SEATTLE AFTER SUNDOWN
~Words & Photos by Chris Schanz~
Doomed & Stoned's chief contributor from the Emerald City gives us a decidedly Northwest perspective on the music scene and how it affected him in 2017. Here are the albums the ruled the night, mixed in among the Chris' unparalelled photographic vision. (Editor)
Bell Witch -- Mirror Reaper
Mirror Reaper by Bell Witch
Finding out that Adrian Guerra was the younger cousin of a schoolmate of mind and from my hometown after his death, not seeing them play live before his death, and discovering just how awesome they were may be a tragedy. Seeing Dylan Desmond come back with a stunning tribute and beautiful album this year made it
Year Of The Cobra -- Burn Your Dead
Burn Your Dead by Year of the Cobra
A wonderful couple, rewriting the power duo dynamic for our local heavy and doom scene. Killer album packaging, as well (I’m not just saying that because of the photos, either). A perfect sophomore album for the band and shows growth in the songwriting curve.
Substratum -- Substratum
Substratum by Substratum
While it’s an “official” debut LP, Substratum has been around awhile. Shredding metal riffs and searing, soaring vocals that rival Vengeance-era Judas Priest and Seattle’s own Sanctuary (RIP Warrel Dane). WATCH THESE ONES.
Chelsea Wolfe -- Hiss Spun
Hiss Spun by CHELSEA WOLFE
I’ve been a rabid fan since Apokalypsis. I finally got to see her up close at the Showbox. The things I had to endure to get there (drunken Amazon bro’s and all) made my effort all the more worthwhile to hear these songs performed live.
Heiress/Great Falls -- Split 7”
Split 7" w/Great Falls by heiress
Two of my favorite and heaviest acts in one 7”, part of a three 7” package on Mylene Sheath Records that utilizes the artwork by Demian Johnson from Great Falls beautifully. Very collectible!
Terrasone -- Reclaim
Take Off by Terrasone
Sadly, this album was released posthumously, as the lineup refocused on other projects (Infinite Flux and The Deaddrones). I regret not being able to see my good friends perform live, even though there were ample opportunities! Long live Terrasone!
Crystal Fairy -- Crystal Fairy
Crystal Fairy by Crystal Fairy
If the Melvins produce an album in any flavor – it makes my list!! Gifted on vinyl to me on my birthday by my brother and sister-in-law, all Melvins projects carry my favorite musical memories of our band together.
Kings of Cavalier -- Sacred Fruit
Reid’s Viking vocals rage and Ian’s guitar work shines on this recording by Jack Endino at Soundhouse. A proud addition to the Seattle heavy scene family, and I’m proud to call them friends! And that album art? Classy!
Old Iron -- Lupus Metallorum
Lupus Metallorum (see album description for vinyl) by Old Iron
I saw Jerad Shealey play bass with Heiress when I was introduced to them a few years back -- just missing his set with Old Iron. It’s in my New Year resolutions to see more shows and not miss my friends’ performances. Great album and tour!
Brett Netson and SNAKES -- Snakes/Crosss
SNAKES/CROSSS by Brett Netson and SNAKES
More name dropping, please. I split a 7” with Caustic Resin in 1994 -- so vague, so early in their game that it only exists on cassette anymore. Caustic Resin were early Pacific Northwest stoner-desert rock pioneers. Brett continued his journey touring with Built to Spill and the Mark Lanegan Band. Snakes/Crosses is a long, dark road through the desert at midnight, passing through the badlands in a thunderstorm. A journey worthy of Doomed & Stoned...and once again, not just because I took some bitchin’ photos at their last Seattle gig.
PALOOKA -- Turbo Excelente
Once again, it’s NOT just because it took a year to produce the photography, cover art, typography and marketing collateral – it’s because PALOOKA ROCKS! Technically not doom or stoner, but essential listening for the local heavy listening buff. Consisting of Seattle rock royalty (NW Metalfest, anyone?), PALOOKA’s sophomore album is a London Bridge Studio masterpiece evoking Mother Love Bone, Alice Cooper and that BIG, THICK ROCK guitar mastery lost since 1977.
Twelve Thirty Dreamtime -- Dreamsongs
Dreamsongs 1997-1999 by Twelve Thirty Dreamtime
We near the end of my list with a look ahead at 2018. Devil’s Child Records does it again, releasing the 1997 project by Mos Generator’s Tony Reed on a beautiful smoked vinyl (available in February).
There's more of Chris Schanz's work to be amazed by. Head on over to his site and you'll get lost for hours. He's also covered quite a few Doomed & Stoned events for us, including this year's High Summer Fest. Check all his published work to date in these pages right here.
