Doomed Confessionary: Max, Mat, PH & Paolo (Tunguska Mammoth)
Tunguska Mammoth is a four-piece stoner/sludge metal band from Montreal, Canada. Formed in 2010, Tunguska Mammoth consists of Maxime Bellerose (vocals, guitar), Mathieu Savage (guitar), Paolo Di Stefano (bass) and Pierre-Hugues Rondeau (drums).
Tunguska Mammoth return with an explosive new EP »Cactus«, released on May 16th, 2025, featuring four powerful tracks, where massive riffs, the raw energy of rock, and the heaviness of metal collide. The band pushes the boundaries of their sound by experimenting with new musical textures, incorporating innovative sound effects as well as instruments such as the organ, synthesizer, and piano. These additions bring an extra dimension to their music, enriching the whole with captivating complexity. The EP alternates between two songs in French and two in English, offering a nice diversity while staying true to their unique identity.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We’re Tunguska Mammoth from Montreal, Québec. We play heavy, riff-driven stoner metal with doom and sludge influences. Think powerful guitars, thundering drums, thick bass, and vocals that swing between melodic and raw. We’ve been blasting since 2010, can’t believe it’s been 15 years!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Covid hit us hard. Not being able to see each other and play, things have been pretty slow since then. But then, we finally put out a killer EP and we’re still going strong!
What can you be most proud of so far?
The fact that we’re still here after 15 years together. Still loud, still evolving. Our EP Cactus has a real distinct sound and feel. We’re having fun on those tracks, and I think it shows.
What was your biggest regret?
Not touring more after our first album dropped. Life got in the way, and we probably missed some chances to grow the band internationally.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
A very memorable tour we did was with the Swiss band Kruger back in 2012. One of our only tour really, we had a fantastic time across 4 gigs to play in Ontario/Quebec. A great gig we had a couple years ago in Jonquière: first there was a wrestler fight in the bar (that we were unaware of!), then our opener got kicked out for being too loud, so we played the quietest we’ve ever been. Song after song we crept cranking the volume ’cause people got into the music ! In the end we were playing real stage volume and we partied with the fantastic people of the Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean area. Amazing!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The resilience and creativity of the underground. Even when venues shut down because of noise complaints (Montréal really needs to do something about this right now), people keep making music, putting on shows in basements, garages, forests… Wherever there’s a power outlet and some passion, the scene thrives.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Right now?
Max: Greenleaf, Skraeckoedlan, Gnome, Pelican, Pyres, Sandveiss, Kadavar, Witchcraft.
Mat: Black Sabbath, ZZ Top and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.
PH: Deftones, Clutch, José Gonzales, Slayer, Dr. Dre.
Paolo: Castle Rat, Serpent Throne, Elder.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
*Looking at each other* – Were we given any advice? Not really no haha!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Listening to François Pérusse along the rides and recently, finding a hotel with a spa when we’re out of town for a gig it seems. Picky singer. What can you do?
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Montreal?
Montreal’s scene is killer. It’s heavy, diverse, and filled with bands that deserve more attention. Doom, punk, grind, post-rock, whatever… there’s something happening in every corner, and the crowd actually shows up. It’s a city of lifers.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ll be playing a few local shows this fall, so keep an eye on our socials for updates!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
More shows. New riffs. We’ve (slowly) started working on new material for our next full-length. We’re not done shaking walls yet.
How can people best support your band?
Buy the music, wear the merch, come to the shows, and spread the word. And if you like what you hear, tell a friend. Or a stranger. Or your weird uncle. Check out our Bandcamp!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you! Seriously. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or you just discovered us, your support means everything. Keep your ears open, your minds loud, and your amps cranked.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well