Doomed Confessionary: Tommy Stewart (Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf)
Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf is a two-piece doom metal band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. The band features drummer Dennis Reid and bassist/vocalist Tommy Stewart (known for his work with Hallows Eve, as well as being a producer and owner of Black Doomba Records). Known for their heavy, immersive sound and powerful live performances, Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf continues to push the boundaries of doom metal with each new release.
Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf has been a prominent force in the doom metal scene since their first show in 2016. The band has continuously toured the USA, sharing stages with legendary acts such as COC, Pentagram, The Skull, The Obsessed, and Year Of The Cobra. They have also made notable appearances at festivals, including Maryland Doom Fest 2021 and Snowblind Festival 2022, with new shows already booked for 2024 and 2025.
Can you say a few words about your band?
My band now, Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf, is absolutely fun to do! Many people ask me why I transformed from a thrash band to a doom metal band. From my perspective, I started music very young and it was more school band and jazz oriented. Then came punk, rock, NWOBM, then thrash, then other things, now doomishness. So I never really was a one trick pony and, from my stance, this is another chapter, gradual change is inevitable. Unless you only know how to do one trick. I like that I can explore different styles and express myself in different ways. I’m ot all one thing as a person so it just makes sense I would not just have one thing to say in my craft.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
It’s all about arrangement to keep it interesting with a minimal set up. So I think we put the most thought into how many times to do a riff, changing the sounds as the song goes, just making sure it stays interesting. A rule of thumb is it doesn’t sound the same as more than two go arounds of a riff.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m particularly proud of my first three albums in Hallows Eve and »Doomsday Deferred« by Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf and, naturally, now the new EP by TSD called »Fyrewulf One«.
What was your biggest regret?
In general? That, even though I have toured a lot and consistently played a lot of shows, I seemed to have always been held back by not finding people to play with who could always tour. I’ve always been ready to go, able to do it, no hold ups, anywhere, anytime.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
So many. I think my favorite times were Hallows Eve’s first album tour as we were so, how to explain it, what happens next! These recent 2 or 3 years of shows, about 40 per year, have been very nice because I’ve done it so long that it’s fairly routine and I’m secure, which is the opposite of the early days. Now I just do it!
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I’m kinda overwhelmed at how there are tons more bands now than there used to be! Sheesh! It’s like someone opened a truck stop on every corner and then wondered why they aren’t full parking lots! I’m also surprised at how awesome it is that I’ve seen a big turn towards doom, hard rock, and heavy music in general.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately, Warduna, have been revisiting classic rockers Ten Years After, and the new Thunderbird Divine.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Just keep doing it. I once asked Lemmy if I was ever going to make it, whatever that is to us. He asked how old I was. I said 29, 3 albums out. He said, “Just keep going, you’ve already fucked your whole life up. The only musicians that don’t make it are the ones that quit.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t feel guilty about much. I do tend a garden at home and I like a rom-com now and then. And I only have a cat. I’ve always had a cat. Best musician pet ever. You can go away for days and you just need someone to drop by now and then to take some care. No needy dogs or other pets for me, thanks. My cat is my buddy.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Atlanta?
There’s a lot of bands in Atlanta, Georgia, USA!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
I’ve a series of shows in September and October, mostly in the USA southeast states, which is unusual for me. Check on the Black Doomba Records or Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf Facebook for best updates, but we’re on every platform.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are releasing »Fyrewulf One« on September 13, 2024. Formats are streaming and vinyl. The vinyl is a picture disc on one side, but 4 songs on side A. The next release will be »Fyrewulf Two«, 4 more songs + UV art on the back side. So the full »Fyrewulf« album is being released via a series of singles, videos, and 3 EPs for the time.
How can people best support your band?
Please head to Black Doomba Records, Bandcamp works, and pick up anything by us. We’re very grateful when people do this kind of support because it allows us to keep going.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for supporting indie artists. You buying a physical item from a band is what supports them and enables them to keep making their art, their craft. We love to listen to streams but buying directly from the band is the best support.
Follow Tommy Stewart’s Dyerwulf:
Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Follow Black Doomba Records:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well