*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the state of the month*
This month’s state is Michigan!
In 2014 one of Michigan’s best up and coming bands was formed. Blind Haven was formed a year ago, by four guys who swore an oath to creating and maintaining a sound that holds no boundaries by simply obeying the riff. Just by that sentiment alone it should make most anyone a fan. They released their debut “Obey.Worship.Decay” in January at Lakebotttom Recording House. The same place State Of The Art alums Wizard Union also recorded theirs. Blind Haven is Dustin Bourns – Vocals, Heath LaTour – Guitar, Drew Rogers – Bass, Andrew Owen – Drums. If you are a fan of slow drawn out riffs with thick bass lines this is what you have been searching for your whole life. The riffs ring out like a sloth creeping up a tree. Slow doomy doom is what you are in store for. It may be as slow as moss growing on a grave, and let me tell you right now, when it slows down to this pace it kicks more ass than an 8 legged billy goat. I’m not exactly sure if we should thank the drinking water in Michigan or if I should personally thank the mothers who spawned these four guys for bringing them into this shit hole we call earth.
With the exception of “Burning Ritual” the majority of the songs on the album are 9 minutes long. Songs of this length can usually get boring after a while, this is not the case here. “Stagnant Memories” creeps into my speakers and what comes out should be pleasant to any ear. Vocalist Dustin Bourns has that great median where he doesn’t over do anything, and doesn’t under do it either. It’s simple in the most perfect way. The same really goes for everything with the sound they create. Guitarist Heath LaTour brings simplicity back with his riffing. He does it in a way that helps showcase everything else going on in each song. The simplicity in everything makes each member shine even more. What these guys have is some of the best chemistry in a band I have seen in a long time. I’m hopeful I will be able to see them tour the south soon. After listening to this on repeat for a few days I’m anxious to hear what they will bring to the table next. Give these guys a chance, especially if you are a fan of doom. If you even remotely like Crowbar you will love these guys. Buy “Obey.Worship.Decay”, you will not be disappointed.
Follow them at the following links:
