Albany, New York-based sludge/doom metal quartet Carnwennan arrives with their debut album, “Lotus”, confirmed for late May release through Darkest Records, the label formed by members of fellow Hudson Valley sludge stalwarts Hush.
Born out of sorrowful introspection, Carnwennan seeks to put forth a relentless dirge of misery by combining their wall of sound with projected images of woe and suffering. Formed in 2020 as a means of escape for its members, Carnwennan’s droning despair coagulated into a four-piece act of meditative penance by pulling together members of the local hardcore and metal scenes influenced by bands like Earth, Sunn O))), Primitive Man, and Sleep.
Carnwennan’s forthcoming debut album, “Lotus” plays as one continuous track subdivided into four movements, an album created with great restraint and tension, resulting in a slow-motion, seamless evolution. The wooded surroundings of the band’s upstate surroundings indisputably influence the lush, organic sounds of growth and decay, life and demise, themes which are exemplified in the lyrical and visual delivery of the album.
“Lotus” was recorded by Ryan Slowey at the Darkest Records headquarters outside of Hudson, New York, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Locrian, Iron Monkey, Mournful Congregation). Carnwennan’s bassist, Alex Waters, is an acclaimed painter and created the album’s cover art. Vocalist & guitarist, Jack Jackal, also does design work for many underground artists and curates Castle Jackal Magazine, contributed artwork to the album layout. Amps and pedals used on the album were conceived and built by lead guitarist Alexandria Ashpond. Since recording the album, the band’s original drummer James Leshkevich has left and been replaced by former drummer of The Acacia Strain, Kevin Boutot. An official video directed by Cam Damage has been filmed for one of the tracks, from which the teaser from the album has been sampled.
A brief teaser that takes listeners into the depths of Carnwennan’s “Lotus” is now playing below.
Darkest Records will release “Lotus” on LP and digital formats on May 31st, 2024. Preorders have been posted at Bandcamp here.
Watch for an official video and additional content from “Lotus” to drop over the weeks ahead. Fans of Earth, Khanate, Hush, Om, Bell Witch, Primitive Man, Conan, and Old Man Gloom should not ignore Carnwennan’s Lotus.
Tracklist:
1. I
2. II
3. III
4. IV
Carnwennan is booking shows throughout the Northeast surrounding the release of Lotus, with more widespread touring in the works for later in the year. See all currently confirmed shows below and watch for updates to post throughout the coming months, including a release show for the LP.
US Live Shows 2024:
5/04/2024 Culture Club – New Milford, CT*
6/09/2024 Collar City Mushrooms – Troy, NY**
6/08/2024 No Fun – Troy, NY#
* (w/ Afghan Haze, Cadmium, Bajzelle)
** (w/ Radiation Blackbody, Compress)
# (w/ Horse Grave, Flatwounds, King Mob)
Line-up:
Alexandria Ashpond – Lead guitar
Alex Waters – Bass
Jack Jackal – Guitar, vocals
Kevin Boutot – Drums
Weblinks:
www.instagram.com/carnwennan.ny
twitter.com/CARNWENNAN_ny
