Doomed Confessionary: Sean Sullivan (Ten Ton Slug)
Photo credits: Liam Carroll Photography
Ten Ton Slug plays riff-laden sludge metal originating from the depths of Connemara near Galway in the west of Ireland. The band consists of Rónán Ó hArrachtáin (vocals), Sean Sullivan (vocals, guitars), Pavol Rosa (bass) and Mícheál O Súilleabháin (drums).
They have shared a stage with Black Label Society, Crowbar, Corrosion Of Conformity, Memoriam, Conan, Jinjer, and Planet Of Zeus amongst others and over the past few years have earned more and more prominent billings at festivals including Metaldays, Bloodstock and Hammerfest, bringing the band’s memorable and powerful live performances to ever larger audiences.
Ten Ton Slug’s highly-anticipated debut album »Colossal Oppressor« is set for release on May 1st 2024. Featuring guest vocals from Memoriam/Bolt Thrower frontman Karl Willetts on the track »Brutus«, »Colossal Oppressor« represents five years of work distilled into 8 tracks of unrelenting riffage.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Ten Ton Slug is a giant gastropod that emerged from the bogs of Connemara in 2014. Riff-filled sludge will greet your ears and warn you of its impending approach.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
The Slug has overcome many hardships in the past year, such is life that we must summon our power and move forward, as a unit.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Our music. A decade of destruction across Ireland, the UK and into Europe. Some great support slots, festival slots and gigs with friends. Most of all, the metalheads we have met who support the slime.
What was your biggest regret?
Not oppressing more humans.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Metaldays main stage and Bloodstock Sophie stage in 2019 are contenders for sure, as was supporting Black Label Society in Dublin in 2018 or Crowbar in 2017. Very hard to choose one.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How good people can be.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Dog Tired, Bolt Thrower, Crowbar.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Galway?
Ireland has a wealth of excellent bands across many heavy genres and the Siege of Limerick is probably Ireland’s finest showcase of underground talent. It takes place every Easter and Halloween. Irish metal Mecca.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
The Slug launches the »Colossal Oppressor« LP in Ireland in Dolans Limerick on May 3rd and the Grand Social Dublin on May 5th. The Slug is also booked for Maryland Doom Fest in Frederick, Maryland in the USA in June 2024 and more shows are currently in the works.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
The oppression and enslavement of all mankind. Keep improving and learning as a band, spread the slime to all corners of the earth, even more riffs.
How can people best support your band?
Spread the slime by word of mouth, check out the Slug live or pick up a vinyl or merch at our online store!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Follow the Slug to the slime filled land. We have riffs and pickles.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well