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Merchant and Watchtower to Tour New Zealand in April

I’ve got it on pretty good authority — and by that I mean I asked the band — that Melbourne cosmic doomers Merchant are just a scant few weeks away from announcing the details of their next release. Whatever it’s called, whenever it hits, expect a crater to form. Their prior debut long-player, last year’s Suzerain (review here), was a forceful statement of cosmic doom intent, from its 20-minute title-track outward into the crushing expanse of the songs surrounding. It was as light on compromise as it was heavy on tone.

That should only make Merchant all the more a fitting pairing with fellow Melbourners Watchtower. The two bands will head to New Zealand in April — Watchtower supporting their 2015 EP, Radiant Moon (review here), which in the States was picked up by Magnetic Eye Records for a release — and though it’s just a three-date run through Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, they look like they’re spending their time well, keeping good company with the locals and whatnot. A few packed bills here for a weekender.

But I guess if you’re gonna go, and even if you’re only going from the relative proximity of Melbourne — still three and a half hours to Auckland by plane; I looked it up — you should make it count. So be it.

More to come on Merchant‘s next offering, and for that matter, Watchtower‘s, when I hear it. Until then, the dates:

merchant watchtower tour

Merchant & Watchtower announce New Zealand Tour

Melbourne based sludge slingers Merchant and Watchtower have teamed up to lay waste to New Zealand for the first time in April. Presented by BoredSound, the deadly double header will see venues crushed by volume in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington on consecutive evenings. With both Merchant and Watchtower quickly rising to notoriety in the Australian heavy underground due to their all consuming live shows and coupled with swag of killer local supports, this tour isn’t something that fans of heavy music should miss.

Merchant & Watchtower New Zealand tour:
Saturday, April 22 @ Whammy Bar, Auckland with NIISA, Reaving & Bloodnut
Sunday, April 23 @ Nivara Lounge, Hamilton with Bloodnut, Sick Old Man & Wolf Wizard
Monday, April 24 @ Valhalla, Wellington with Opium Eater & Ritual Abuse

Tickets available from undertheradar.co.nz

https://www.facebook.com/events/666221200249976/
www.facebook.com/doommerchant
www.doommerchant.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/watchtoweroz
www.watchtowerwatchtower.bandcamp.com

Merchant, Suzerain (2016)

Watchtower, Radiant Moon (2015)

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