Doomed Confessionary: Rudy M. (Sunless)
Sunless is an one-man progressive doom metal band from Montreal, Canada. All music written and performed by Rudy M. (ex-Alètheia, ex-Hiding Tower).
Following »MMXXIII« EP (2023), Sunless returns with 7 tracks of challenging doom metal, bristling with black, death, heavy and prog influences. Debut album »Grave Of The Lambs« was released on August 30th, 2024.
Can you say a few words about your band?
First of all, I’d like to say hello to the whole Doomed Nation collective and to thank you and your readers for giving me this space.
Sunless is a one-person doom metal band. I started the project in 2021. At that time I had gone through some personal loss and processing all that while juggling the responsibilities of my daily life was becoming a bit too much to handle. That’s when I decided that I needed a creative outlet, a space where I could take care of myself. So I started writing music and lyrics again, with a purpose. That’s the project’s origin story, in a nutshell.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for the band is myself! I have some clear limitations as a musician… which I try to work on, sure, but this is still a one-entity project; meaning, I get little to no external feedback during the creative process. There is nobody to tell me “dude, no” until the damage is done and out in the open! Also, no live performances. This severely limits the band’s visibility and opportunities.
On the other hand, I don’t have to manage conflicting schedules and personalities and I can work at my own pace, so… I would say that’s the upside of my situation.
What can you be most proud of so far?
As a musician? The fact that Sunless even exists and that you are willing to give my music the time of day is an immense source of pride and joy! Writing and recording the »MMXXIII« demo (considering my situation at the time) was a monumental achievement for me. I am also extremely happy with the way »Grave Of The Lambs« turned out. The thought that there are people out there who listen to the album and maybe get something out of it is just incredible.
As a person? My family, of course.
What was your biggest regret?
We all make mistakes. I’m not going to say that I have no regrets, but I like to think that I have learned something from the long list of questionable things that I have done in my life (and possibly, from the long list of questionable things that I have done to other people). We all have flaws (because of our character, our traumas, and so on) that will affect the people around us, if we are not careful; sometimes we have little choice. Maybe we cannot change who we are, but we can certainly strive to be a better, more caring version of ourselves… What was the question again?
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Unfortunately, Sunless is strictly a studio project… at least for the foreseeable future. I have been playing in bands since the mid ’90s, though, and the experiences I have shared on stage with my fellow metalheads have been some of the best in my life.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’m surprised at how popular stoner doom has become in recent years! Look, in the early 2000s it was all symphonic “Beauty and the Beast” kind of stuff; after that I noticed a bit of a funeral doom resurgence and now… Now essentially if you say “doom” you mean stoner/sludge by default. Except, this time around I get the impression that the sound is getting bigger than its own boundaries. It’s catching on! I keep hearing stoner doom influences in the output of artists that normally have little to do with metal. Am I the only one who hears this? Am I crazy? Anyway, I love it!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I have recently relapsed HARD into my early-Maiden addiction. So, »Iron Maiden« and »Killers« (the albums) have been in heavy rotation. Apart from the obvious, though, recently I’ve given lots of love to »X.O.« by Oakhead (incredible guitar work), »Perdurance« by Convulsing, »Funeral Cult Of Personality« by Abysmal Grief, some Bong Coffin, some Magick Potion (the dudes from Baltimore… they used to be called Head). The last Gnome is awesome. Yob.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I’ll tell you what would be my advice to other musicians: be a musician! Seriously, just play, practice, write. Music is such a gift. Try to give it your own spin, try to add something of yourself. Encourage other musicians around you.
If you have a creative bone in your body, you have to create something. If you don’t cultivate it, if you stifle it, you will suffer.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Well, what was that stereotype about doom metal and smoking weed? I’m not sure it’s just a stereotype… Also, junk food (the two things may be related).
Can you say something more about current music scene in Montreal / Quebec?
I live in Montreal, which is absolutely amazing. The underground scene is very much alive here (in Montreal, but also in Quebec in general, not to mention Canada). Canada is brimming with amazing music, just look at the output of labels like Syrup Moose Records. Going back to Montreal, if you like psych-rock, I have it on good authority that the new Technicolor Blood is coming out soon… keep an eye out for that one.
I miss playing live and being able to contribute to the scene in a more “physical” way… but things are what they are.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
If you see me live this year, something cataclysmic has probably happened. Be afraid.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
I will keep writing and recording music. I would love to have a physical release for »Grave Of The Lambs« or for my next album, but this is more of a dream than a plan. If anybody with funds and means is listening, feel free to get in touch!
How can people best support your band?
Of course, for those who can, buying the album on Bandcamp would be amazing. Otherwise, reach out! Get in touch! Write a review! Let the artists you like know that they’ve been heard. It absolutely does make a difference. And I mean, this goes for all small local bands, not just for Sunless.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Be patient with each other and with yourselves. Create something. Let it take all the time in the world.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well