Posted in Features on September 6th, 2022 by JJ Koczan
After truly living doom as much anyone ever has, Dave Sherman, bassist of Spirit Caravan and King Valley and frontman of Earthride, Wretched, Weed is Weed, and Galactic Cross, among others, has died. Word spread through social media that Sherman had passed; though the rumor was a cardiac event, the cause is yet unconfirmed. Born Oct. 16, 1966, Sherman was 55 years old.
Sherman was an inimitable stage presence and a creative soul. He always had a touch of mischief, but also always wanted everyone in on the joke. He was bigger than every stage he played on, and he played on every size stage. I had the good fortune to be in touch with him over the years about music, several interviews, and so on. Sometimes he was one of the smart kids playing dumb. When he walked into a room, you knew it, not the least by his voice.
And at least in my own experience, he was a humble, sweet guy. Shy in a way. I’ll miss thinking there might be another Earthride record coming or a chance of another Spirit Caravan reunion, or another Galactic Cross record, though the Earthride catalog remains particularly pristine for something that delighted in sounding so totally dirty.
He should have been mayor of Frederick, Maryland, but he was royalty in that scene and his loss will be felt for years. Doom on the East Coast and beyond grieves.
As bassist for Shine and Spirit Caravan, Sherman provided a perfect counterpoint to the guitar of Scott “Wino” Weinrich, and the two remain linked indelibly through the work they did on Spirit Caravan’s two full-lengths, EP, and other releases. Stirring the pot at front of the stage for Earthride, he was a man in his element. I can see him on stage at Cafe 611, Maryland doom incarnate at Maryland Doom Fest, soaking it in like the life force it was. And that is how I prefer to remember him. In his band, in that spot.
Dave Sherman will be missed.
On behalf of myself — still somewhat reeling, so pardon me — and this site, I send condolences to everyone who knew Sherm, and that was a great many people. His bandmates and family alone is a long list, especially for a man who made so many feel like family. To his friends in Frederick and worldwide, love.
Everything here is new. All of it. I didn’t do a classic track or anything like that. Just straight up new music. This playlist originally started coming together before I did the last episode, and I wound up scrapping it and going with the Reed Mullin tribute instead. Certainly no regrets there, but it’s not like I didn’t want to play new Candlemass, so here it is a couple weeks later.
So everything is new. Some of it is instrumental. Cegvera, Kanaan, Saturno Grooves and Kungens Män at least, and if I think a full two-hour show with 13 songs might be the fewest I’ve ever done, which means that, on average, these are the longest songs. Whatever. I thought the show hit a good flow with some rocking stuff early in new Geezer and the Maryland doom of Galactic Cross, gets super-heavy for a minute and then trips out, but whatever. If you don’t agree, don’t listen I guess. I don’t get ratings figures or anything, but I don’t imagine I’m busting the doors down at Gimme Radio every Friday at 5PM. I know that’s drive-time, but do the ancient ways of broadcast timeslots still apply when people are using apps to hear it? Rest assured, I have no idea.
Either way, thanks if you can listen. Sorry to be a bother if you can’t. If you want to look at this is as a list of bands I think you should check out, then fine. I ain’t trying to sell anyone anything, but of course appreciate your support.
The Obelisk Show on Gimme Radio airs every Friday 5PM Eastern, with replays Sunday at 7PM Eastern. Next new episode is March 20 (subject to change). Thanks for listening if you do.
Posted in Reviews on January 31st, 2020 by JJ Koczan
One can only hope that the Chamber of Commerce in Frederick, Maryland, someday is made to understand the cultural treasure the city has in hosting the epicenter of American doom on the Eastern Seaboard. In addition to, in recent years, playing host to the Maryland Doom Fest, Frederick has long been home to a scene of players and bands that has evolved over time into a creative force spanning decades, and from Pentagram to The Druids and Faith in Jane, the Chesapeake-regional underground crosses generations and styles as a true artistic inheritance should.
Galactic Cross make their full-length debut as a new project fronted by one of Frederick’s most pivotal figureheads in bassist/vocalist Dave Sherman, whose vocal croon and croak will be quickly recognizable to anyone familiar with his work in Earthride, or Weed is Weed, though of course his pedigree goes back further to the likes of King Valley, Wretched, Shine/Spirit Caravan, and so on. Completed by drummer Tony Saunders, who played on Internal Void‘s demo in 1995 and Minds Eye before and after that, as well as Trilogy and presumably others, and ace-in-the-hole guitarist Brian Virts, Galactic Cross are a recent advent with obviously deeper roots, and there’s sense of connection that permeates their songwriting, whether it’s the grungey riffing of penultimate hooky rocker “Queen of the Damned” or the earlier punk-via-Motörhead burst of “Electric Ghost.”
