Hippie Death Cult to Release Helichrysum Oct. 20; New Song Posted
Been waiting for news about the next Hippie Death Cult record? Me too. The Portland, Oregon, trio will issue Helichrysum — which, trust me, you don’t want to forget that second ‘h’ and then have to go back and change not only all the front-end text, but the tags and such that I use for back-end navigation through the disorganized clusterscrew that is this site for a grand total of upwards of four minutes of self-embarrassed inconvenience; the title comes from a kind of plant, and no, I don’t know if it gets you high — on Oct. 20, and if you’ve kept up since the release of their 2021 album, Circle of Days (review here), you’re already aware that it was basically the work of a different band.
Since that outing, Laura Phillips has taken over lead vocals in addition to her prior bass duties, and Harry Silvers (who also plays in Robots of the Ancient World) has landed the drummer role, so as a three-piece with guitarist Eddie Brnabic‘s now-unaccompanied-by-organ riffs leading the way, it’s a rawer Hippie Death Cult in the new collection, but also a more forceful one. Phillips has an undercurrent of classic metal to her delivery that suits the Sab-worship grooves on opener/first single “Arise,” and Silvers proffers swing to spare. Not saying I’ve heard it or anything, but it’s a rager. You’re gonna want to see them live after you listen. How fortunate the band also recently announced a September tour with Spirit Mother. Those dates are below, along with the album announcement for Helichrysum.
The PR wire sent the following:
HIPPIE DEATH CULT to issue new album “Helichrysum” this fall on Heavy Psych Sounds; stream debut single “Arise”!
Portland’s most hybrid 70s heavy rockers HIPPIE DEATH CULT team up with Metal Injection to present their new single “Arise” today. Their third studio album “Helichrysum” is due for an October 20th release on Heavy Psych Sounds.
“Lyrically, “Arise” serves as a poignant reminder of the prevalence of grifters and self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who exploit vulnerable individuals searching for guidance, often leaving them even more disillusioned and adrift than before. The song narrates a tale of a devoted follower who finally sees through the charismatic manipulation and shatters the illusion. Another reminder to question everything and trust your own inner compass when navigating the path of truth,” says bassist and vocalist Laura Philips.
About the album, the band adds: “Helichrysum delves deep into the human experience, exploring the wounds we carry and the transformative power that lies within us. It serves as a culmination of the countless creative and personal choices we have made, leading us to a place of greater harmony within ourselves, with each other, and with our collective intentions. Musically speaking, the new album is a testament to our commitment to delivering a sonic experience that is unapologetically raw, adventurous, heavy, groovy and psychedelic. The choice to name the album after the Helichrysum plant holds significance as it symbolizes endurance, healing, immortality, and the power to overcome adversity, which mirror many of the themes throughout the record.”
“Helichrysum” was recorded and mixed by Eddie Brnabic, Ben Barnett and Jeremy Romagna at 8-4 Studios in Portland, Oregon. It was mastered by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in Los Angeles, California. Artwork illustrated by Greg Traw.
New album “Helichrysum”
Out October 20th on Heavy Psych Sounds – Preorder: https://www.heavypsychsounds.com/shop.htm#HPS285
Tracklisting:
1. Arise
2. Shadows
3. Better Days
4. Red Giant
5. Toxic Annihilator
6. Nefelibata
7. Tomorrows Sky
To support the release of “Helichrysum,” Hippie Death Cult has planned full-blown North American and European tours. Fans can expect an immersive and powerful live experience as the band brings their high-energy performances to stages across the globe. With their unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to push boundaries, Hippie Death Cult is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene for years to come.
HIPPIE DEATH CULT & SPIRIT MOTHER tour:
9/8 Portland, OR- Lose Yr Mind Fest
9/9 Seattle, WA – El Corazón
9/10 Vancouver, BC – The Wise
9/12 Calgary, AB – Palomino Smokehouse
9/15 Winnipeg, MB – Pyramid Cabaret
9/16 St Paul, MN – Turf Club
9/17 Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon Madison
9/18 Chicago, IL – Reggies
9/19 Memphis, TN – Growlers
9/20 Lafayette, LA – Freetown Boom Boom Room
9/21 Arlington, TX – Division Brewing
9/22 Austin, TX – Ripplefest
9/23 Houston, TX – Black Magic Social Club
9/24 El Paso, TX – TBA
9/26 Albuquerque, NM – Sister *
9/97 Tempe, AZ – Yucca Taproom *
9/28 Las Vegas, NV – The Usual Place *
9/29 Los Angeles, CA – Permanent Records
9/30 Albany, CA – Ivy Room
10/01 San Francisco, CA – Kilowatt Bar
*w/ @brant_bjork
HIPPIE DEATH CULT is:
Laura Phillips – Bass/Vocals
Eddie Brnabic – Guitar
Harry Silvers – Drums
