Prayers Before The Plague
1. Without A Trace (Live)
2. Death’s Head (Live)
3. Drowned In Trouble (Live)
4. Two For The Road (Live)
5. The Reckoning (Live)
6. Paint The Stars (Live)
Mather and Heathen Apostles announce Southern Gothic Music European Tour For 9/21
The first tour dates have been announced for the Heathen Apostles September 2021 European Tour. This Southern Gothic music tour was booked to make up for the postponed tour of September 2020, with many of the same venues on board one year later. There are still four open dates, if you have a venue that would like to book the Heathen Apostles, or know of one, Kurt DeBont at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Heathen Apostles September 2021 tour:
02/09/2021 Thursday Kulturrampe Germany Krefeld
03/09/2021 Friday Alter Open Air Stage Germany Mannheim
04/09/2021 Saturday City Club Germany Augsburg
05/09/2021 Sunday available
06/09/2021 Monday l’Usine Switzerland Genève
7/09/2021 Tuesday BlahBlah Italy Torino
08/09/2021 Wednesday available
09/09/2021 Thursday Willemeen The Netherlands Arnhem
10/09/2021 Friday available
11/09/2021 Saturday CC Muze Belgium Zolder
12/09/2021 Sunday The Grand Canyon Belgium Nazareth
13/09/2021 Monday available
14/09/2021 Tuesday Tortuga Germany Unna
15/09/2021 Wednesday Bei Chez Heinz Germany Hannover
16/09/2021 Thursday Monkeys Germany Hamburg
17/09/2021 Friday Wild At Heart Germany Berlin
18/09/2021 Saturday Sonic Ballroom Germany Köln
19/09/2021 Sunday BUSKERfestival Belgium Aarschot
International Women’s Day
To all women: I see you. I celebrate you. I thank you for all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be. ?? (photo of Mather taken at the 2019 SJOCK festival by Moomer Foto.)
Heathen Apostles May/June 2021 European Tour Canceled
Mather and The Heathen Apostles have cancelled their May/June 2021 European tour due to the continuing Covid 19 crisis. Here is their cancellation announcement:
Once again we are having to announce the cancellation of another tour, this one our May/June 2021 European tour. Due to the ongoing COVID 19 crisis, and the delay in getting vaccinations on both continents, our next appearance in Europe will be our September 2021 tour, and we are rescheduling the canceled tour to May/June 2022 (contact Kurt De Bont at Rootstown bookings for info). Beast wishes and wear your damn masks!
Heathen Apostles Rebroadcast on KXLU – Southern Gothic Radio
The Stray Pop when Mather and the Heathen Apostles performed live on February 20, 2015 is going to be rebroadcast this Fri (1/29/21) 11pm-3am PST on KXLU Los Angeles 88.9 FM and www.KXLU.com ! Tune in for Stella bringing you the Heathen Apostles and Southern Gothic radio for the evening!
“Prayers Before The Plague” – Gothic Western EP Review
Gothic Western EP Review by Luminous Dash zine – Featuring ex-members from Radio Noir (Mather Louth, vocals), The Cramps, Mau Maus and Nick Curran & The Lowlifes (Chopper Franklin on guitar, mandolin, banjo, keyboards, drums), Kings of Nuthin’ (Thomas Lorioux, bass) and top violinist Luis Mascaro, Heathen Apostles was formed in Los Angeles and born of the voices of past lives and baptized in the dust bowl dirt. They settle into a sound that merges the contrasts between goth and Americana in a darkly rooted bohemian country atmosphere.
The Heathen Apostles is band that never seems to rest on its laurels, as you can see from their many energetic live performances and a whole series of albums, EPs and singles in their discography. This year they had a string of canceled and postponed concerts, but it gave them the opportunity to record their new EP Prayers Before The Plague. They played, and filmed, a live set at the headquarters / home of the band ‘The Devil’s Doghouse’ in Echo Park (California), included the six tracks that ended up on Prayers Before The Plague. And although nothing can match playing in front of a live audience, on the EP we find the hard driven emotions of passionate musicians on every track. “It is the band’s gift to a world that has almost no live music for most of this year. It’s also a reminder of the importance of music itself, be it bad or good times. Music and art must continue and survive ”, they say.