Pressed through to vinyl Energy Ring Records with lush artwork by Norb Czufis and Martin Kenny, the eight-song/32-minute long-player carries a brisk sonic clarity — brought to bear by Kenny Eaton at Monrovia, MD’s Mystery Ton Studios with mixing by Brad Divens (Fixintogetmixin Studio) and mastering by Carlos Silva (C1 Mastering) — and finds the three-piece fluidly shifting between tempos and weaving in elements of classic Maryland-style doom amid the more heavy rock-minded impulses, beginning almost in medias res with a quick drum introduction and quickly locked-in groove on opener and longest track (immediate points) “Spellbound.”
The leadoff features a highlight melodic vocal from Sherman as well as some C.O.C.-style sweeping backup vocals, but it’s also the first of several standout performances from Virts, who plays guitar with the technical precision of someone who’s genuinely spent years studying the craft — about three seconds of research reveals he’s the owner of the Moon Star Guitars shop — and who brings soul and suitable purpose to solos and riffs alike. On the subsequent “Lonely Unicorn,” Saunders casually tosses out impressive fills in one-after-another fashion between measures as the central rhythm is established in a start-stop roll that the subsequent guitar-led instrumental “Nominal Confusion” seems only too happy to perpetuate. “Spellbound” had a bit more blues to its proceedings, with fuzz on the bass and the vocal effects, but the subtly shifting tempo en route to “Electric Ghost” is something listeners might miss at first but that becomes essential to the overarching flow of Galactic Cross as a whole.
As its arrangements are largely straightforward, relying more on basic songcraft than the pedal board or other studio chicanery to make a point that one imagines sounds no less vital coming from the stage, things like those changes in tempo become essential the band’s ability to create a sense of variety in their approach, which they succeed in doing. The malleability of Sherman‘s voice between the catchy “Lonely Unicorn” and a cut like “Electric Ghost” — also the shortest on the album at 2:28 — is not to be understated in its importance in this either.
That side A closer is a rager and he meets the task of keeping up with Saunders‘ gallop, the sudden finish of the song only appropriate in sealing the deal of what the first half of the album was pushing toward. Another turn arrives in the intertwined acoustic and electric guitar of “Inter-Dimensional,” which lands in a swampy kind of psychedelia with what sounds like jaw harp in the background reminiscent of nighttime frog calls. It’s instrumental, so basically an interlude or side B intro, depending on the format through which one is listening, but still longer than “Electric Ghost” and it allows Galactic Cross to work in more spacious elements they may build upon going forward. If their next album had a “Planet Caravan” of its own, it would be well earned.
“Hollywood Truther” is a high point as Sherman calls “guitar!” at around two minutes in and Virts answers with another impressive stretch of soloing atop the steady roll of Saunders‘ drumming. The prevailing vibe is a return to the modus of “Spellbound” if perhaps a bit more tinged with classic doom in its main riff — something that the closing title- and eponymous “Galactic Cross” will push further — but between those two, “Queen of the Damned” touches on a straight-ahead rush of heavy rock that’s a well-placed and catchy energy kick.
One could make arguments for “Galactic Cross,” which is the only piece aside from the opener to run longer than five minutes, as being the best vocal performance Sherman has recorded to-date. He finds his place easily atop the slower progression and complements and is complemented by his bass and Virts‘ guitar, singing clean without necessarily losing the throaty edge that has heretofore defined him. He has made himself a singer as well as a frontman of marked charisma and personality. The chemistry shared among him, Virts and Saunders is writ large throughout Galactic Cross, even as a debut release, and neither should details like side A of the vinyl ending ultra-fast with “Electric Ghost” and side B ultra-slow with “Galactic Cross” pass unnoticed, as they speak to a consciousness of how the material is being presented to the listener that goes beyond the individual tracks themselves.
Maybe these guys are friends who’ve known each other for however long and finally decided to get a band going, I don’t know, and likewise, I don’t know their intentions from here on, but Galactic Cross portrays a sound worth continuing to expand and chase and develop as well as songs that, in the immediate, engage some of the signature components of Maryland heavy while setting out on their own path of heavy rock and hooks. Right on. Somebody please alert the local officials.
