A full 16 bands will play Doomlines VIII this July in Sheffield, UK, with France’s Slift and the heavy-meets-aggro Heriot headlining and support from the not-slouching-either-in-the-pissed-off-department Slabdragger and Bismarck (making the trip from Norway), as well as Ba‘al, Gozer, Volcanova (from Iceland), among others. It’s an all-dayer, and I’m not sure it’s actually possible to watch 16 bands in a span of 10 hours, even across two stages, but don’t quote me on that because some crazy bastard might just do it. Given the acts involved, it would be fun to try.

I know these days aren’t exactly short on fest news — this isn’t even the only post today about a festival lineup adding bands — but in addition to having that little foot kicking the back of my brain to force the memory of live-music-less lockdown out of the corner into which I’ve repressed it, I’ll say too that these events are worth celebrating because they show how much heart and passion goes into supporting this music.

Even ‘successful’ festivals can be a non-lucrative nightmare to book, and pretty much the only reason ever to engage the process of putting something like this together is because you believe deeply in it. So yeah, while there’s about a zero percent chance I’ll be there to see Doomlines VIII in July, I’m glad to support the support. And hey, it’s a big internet. Maybe you’re somewhere on the planet where buying a ticket makes sense, be it in or around Sheffield or in a place from which you might be up for traveling.

Tickets are on sale, and here’s the announcement from the fest:

DOOMLINES 2023 – 23rd July

Doomlines enters its eighth year with our biggest lineup yet – the only place to be for fans of heavy during Tramlines 2023.

Ticket link: https://corporation.org.uk/event/doomlines/
Venue: Corporation, Sheffield, UK
Date: 23rd July 2023

We have stunning international talent alongside the best of the Sheffield and wider UK underground, covering doom, sludge, stoner, psych and more. Without further ado, feast your eyes on:

Psych rock titans, SLIFT (France) perform their only Northern UK date of the year. Alongside them witness meteoric British newcomers, Heriot. That’s on top of Slabdragger, Bismarck (Norway), The Infernal Sea, Thank, Longheads, Crepitation, ATVM, Volcanova (Iceland), Ba’al, Lowen, Gozer, Bodach, Chapel Floods and Le Menhir.

Doors open at 12:30 on the Sunday of Tramlines (23rd July), meaning wall to wall bands across two stages until 10:30pm, no clashes, no BS. With food stalls (plant-based options included) and merch, you won’t need to leave Corporation for anything. Situated within walking distance of Sheffield’s train and bus stations, we look forward to welcoming fans from outside the city. If visiting, it’s recommended to book accommodation ASAP.

We also have the Warm Up Show on Friday (21st July) featuring Diploid (Australia), Dead In Latvia, Casing and Void Maw. Damn son.

See you there.

FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3420066691566268/

https://www.facebook.com/churchoftheholyspider
https://www.instagram.com/holyspiderpromo/
https://holyspiderpromotions.bigcartel.com/

Heriot, “Demure” official video

Not every band in the lineup really applies around here, but I seem to care way less about that kind of thing these days than in the past, and if I need an excuse to post the first lineup announcement from April’s Ritual Festival 2017 in the UK, I’ve got it in taking it as a reminder of how righteously doomed London’s Serpent Venom are. If you didn’t hear it, their 2014 album, Of Things Seen and Unseen (review here), is streaming at the bottom of this post and so worth your time it’s ridiculous to think you’re still reading this sentence and not already listening. I mean, really. Get on it.

As for the rest? Well, I’ve seen Misery Index before, believe it or not (might’ve been 2003?), and as regards Ihsahn, I’m as much of an Emperor fan as the next guy, unless the next guy is one of those super-pretentious Emperor megafans — which, let’s face it, he probably is — so yeah, seems like Ritual Festival 2017’s mission to blend extremes in death, doom and beyond is well underway in the stylistic mix they’re presenting thus far. I’ll keep an eye out for how it continues to come together.

From the PR wire:

Ritual Festival announces Ihsahn, Misery Index, Afternoon Gentlemen, Crepitation, Corrupt Moral Altar, Conjurer, Serpent Venom and Groak

Ritual Festival, which aims to be bring the best in doom and death metal to Leeds will return on 8th April 2017. Following the success of this year’s festival which boasted the likes of 40 Watt Sun, The Body, Conan, Venom Prison and Full of Hell, Ritual have announced that Norweigan black metal pioneer Ihsahn will headline next year. He states:

‘I am honoured to headline Ritual Festival next year, and I´m looking forward to bringing you a set of Ihsahn past, present and maybe a dash of future as well. See you all there!’

Best known for his work with Emperor, he released his latest solo album ‘Arktis’ back in April. Alongside Ihsahn the festival have also announced Misery Index, The Afternoon Gentlemen, Crepitation, Corrupt Moral Altar, Conjurer, Serpent Venom and Groak with more additions to follow in the coming months. The organisers comment:

‘Firstly thanks to all of you that supported Ritual this year. I’m happy to say the festival will be returning to Canal Mills, Leeds in April 2017 with a diverse and unique line-up. We have taken the time to combine some of the UK’s newest, as well as established talented acts along with some special and exclusive favourites just for you. We are honoured to have Ihsahn headline the festival but we also can’t wait to reveal many more incredible bands for you over the coming months.’

The first 100 early bird tickets are on sale now priced at just £25 rising to £30 – http://ritualfestival.bigcartel.com/

Alongside 2 rooms of live music the festival will also feature art exhibitions, a wealth of merchandise, as well as local food vendors.

Line-up so far:
Ihsahn
Misery Index
The Afternoon Gentlemen
Crepitation
Corrupt Moral Altar
Conjurer
Serpent Venom
Groak

www.ritualfest.co.uk/
www.facebook.com/RitualFestivalUK
http://ritualfestival.bigcartel.com/
www.canalmills.com/

Serpent Venom, Of Things Seen and Unseen (2014)