“Without A Trace” is immediately a strong opener, showing the authentic sound of the foursome. Excitingly lively, the violin immediately takes us on a tour along southern dry roads, where the warm dark timbre of the dark diva Mather Louth works out for a devilish side, as well as for sweet playful indulgence.
“Death’s Head” sounds a lot darker. With a raw bass line and light grit on the microphone, this track sets the perfect soundtrack for a night in which you look death, the devil and your demons straight in the eye and continue to travel your own way with those country boots with determination.
“The song seems fitting for these troubled times, but it seems like there might be a light at the end of the tunnel,” the band explains about Drowned In Trouble . An up tempo track full of rhythm, where the vocals are loaded with melancholy while the strings keep flirting along.
“Two For The Road” sounds defiantly brutal , while “The Reckoning” sounds theatrically brutal, just because the instrumental is so rich and heavy and the roughness here brings a certain mystique to the song. “Paint The Stars” ends in a bluegrass atmosphere in embracing softness.
An EP that bathes in a country and gypsy atmosphere, but with a dark, almost bloody edge. Although we lack the experience, Prayers Before The Plague may look a bit like a night with Nick Cave and Johnny Cash. A musical threesome between overheated, dark sheets filled with melancholy and spunk, which may end in a murder ballad …
The EP Prayers Before The Plague has been released digitally on the Ratchet Blade Records label.
Heathen Apostles – Gothic Americana Tour Dates 2021
More tour dates have been announced for the Heathen Apostles May/June 2021 European Tour, check out the dates for this gothic Americana tour below. Their September 2021 European tour is also being booked, if you have a venue that would like to book the Heathen Apostles, or know of one, Kurt DeBont at Rootstown Bookings HERE. The band has posted the following statement on their media accounts:
Feels good to post some of our 2021 European tour dates for May and June in these uncertain times. We’ll have our Bloodgrass Vol. 3 EP done and it’ll be great to see you all again. We still have some dates available, so if you have a venue or know of one let Kurt DeBont at Rootstown bookings know about it – bookings@rootstown.be. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
20/05 Thursday available
21/05 Fri. Extra Blues-Bar – Bielefeld, GER
22/05 Sat. Treibsand – Lübeck, GER
23/05 Sunday available
24/05 Mon. Buchholz Saloon, Altlandsberg, GER
25/05 Tuesday available
26/05 Wed. Sonic Ballroom -Köln, GER
27/05 Thurs. Willemeen, Arnhem, NE
28/05 Fri. Kufa Löseke, Hildesheim, GER
29/05 Sat. Paradox, Tilburg, NE
30/05 Sun. The Grand Canyon, Nazareth, BE
31/05 Monday available
01/06 Tuesday available
02/06 Wednesday available
03/06 Thursday available
04/06 Fri. JC De Klinker – Aarschot, BE
05/06 Sat. De Pit, Terneuzen, NE
06/06 Sunday available
Prayers Before The Plague – Gothic Americana Live EP (Review)
Heathen Apostles – Prayers Before The Plague – Gothic Americana Live EP – By ViolaNoir.com
Live releases are probably experiencing their rebirth. Which is understandable and completely expected. However, even before the covid, Heathen Apostles pleased the audience with this. They are masters of live performances, and don’t forget about their spectacular and memorable clips. So studio work is only 2/3 of Heathen Apostles. To understand their concept, their southern rage and dark roots angst, you need to hear them live. But since such an opportunity will not be presented soon, this EP given to help us.
Without A Trace from the second LP and the undisputed hit Death’s Head create a powerful, authentic introduction, Drowned In Trouble absolute is successfully replaced by the intense history of Two For The Road. There was also a place in this set for the mystical The Reckoning from the first releases of Heathen Apostles (with a surprise intro) and the bluegrass theme of Paint The Stars.