Posted in Whathaveyou on January 2nd, 2020 by JJ Koczan
Just what the hell is a Doom Hawg? Show up in Frederick for Doom Hawg Day 2020 and find out. Plus see a bunch of bands. So, win all around.
The burgeoning February one-dayer was started last year by the same crew that puts together Maryland Doom Fest, headed by Knoxxville‘s own JB Matson, and it very much carries the MDDF feel. For one thing, it’s in the same place. Also, it’s got a few of the same bands. Bailjack, Faith in Jane, Knoxxville and The Age of Truth are veterans of the venerable June event, and Strange Highways, Cavern, Galactic Cross and Wrath of Typhon have been announced for the 2020 lineup — so yes, very much on-brand for Maryland Doom Fest. One expects that will lead to a big ol’ zero amount of complaints, however. Loyalty runs deep in Frederick, and a fest like this becomes as much of a family gathering as it does a rock show. The fact that you don’t necessarily have to have been to them since the beginning of time to become a part of that family is a considerable appeal unto itself. Especially, I’d expect, for first-timers.
And compared to MDDF proper, which is expanding again this year with the addition of Old Mother Brewing Company taking the place of Guidos Speakeasy as a second venue — it looks like a bigger room, so that’s a plus — Doom Hawg Day 2020 is downright manageable. Starts at four, probably ends late, but whatever. It’s one night and killer bands. Kind of a no-brainer.
Worth noting that Bailjack and Galactic Cross will both have new records out by the time February rolls around as well, which is bound to add to the celebratory vibe that will surely counteract the six more weeks of winter decreed by that shitheel marmot in Pennsylvania.
From the social medias:
MDDF Doom Hawg Day 2020
Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 4 PM Cafe 611 611 N Market St, Frederick, Maryland
We are pleased to present the MDDF DOOM HAWG DAY 2020 lineup!!!
Artwork by our very own Bill Kole!!
Faith in Jane Bailjack Galactic Cross Wrath of Typhon Cavern Knoxxville Strange Highways The Age of Truth Et Mors
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 13th, 2019 by JJ Koczan
I’m not actually sure how far back the roots of Galactic Cross stretch, but I could’ve sworn I saw somewhere on the social medias that their first live appearance was like 30 years in the making? If that’s the case, then I have no doubt it will have proven more than enough time to get a setlist together. The three-piece with none other than Dave Sherman (Earthride, Weed is Weed, etc.) on vocals and bass will make this live debut on Jan. 31, 2020, at Atlas Brew House in Washington, D.C., on what seems to be an evening of Frederick, Maryland, exports, with Mangog (featuring Bert Hall, Jr., of Revelation, and of an always masterful hat) and Spiral Grave, which is the new band from former members of Iron Man and Virginia’s Lord.
And though Spiral Grave‘s debut is also expected out sometime next year, it’s Galactic Cross for whom the show will serve as the release gig, as their self-titled debut long-player sees its vinyl issue, also awaited. I’m interested to hear it, as some of the studio clips have been intriguing to say the least.
Here’s the info from the event page:
Galactic Cross Vinyl Release Party
Friday, January 31, 2020 at Atlas Brew Works
2052 West Virginia Avenue North East, Washington, D.C.
Please come out and help celebrate Galactic Cross, as they release their debut, self titled album, and take the stage with friends, and local doom favorites Spiral Grave and Mangog.
Galactic Cross put their own blood, sweat, and tears into the making of this vinyl, and the proof can be heard in the finished product. Special thanks goes out to Brad Divens for mastering the material, and giving his special twist, that allowed it to be become the gem it transformed into.
Dave Davidson will be running sound for the event, and we hope to see you there.
Posted in Whathaveyou on October 31st, 2019 by JJ Koczan
In the immortal words of one Peter Steele: Happy Halloween, baby. Those playing along at home know that today means one thing to the realms of doom, and it’s that it’s time for Maryland Doom Fest to unveil next year’s lineup. Maryland Doom Fest 2020 has some significant shoes to fill in following up this year’s, which of course was held in June in Frederick, Maryland, and they’ve lined up a full four-dayer onslaught to make a go of it.
