Doomed Confessionary: Mike Crew (Shadow Limb)
Photos by @mcamyart
Shadow Limb is a progressive/sludge/post-metal quartet from Chico, California. The band consists of Adam Scarborough (guitar, vocals), Chris Roberts (guitar, vocals), Mike Crew (bass) and Dan Elsen (drums).
Shadow Limb’s second full-length album »Reclaim« was just released on March 29th, 2024 via Seeing Red Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a heavy sludge/doom/post-metal and sometimes proggy band from Chico, CA. We’ve been playing as Shadow Limb since 2013 but we’re all in an instrumental band called La Fin du Monde for many years before that. So, we have a long history together!
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Probably just getting the new record all done and turned in to get it out by the release date and get the pressing process started. Much less time for these things as you get older!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Still playing music together and still being really good friends as a band.
What was your biggest regret?
It would’ve been nice to follow up our last album sooner but there were several factors for that not happening. Otherwise, no big regrets.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We haven’t done any major touring but have played many rad shows in Northern California. There isn’t one in particular that stands out but anytime people are engaged and digging the music with us, those are the best shows. No matter the size of the crowd.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Just how fast things have changed since we went from CD’s, tapes and magazines to everything being digital and available for free, basically. The good thing is there’s so much cool music coming out. The bad thing is also there’s so much cool music coming out! It can be overwhelming.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ll keep this to relatively current releases so this doesn’t go on forever. So…. Zombi – »Direct Inject«, Chelsea Wolfe – »She Reaches Out, She Reaches Out«, Guiltless – »Thorns«, The Night Eternal – »Fatale«, Renewer – »Sunne«, Slowdive – »Everything Is Alive«, HEALTH – »Rat Wars«, Twin Tribes – »Pendulum«, Horrendous – »Ontological Mysterium«, Crosses – »Goodnight, God Bless, I Love U, Delete.«.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Chico, California?
The scene ebbs and flows. As I know it does in all places, especially ones in smaller cities. Venues come and go. As do bands. Right now things are pretty solid though! Several good venues with a strong all ages scene. And a bunch of rad bands of different genres.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nothing planned too far from home at the moment. Hopefully we can do some small trips out of town once we get the new vinyl in our hands!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
To keep at it! We already have a good portion of a new record written.
How can people best support your band?
Buying vinyl, tapes and shirts on our Bandcamp page is the best way. Otherwise, streaming and spreading the word also helps!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for listening! Like a said before there are so many options out there and we really appreciate anyone taking the time to listen, share, or even send us a message!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well