Releases like this – an escapism session with immersive effect – will ultimately save both the genre and the scene. 8/10
In Russian:
Live-релизы переживают, наверное, свое второе рождение. Что понятно и совершенно ожидаемо. Впрочем, и до ковида Heathen Apostles радовали в этом плане. Они — мастера живых выступлений, перфомансов, и не стоит забывать про их зрелищные и запоминающиеся клипы. Так что студийная работа – это лишь 2/3 Heathen Apostles. Чтобы понять их концепт, их southern ярость и dark roots тоску, нужно услышать их вживую. Но поскольку такая возможность представится нескоро, нам в помощь данный Ep.
Without A Trace со второго лонгплея и безусловный хит Death’s Head создают мощное, аутентичное, колоритное вступление, абсолют southern Drowned In Trouble удачно сменяется яркой историей Two For The Road. Нашлось в этом сете место и мистическому The Reckoning с первых релизов Heathen Apostles (причем с неожиданным интро) и bluegrass теме Paint The Stars.
Такие релизы — сеанс эскапизма с эффектом присутствия — в конце концов, спасут и жанр, и сцену в общем плане. 8/10
Heathen Apostles – Heavy Western Video Debut
The Heathen Apostles have debuted the second Heavy Western video from their live EP Prayers Before The Plague, out on Ratchet Blade Records. It was recorded live at their headquarters The Devil’s Doghouse in Echo Park, Ca. during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic, and shortly after announcing the postponement of their 2020 European and West Coast tours. The European tour is being rebooked, click HERE to contact Rootstown Bookings for booking info and tour dates.
An announcement about the Death’s Head video straight from the band:
“Today is the debut of our live video for “Death’s Head”, the perfect soundtrack for your Devil’s Night! It is from our upcoming EP “Prayers Before The Plague” out Halloween (tomorrow!) on Ratchet Blade Records. Today is the last day for the $4 pre sale, and a sincere thank you to all that have pre ordered this release so far, your support in these trying times means the world to us. Check it out by clicking HERE.”
Heathen Apostles New Live Cowboy Goth EP
The Heathen Apostles have had to postpone one US tour and one European tour (as well as several shows) this year due to COVID 19. The European tours have been rescheduled for May/June and September 2021, and in the meantime the band are pleased to announce the release of their new Gothic Western EP Prayers Before The Plague, out this Halloween on Ratchet Blade Records. The songs were recorded, and filmed, live at the band’s headquarters/compound/home The Devil’s Doghouse in Echo Park, Ca., and it is produced and mixed by Chopper Franklin. While nothing can replicate playing in front of a fanatical audience, they really poured themselves into these songs.
The Heathens will be releasing four videos from the performance, the first (Without A Trace) coming out today, October 23rd, which is also when Ratchet Blade Records launches the pre sale. You can preview and pre order the EP HERE.
“It would mean a lot to us it if you could check it out and help support the band any way you can as we complete Bloodgrass Vol. III and finish booking these tours. We always appreciate when you spend your hard-earned cash to join us on this dark journey, especially now, as we realize times are tougher than usual,” the band says.
Mather Louth photographs, designs cover art for Heathen Apostles release
As a noteworthy accomplishment during the pandemic, Mather shot, edited and designed the cover art for the latest Heathen Apostles release PRAYERS BEFORE THE PLAGUE. Details on the release to follow shortly.
Heathen Apostles’ 2020 European Tour Postponed
The Heathen Apostles’ 2020 European tour in September has been postponed due to the COVID 19 crisis, the band announced recently. Whenever possible the dates will be rescheduled to September 2021, several have already been confirmed, check back for announcements. The band will also be touring in Europe before that, Kurt DeBont of Rootstown Bookings is taking offers for May and June 2021. You can contact him by clicking HERE.
