London folk doom metal band Cruel Mother released their debut EP »Cut Down For The Earth«, themed around old English murder ballads

London, UK based folk doom metal band Cruel Mother stream their debut EP, »Cut Down For The Earth«, which was just released on April 12th, 2024. Cruel Mother revives traditional folk songs, particularly English murder ballads through doom metal.

Listen to »Cut Down For The Earth« EP on all major streaming platforms!

Tracklist:
01. My Name Is Death
02. The Red Barn
03. John Barleycorn
04. Down The Greenwood Side
05. Will O’ The Wisp
06. Oranges And Lemons

London-based folk doom band Cruel Mother released their debut EP on Friday 12th April 2024.

Cruel Mother take their lyrical inspiration from printed broadsides and tradition folk music, particularly the rich tradition of English murder ballads.

»Cut Down For The Earth« is comprised of six tracks inspired by songs contained in The Roud Folk Song Index, infused with the band’s signature combination of heavy riffs, crunchy grooves and the melancholic lament of the fiddle.

This follows a great international reception to their first two singles, »John Barleycorn« and »My Name Is Death«, and incredible crowds at their debut performance at Maryland Metalfest III hosted by Retribution Alive earlier this year.

About Cruel Mother:
Cruel Mother was first conceived in 2022 and has existed in its current form since spring 2023. Over the past year, they’ve refined their soundto create a doom concept band unlike any other. They combine a playful approach to making music with a solemn respect for the real history and human lives at the heart of the ballads they revive.

Cruel Mother is made up of Becky (bass, vocals and main composer), James (guitar and vocals), Kirstie (guitar), David (violin) and Dan (drums). The five musicians bring an unusual and interesting mix of talent to the melting pot, with a wealth of combined experience spanning classical, metal, punk and ska music.

Blending English folk with stoner doom, this project is most influenced by Skyclad, Green Lung and 70s English folk like Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention, Pentangle (and, of course, Black Sabbath – they are still a doom band).

Praise for »John Barleycorn«:

“All it took was one listen and I found myself singing the song to myself whilst working. I think they’re definitely onto something here.” – Billy Goate, Doomed & Stoned

“I’ve not been able to get these riffs out of my head for well over a month” – Jonny Collins, Blizzard Comedy

Lyrics by Becky Loughead.
Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Daniel Speight.
Cruel Mother logo by Lawrence Crow.
Artwork by Robert Maltby.

Becky Loughead – Vocals, Bass
James Chester – Vocals, Guitars
Kirstie Summers – Guitars
David Garner – Violin
Daniel Speight – Drums

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well