and people seem to have connected with our message, which is heavy and sometimes harsh, yet filled with emotion and ultimately, hope.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our biggest challenge has been retaining our independence and ability to have control of our destiny. We’re all about the DIY mentality, but have been very fortunate to have forged relationships with people that believe in us and respect our independence.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re most proud of still being here, making music that moves us and that has moved others.
What was your biggest regret?
This may sound cliche, but nothing comes to mind at the moment. We’re not the quickest moving band, so maybe working on music faster.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Many come to mind, but we just had an album release party and many of our friends came out to celebrate with us. We had our local brothers from Subdivisions in tow, and a fantastic band from Puerto Rico called Moths co-headlined, they released their new album the same day we released Low Heaven. Pushing this album through the finish line took a lot from us, and it was very satisfying to see it finally happen.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’m amazed at how many incredibly talented bands there are here, and that we’ve been able to become friends with so many of them. Everyone is happy for each other’s accomplishments.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Personally, I’ve been spinning The Haunted’s latest album, »Songs Of Last Resort« pretty often, Scalp’s »Not Worthy Of Human Compassion«, and Tzompantli’s »Beating The Drums Of Ancestral Force« have been getting heavy rotation also. I listen to an unhealthy amount of Entombed, Tom Waits (that’s heavy in its own way, right?) and ’70s salsa, too.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
To own your music. It’s a freedom that I would advise everyone to keep for as long as they can.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Power pop music, ’80s slapstick comedies and sweet treats. But I don’t feel too guilty about those, haha.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Atlanta?
The Atlanta heavy music scene is amazing. The bands, the venues, the fans… Lots of talent and camaraderie here. I’m sure I’m going to forget some, but bands like Palaces, Spray Tan, Naw, Turn Cold, Clot, Subdivisions, Canopy, Low Before The Breeze, Dayglo Mourning, Prime Mover, Insomniac, West End Motel… It would take several pages to list all the amazing acts that are currently out there, but we have a great amount of respect for all of them. There is such diversity in the sound of those bands. We’re very proud to call them our friends.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ve deliberately kept our calendar clear while we got the album released, but there are a few shows coming up over the next couple of months. We’re playing a fest to honor Carl Oligny, a scene legend and heavy music supporter, plus we’ll be supporting Slackjaw and Castle Rat in August and September respectively.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We plan to keep making music, and hope to have a follow up to Low Heaven as soon as we can.
How can people best support your band?
By listening and spreading the word. Coming to our shows is also another great way, because these tunes take a whole new life when performed.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We’d like to thank you for your support, it means the world to us and it’s what has kept us going.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well