Here is the announcement that was posted on social media:
“The Heathen Apostles are sorry to have to announce we are canceling the dates of our 2020 European tour due to the COVID 19 crisis. We are happy to announce that we will be coming back to Europe in May/June 2021 and September 2021, we hope to see all of our European heathens at one or both of the tours. Beast wishes and wear your damn masks!
If you have a venue you can contact Kurt at bookings@rootstown.be to get in on either tour. We will be announcing some good stuff in the near future, stay tuned….”
Heathen Apostles Bring Dark Americana to Europe in 2021
Booking has begun for the Heathen Apostles Europe 2021 tour, and the band is looking forward to bringing their Dark Americana music back there once again. Their September 2020 European tour is still on as of now, but will depend on future travel restrictions. Be sure and check the band out this year, see below for those tour dates.
The 2021 tour will start on Thursday May 20th 2021 and the last date will be Sunday June 6th 2021. If you have a venue, or know of a venue, that would like to book the band contact Kurt DeBont at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Here are the dates of the Heathen Apostles September 2020 European tour, it will be their third tour of Europe, and this time around the band will be bringing their country gothic music to Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland and more TBA. They will be promoting their gothic blues release Born By Lightning (out now on Ratchet Blade Records), as well as a special vinyl release of their 2019 Dark Americana album Dust To Dust that will be out on Urgence Disk Records. The Heathen Apostles will be playing release show at Urgence Disk in Geneva, Switzerland.
Here are the event dates, the show marked TBA will be announced at a later date, check back soon. To book the remaining date, contact Kurt at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Heathen Apostles European Tourdates 2020:
3/09/2020 Thursday – Kulturrampe, Krefeld, Germany
4/09/2020 Friday – Wild At Heart, Berlin, Germany
5/09/2020 Saturday – Kulturhaus Abraxas, Augsburg, Germany
6/09/2020 Sunday available
7/09/2020 Monday – Urgence Disk, Geneva, Switzerland
8/09/2020 Tuesday – Quarterdeck, Basel, Switzerland
9/09/2020 Wednesday – Sonic Ballroom, Cologne, Germany
10/09/2020 Thursday – Altes Spital, Viechtach, Germany
11/09/2020 Friday – Alter Open-Air, Mannheim, Germany
12/09/2020 Saturday – CC Muze, Zolder, Belgium
13/09/2020 Sunday – Lokaal 42, Helmond, The Netherlands
14/09/2020 Monday – Titanic, Herenthout, Belgium
15/09/2020 Tuesday – Tortuga, Unna, Germany
16/09/2020 Wednesday – Bei Chez Heinz, Hannover, Germany
17/09/2020 Thursday – Monkeys, Hamburg, Germany
18/09/2020 Friday – Extra Blues-Bar, Bielefeld, Germany
19/09/2020 Saturday – PRIVATE PARTY
20/09/2020 Sunday – BUSKERfestival, Aarschot, Belgium
Heathen Apostles Beginning Work on ‘Heavy Country’ Bloodgrass Vol. III
The Heathen Apostles are beginning work on Bloodgrass Vol. III, the third volume in their series of their take on gothic bluegrass, heavy country and dark roots. The band hopes to have the project completed before their September 2020 European tour, but will release a single from it if the EP is not completed. The sessions are being recorded both under quarantine and through remote recordings, and will be released on Ratchet Blade Records. Both Bloodgrass Vol. I (released in 2017) and Bloodgrass Vol. II (released in 2018) EPs were later combined for the full length Bloodgrass Vol. I & II, released in 2019 on LP and CD.
