Doomed Confessionary: Matt Power (Sohnelm)
Photo by Dan Maynard
Sohnelm is a four-piece sludge/doom metal band hailing from Gold Coast, Australia.
Featuring members of Azreal, Lomera and Sumeru, Sohnelm blend the crushing intensity of High On Fire, the mid-tempo aggression of early Metallica, and the sonic weight of Windhand with other moments of influence from bands like Baroness, Melvins, Darkthrone & Thin Lizzy in a way that’s as ugly as it is melodic.
Sohnelm just released their debut 7” single »Ultra Crusher« on April 9th, 2024 via Brilliant Emperor Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Sohnelm is Chris Dennis on drums, Chris Wilson on lead guitar, Pat Taylor on bass and me (Matt Power) on guitar and vocals. Chris D and I live on the Gold Coast, while Chris W and Pat live in Sydney, Australia. This band is the result of Chris D. and I jamming and wanting to play hesh dungeon rock; I tapped the other guys I’ve known for ages to round out the band because I love playing music with those guys.
This band aims to create music that explores all the darker sides of society and culture. We’re inspired by different mythologies and early horror themes. Musically, the band is influenced by High On Fire, early Metallica, Thin Lizzy, Baroness, and Melvins. We’ve just released our debut single, »Ultra Crusher«, through Brilliant Emporer Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Having members living in different cities is challenging, but life is generally challenging with work and family commitments, too. Somehow, we find time to make music, and I’m very grateful for that.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m proud of this first handful of songs we’ve written. Having never played guitar in a band like this before, writing and getting better has been a real journey. The songs come together once we’ve all added elements to them. It feels good to have the debut single so well received.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets so far, but there’s still time.
Photo by Ken Villanueva
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We’ve only played a handful of shows, and they’ve been great. Playing at Frankie’s Pizza one final time was an honour; our first Gold Coast show was the best we’ve played and solidified what we want to do as a band.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The Gold Coast is way too sunny for heavy music. Sometimes I drive around town listening to doom or stoner metal, and I’m like, something just doesn’t feel right listening to Electric Wizard when it’s 28 degrees and sunny out…
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The new High On Fire record, for sure, is a great album front to back. I’ve only recently discovered Emma Ruth Rundle, good rainy-day music.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
The audience doesn’t know how the song should go, so whatever you play is how it goes that night.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Right now, it’s dissecting every line and diss in the Kendrick Lamar vs Drake rap beef. It’s getting savage. But I’m also an absolute sucker for a good yacht rock tune.
Can you say something more about the music scene in your part of Australia?
We’re lucky that we tread across three different scenes: Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Sydney has such a great scene, and we’re fortunate to have been a part of it for a long time. The Brisbane heavy scene is going from strength to strength; there’s constantly a new band to check out. Sadly, the Gold Coast heavy scene is lacking for me, but you never know what someone is cooking up just around the corner.
Photo by Dan Maynard
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re planning some shows in Sydney and Brisbane with some great bands for later this year; keep across our socials for more info as it comes to hand.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re currently working on writing and recording a full-length album that should be finished by the end of the year.
How can people best support your band?
Head to the Brilliant Emperor Records on Bandcamp to order a copy of the »Ultra Crusher« 7″ vinyl and T-shirt. The guys at Brilliant Emperor have done a great job, and it’s turned-out killer. Go to brilliantemperor.bandcamp.com!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for taking the time to check out our music. We hope you’ll stick around.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well