Hard-distortion-wielding Phoenix, Arizona, stoner crushers Daytripper will make their way to the Eastern Seaboard next month to play June 19 at Maryland Doom Fest. They come in herald and support of their 2024 debut album, Book I: The Trip, which is likewise molten, addled, and punishing, bringing together classic stoner metallurgy with sludgier and more guttural impulses, riffly worship and a heroic dose of nod. As I invariably would, I whiffed on the record last year, but take a listen to “Staff of the Bog,” “Jarl’s Eyes” and the death-lurch-into-keyboardy-sprawl “Marijuanakon” are deceptively engrossing. The Adam Burke cover art is not at all misplaced.

You will recall that last week, Maryland Doom Fest announced this would be their final edition. Take Daytripper‘s inclusion in it as a sign of the festival commitment to embracing newer acts right up to the end. That’s only part of what makes Doom Fest special, but it’s a big part.

From the PR wire:

DAYTRIPPER ANNOUNCES “DESERT DWELLERS” TOUR

Listen to Book I: The Trip on all major streaming platforms.

Phoenix, AZ’s rising force in desert stoner doom, Daytripper, is hitting the road this June for a five-date run across the South and East Coast, in support of their debut album, Book I: The Trip. The Desert Dwellers Mini Tour will bring the band’s crushing riffs, immersive live show, and psychedelic desert energy to select cities.

With a sound rooted in the heavy traditions of doom, wrapped in storytelling and ritualistic atmosphere, Daytripper has crafted a debut that’s already turning heads in the underground scene. Book I: The Trip is the band’s official debut album, originally released in March of last year and later issued on vinyl by California-based Wet Records. It’s a raw and passionate record built on deep grooves, hypnotic atmosphere, and a genuine love for the craft — a bold testament to the spirit of Arizona Desert Doom and the band’s dedication to pushing the genre forward.

“This album is what AZ Desert Doom is all about. This community has inspired us, and we put everything we had into making this record. We hope everyone can sit back, spark up, and join us on this trip.” said the band.

“We have paused our recording and composition process to make these dates. But we hope to bring more news soon.”

Don’t miss your chance to experience Daytripper live on this limited run:

DESERT DWELLERS TOUR DATES
June 15 – Austin, TX – Valhalla
June 16 – New Orleans, LA – The Goat
June 19 – Frederick, MD – Maryland Doom Fest
June 21 – Raleigh, NC – Kings
June 22 – Lexington, KY – Al’s Bar

https://daytripperdoom.com/
https://daytripperdoom.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/daytripperdoom/
https://www.facebook.com/Daytripperdoom/

Daytripper, Book I: The Trip (2024)

As per Halloween tradition, the venerable Maryland Doom Fest has posted its as-of-now-complete lineup for next year’s edition, and MDDF 2025 looks like a rager. Set to unfold its massive billing across June 19-22 in the riffy epicenter of Frederick, Maryland, the fest will highlight newcomers and established acts alike, as veteran outfits like The Skull and Apostle of Solitude, Hollow Leg, Curse the Son, and others make returning appearances and new incarnations like Legions of Doom, Ages and High Noon Kahuna feature familiar players in new contexts. Always cool to see bands like Thunderbird Divine and Spiral Grave doing the thing, and I’ll admit that my eyebrows went up when I saw Virginia’s Lord would be playing, as I’d yet to encounter word of a reunion from that most chaotic of sludge metal outfits. Sonolith and Demons My Friends and Sons of Arrakis and plenty of others will be traveling for it — Ogre! — so I would expect some tours to be forthcoming, and Sun Years, whose Nov. tour begins — wait for it — tomorrow, will feature.

It’s a family reunion you probably already have on your calendar, so don’t let me keep you from perusing the poster and getting stoked on what you find. From Crystal Spiders to B&O Railroad, there’s both a lot here and a lot here to like, and always more waiting to be discovered by those bold enough to show up to Cafe 611 early in the day. Check it out:

MARYLAND DOOM FEST 2025 – June 19-22, Frederick, MD

WE JOURNEY FROM THE HEAVY UNDERGROUND AND STAGES ACROSS THE WORLD TO ASSEMBLE IN FREDERICK, MARYLAND, FOR A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF DOOM, GROOVE, AND THE ALMIGHTY RIFF.

JOIN US.

After such a magnificent 10th anniversary celebration of #4daysofdoom in 2024, which involved reorganizing and coordinating two stages in one venue (Cafe 611), we are beyond stoked to share The Maryland Doom Fest 2025 roster and marvelous promotional artwork.

The art design was created by one of our Maryland natives in the local music scene—Ben Proudman, the Frederick, MD-based master artist at Key City Tattoo (IG: @tattoosbyprdmn). Ben is also the drummer for the powerful bands Thonian Horde and Foehammer. Our very own Bill Kole (IG: @BillyDiablo) handled the color design and layouts again this year. He majestically brought this piece to life!

Explore the heavy musical talent of these bands and performers and be prepared for the nonstop riffage party in June! Talent beyond words!!! We can’t wait for our doom community to congregate next summer!!!

Time slots, ticket sales, stage rosters, sponsors, and vendors will be presented by year’s end. — 💀DooM💀

THE SKULL + PSYCHOTIC REACTION + APOSTLE OF SOLITUDE + LEGIONS OF DOOM + COMPRESSION + CRYSTAL SPIDERS + HIGH NOON KAHUNA + RED BEARD WALL + WITCHPIT + STRANGE HIGHWAYS + AGES + SUNYEARS + HOLLOW LEG

FUTURE PROJEKTOR + ALL YOUR SINS + SONOLITH + SPIRAL GRAVE + LORD + SABBATH WARLOCK + GALLOWGLAS + SONS OF ARRAKIS + CROP + HOVEL + OGRE + DREADSTAR + THUNDERBIRD DIVINE + WYNDRIDER + SUN MANTRA + KULVERA + STYGIAN CROWN + CURSE THE SON + BENTHIC REALM + HOLY ROLLER

BLOODSHOT + DUST PROPHET + VANISHING KIDS + BLOOD AND EARTH + FIGHT THE FOLD + DAYTRIPPER + B&O RAILROAD + BAILJACK + COKUS + NEW DAWNS FADE + COMA HOLE + FLORIST + ABEL BLOOD + SEASICK GLADIATOR + ENTIERRO + HEX ENGINE + DEMONS MY FRIENDS + ABOMINOG + VRSA + HIGH HORSE CALVARY

https://www.facebook.com/MdDoomFest/
www.marylanddoomfest.com