Doomed Confessionary: Mark Moots (Weight Of The Tide)
Photo credit: David Robert
Reno, Nevada based riff-fuelled behemoths Weight Of The Tide returned with their third slab of heaviness »What Pale Victory«, out on September 13th, 2024 via Undergroove Records.
Weight Of The Tide features Mark Moots and Jason Thomas – formerly of Earache Records’ December – whose 2002 »The Lament Configuration« is hailed as an underground tech-noise masterpiece.
While the chemistry remains, Weight Of The Tide is a different musical beast from past experiences. Combining a shared love of beefy riffs, trad heavy metal melodies and a dual vocal attack between Mark and Jes Phipps that has created a unique approach to the WOTT’s songwriting.
Weight Of The Tide are Mark Moots (guitar, vocals), Jes Phipps (guitar, vocals), Marcus Mayhall (bass) and Jason Thomas (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Sure, we are a melodic heavy/sludge/groove band from Reno, NV. We just released our third EP »What Pale Victory« through Undergroove Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge we have faced was Jes’ cancer diagnoses. We weren’t sure what the future would hold for him or us at the time. Thankfully he’s recovered and we’re firing on all cylinders again.
What can you be most proud of so far?
So many things really. Bloodatock 2018 is a huge one. Honestly just the fact that we’re still creating music that we love at this stage in our lives is a hell of an accomplishment.
What was your biggest regret?
I don’t really like spending time or energy on regret. Everyone has things they would do differently if they could. But the past is the past. Learn from it, grow and keep moving.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Easily Bloodstock. It was an absolute bucket list/dream come true opportunity to get to play there. Add to that Jes’ recovery from cancer and playing that fest as celebration. It’s an experience that’s can’t be topped.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
For me personally I’m surprised how normalized extreme metal has become. I’m a big fan and used to play extreme metal back in the December days. Back then screaming vocals were more fringe. It almost seems like proper singing with no screaming is the fringe now.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately it’s been Lowen, Hangman’s Chair, The Cure and Ignitor.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Whatever you’re doing or saying, mean it.
Photo credit: Metal Jeff
What are your guilty pleasures?
No such thing. Why feel guilty for liking something?
Can you say something more about current music scene in Reno?
The music scene here in Reno is actually looking pretty strong right now. There are a lot of bands who are working hard and making great music.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
That remains to be seen for now. We’re not kids who can drop everything to get in the van anymore but we will entertain opportunities as they present themselves.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To keep creating music that excites us. We’re already kicking new song ideas around. Hopefully the next batch won’t take as long to see the light of day.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Likely a quiet night in at home. (How boring eh? Haha)
How can people best support your band?
Listen to our albums, buy vinyl or merch from Bandcamp, spread the word anyway you can.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Just sincere gratitude for anyone who checks us out, likes us or supports what we’re doing. It means the world to us.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well