Fusing a daring blend of stoner metal, grunge, and desert rock, The Holy Nothing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is poised to unveil their debut EP, Vol 1: A Profound and Nameless Fear, on November 17th.
Packed with robust bass grooves and thunderous drums, the EP evokes reminiscences of bands like the Butthole Surfers and Candlebox. This might seem unusual, considering the trio comprising Austin Hammon on drums, Joey Kaufman on guitar and vocals, and Dan Kinnaley on bass, was united by their shared appreciation for Red Fang.
The six-song EP commences with an ode to the engulfing desire for another. There’s a grittiness to Joey’s vocals in “Bathe Me” that is reminiscent of both Gibby Haynes (Butthole Surfers) and Kevin Martin (Candlebox). The song possesses thundering bass and drumming that reverberate through one’s chest, accompanied by growling guitars that transport listeners back to the heyday of 90s grunge.
“Bliss Trench,” a standout track on the EP, delves into existential dread and the quest for meaning. It encapsulates the essence of grunge and punk, featuring tinny drums, heavy bass, wailing guitars, and vocals that oscillate from growling to screaming.
Inspired by the literary works of Donald Ray Polluck, the bass and drum-heavy “Unending Death” echoes influences from Alice in Chains, infused with vibes reminiscent of Nirvana‘s Bleach album.
The second stand out track on Vol 1: A Profound and Nameless Fear is “Mondegreen”. Inspired by misinterpreted lyrics, the song looks at the loss of faith after being brought up in a religious home. Dan’s heavy and bold bass is the shining star on the track, providing a backbone for the vocals, guitar, and drums to dance upon.
In the pursuit of love in the wrong places, the closing track, “Doom Church,” lives up to its ominous title. Laden with heaviness in lyrics, vocals, and music, the song encapsulates a sense of impending doom.
The Holy Nothing‘s debut EP is a sonic journey through grunge-soaked landscapes, where thunderous drums, gritty vocals, and bold bass collide in a triumphant fusion of stoner metal and desert rock.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Bliss Trench”, “Mondegreen”, “Bathe Me”
