Doomed Confessionary: Mark J Weiner (Çöküş)
Photo by Chris Wozniak
Arising from the heart of the Chicago underground metal scene, Çöküş is the product of ten years of mostly virtual collaboration between former Earthen Grave bandmates, vocalist Mark Weiner (Earthen Grave), drummer Chris Wozniak (Vanishment, Earthen Grave, ex-Lair Of The Minotaur), and guitarist Jason Muxlow (Witchcryer, Earthen Grave, The Living Fields).
Even though Muxlow and Wozniak had moved thousands of miles away after the abrupt conclusion of Earthen Grave in 2013, the three stayed in touch, trading riffs, beats, and lyrics from their respective corners of the United States.
The material that emerged saw influences from the usual suspects – Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Trouble, Dio – as well as old favorites like Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Kyuss.
Çöküş have just released their debut album »An Hour Of Lies« today, September 13th, 2024 via Qumran Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are thrilled to have our new album out on Qumran Records and have PR by Earsplit!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Distance! We all used to reside in Chicago. That changed in 2014. So it makes getting together a challenge.
What can you be most proud of so far?
That us as former members of Earthen Grave are still together, and just released a very solid album! and people like you are interersted in us. Thank you!
What was your biggest regret?
That I was held back on touring Europe with Earthen Grave back in the 2008 and on due to my marriage failing. I i always felt bad that I held the band back as well.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
I’m a simple guy, but the Days Of The Doom Fests had some OUTSTANDING bands playing! I mean over a weekend, you could see Trouble, The Skull, Earthride, Iron Man, Las Cruces, and I got to sing with them as well!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That we are apart of it! Chicago is a tough market. We need to do a better job working together.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
HAHAH Sabbath never leaves, High On Fire was late for the party but Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs, Pigs – WOW! Killer live band!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Stay open, push push push. Fall in love with a band or artist and rip them off. J/K
What are your guilty pleasures?
I like 80s pop music, some David Bowie, Culture Club, The Cure…
Can you say something more about current music scene in Chicago?
It’s alive! Now that the Corvid thing is controlled. Bands are making albums, and gigging. Bands are using technology more than ever to record, mix and master to get out there for no money at all and the love and passion for it.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are working on that! Hope to share stages with Legions Of Doom, Spillage, etc. sometime early next year.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We just released our 1st album and the goal is let everyone know its out. We have started early demos for the 2nd album which is a blessing! We will have new mech and online store.
How can people best support your band?
Please buy the album! Please spread the word!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
You are smart humans! If you like a band support them. Because when they are gone, you’ll regret NOT supporting them.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well