Headlining sets from Cirith Ungol, Blood Ceremony, Speedealer and Mondo Generator, with direct killage from The Skull, Victor Griffin‘s Death Row Assembly (this will be incredible, especially there), Witch Mountain and Sorcerer, the fest is pretty much blowing its own prior reach out of the water. I’ll especially look forward to Arduini/Balich and hope that this performance accompanies a new album, but return appearances from The Age of Truth, Bailjack, Earthride (yes!), Shadow Witch, Spiral Grave, Knoxxville and Helgamite will be awesome as well, and I’ve no doubt the likes of Vessel of Light, Galactic Cross (with Dave Sherman of Earthride), Yatra, Black Lung, Plainride, Cavern, Molasses Barge, Admiral Browning, Black Road, Poobah, Omen Stones and Crystal Spiders will be made to feel welcome into the MDDF family vibe, at least those who aren’t already a part of it. I guess particularly in the case of Admiral Browning, it’s more like family reunion.
Keeping with the festival’s no-dragged-out-staggered-announcements spirit, I’ll be up front about this: it’s gonna be a good ‘un. You should do whatever you need to do to make it happen.
The Maryland Doom Fest celebrates its 6th anniversary next June and today brings you its confirmed roster of over 50 of today’s heaviest bands to hit its stages in 2020.
Maryland Doom Fest brings both U.S. and international artists from all over the map into Frederick, MD for a full four days of mayhem, featuring the legendary Cirith Ungol and Blood Ceremony, to Speedealer and Mondo Generator set to headline the four nights of top shelf doom metal and heavy underground sounds! This year includes more than fifty bands to cover every dark and dank corner of metal subgenres across every inch of the stage from start to finish each night.
A few words from JB Matson, founder and organizer of The Maryland Doom Fest:
“I simply could not be more excited about the fifty-plus band roster for the Maryland Doom Fest’s 6th annual show in 2020!! This will be a splendid #4daysofdoom!!!”
We invite all to become part of the family at the Maryland Doom Fest 2020 weekend events! Please support the Doom and Heavy Music scene and come share in this epic event with us. We will see you at #4daysofdoom!!
THE MARYLAND DOOM FEST 2020
CIRITH UNGOL + BLOOD CEREMONY + SPEEDEALER + MONDO GENERATOR
THE SKULL + SORCERER + DEATH ROW ASSEMBLY + WITCH MOUNTAIN
Ol’ Time Moonshine + Arduini/Balich + Dirt Eater + Switchblade Jesus Doperider + Condenados + Cultic + Yatra + Bailjack + Poobah Earthride + Black Lung + Jake The Hawk + Black Road + Warmask Admiral Browning + Sourpuss + Molasses Barge + Thunderbird Divine Dust Prophet + Wolftooth + Vessel Of Light + Wrath Of Typhon + Spiral Grave Plainride + Mangog + Cavern + Galactic Cross + Shadow Witch + Burgan Akris + Plague Wielder + The Age Of Truth + Knoxxville + The Astral Void Serpents Of Secrecy + Omen Stones + Crystal Spiders + Helgamite VRSA + Conclave + Et Mors + Strange Highways + Alms + Dyerwulf
Posted in Whathaveyou on August 28th, 2019 by JJ Koczan
Galactic Cross are a new power trio formed in the cradle of Maryland heavy by bassist/vocalist Dave Sherman of Earthride and Spirit Caravan and Weed is Weed with Brian Virts on guitar and drummer Tony Saunders (Minds Eye, ex-Internal Void). They got their start last year though obviously are likely to have known each other longer, and have been working toward putting together a self-titled debut that they’ll hope to offer up on vinyl as soon as possible.
The recordings are being helmed by Kenny Eaton at Mystery Ton Studios — not pictured below — in Monrovia, MD, and I’ve had the chance to hear a rough version of a song (at least tentatively) called “Spellbound.” Those familiar with Sherman‘s vocals will find a pretty clean approach at least in part compared to Earthride‘s earlier days and in fuzz tone and its mix of insistent and laid back grooves, Galactic Cross seem to be setting up an array of heavy spheres in which to operate. Taken in kind with some of the hard-edged fare in their practice videos it all bodes well for the vinyl to come, whether it arrives this year or next.
An assessment from William Goode approved by the band read as follows:
Galactic Cross update
The final days of recording for the new upcoming vinyl are only a few short weeks away.
All signs point to a late 2019 release.
The hard work, and bullnose determination are sure to shine through the material.
Each song takes you for a ride, and breaks away from the normal cookie-cutter mold.
The music re-invents Doom / Stoner Rock as we know it, and takes you on a heavy, but comfortable trip.
It’s proof of what can be done when lifelong friends find a way to reconnect with the same common goal.
Stay tuned for more regarding merch releases and tour dates in the upcoming weeks/months.
Galactic Cross are: Dave Sherman – Bass/Vocals Brian Virts – Guitar Tony Saunders – Drums