James G. Carlson wrote of Bloodgrass Vol. I & II in No Depression:
“Bloodgrass Vol. II & II opens with the Apostles’ dark, creeping rendition of Gershwin and Heyward’s classic “Summertime.” “Death Came a Ridin’,” a Heathen Apostles original, is a macabre piece dedicated to the reaper, with Louth employing a storytelling style of lyrical conveyance. “Dark Days” somehow manages to successfully marry gloomy folk with gypsy jazz, and features some of Louth’s best vocal work on the album. “Lady in Gold” is an energetic gothic country offering, while “Deadly Nightshade” is an ominous picker with a simple but nicely punctuating beat. “Paint the Stars,” an easy standout on this album, kicks off with lively violin, guitar strumming, and steady beat, and then incorporates a powerful vocal performance by Louth. Other covers include heavy country versions of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive” (Darrell Scott), “Ramblin’ Man” (Hank Williams), and “Shady Grove” (traditional). “D.O.A.” has a roots rock feel to it, while the closer, “Fever Jane,” another easy standout, is a moody picker with darkly beautiful vocals.”
Check back for more details on this EP release.
First Nations charity benefit
Artist friends:
My next live stream costume drawing session is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, and it’s going to be a special one.
The First Nations communities have been utterly devastated by the effects of the pandemic, and it is with this in mind that I will be donating 100% of my session to the First Nations COVID 19 Emergency Response Fund as a humble means of trying to help. I’d greatly appreciate it if you can help share this flyer so that we can help even more!
I’ve chosen my Elf Archer as the theme for the evening, and she is a super fun and dynamic character to draw! Hope to see you there, and sign up for the countdown in my stories to make sure you don’t miss out!
Heathen Apostles – Western Goth Bandanas
From the Heathen Apostles Facebook page: We hope everyone is doing well, we can’t wait to get back on the road and see you all! We’ve had a bit of a run on our Vince Ray gothic western bandanas; bandanas seem to be the easiest way of protecting ourselves and others, especially worn over a standard mask. We’ve been trying to figure out how to get them over to Europe with cheaper shipping, for now we’re recommending them as an add-on item, and, as always, we refund the difference if you are charged more for shipping than it costs. We are throwing a a digital copy of our latest release “Born By Lightning”, and a Heathen Apostles sticker; click HERE to check them out.
Stay safe and we hope to see you all soon! We are finalizing the dates for our 2020 European tour, check back for updates. photos by Mather Louth
Heathen Apostles’ Gothic Acoustic Tour Postponed
The Heathen Apostles and Speedbuggy USA Gothic Acoustic West Coast Tour has been postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. It was to take both bands up the US West Coast and back during the last two weeks of April. The bands are hoping to reschedule for June 2020, but of course everything is up in the air right now. Check back for more info on this tour, and all upcoming dates (the Heathen Apostles’ European Tour in September is still looking like a good possibility), and the band wants to convey to their fans to stay safe during this crisis.
West Coast Gothic Rodeo Tour 2020
The dates are being released for the upcoming Heathen Apostles / Speedbuggy USA West Coast Gothic Rodeo Tour, taking place during the second half of April 2020. The tour will take the two bands through California, Oregon and Washington, and both bands will be playing special stripped-down acoustic sets. Check back for ticket links and more info.
Friday April 17th – Mercury Lounge, Goleta, CA
Saturday April 18th – Surf City Billiards, Santa Cruz, CA
Sunday, April 19th – Winter’s Tavern, Pacifica, CA
Monday, April 20th – TBA, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, April 22nd – Dante’s, Portland, OR
Thursday, April 23rd – Lovecraft, Portland, OR
Friday, April 24th – TBA, Olympia, WA
Saturday, April 25th – Black Cat Cabaret, Seattle, WA
Sunday, April 26th – Hotel Albatross, Seattle, WA
Heathen Apostles To Appear With Pirate Goth Band The Dread Crew of Oddwood
The Heathen Apostles will be appearing with pirate goth act The Dread Crew of Oddwood on Friday April 10th at The Satellite in Los Angeles, Ca. It will be the Heathens last show before their West Coast tour with Speedbuggy USA (running from Friday April 17th through Sunday April 16th), so come on down and get in on the wild times. Also appearing is Stygian Crown, for more info, click HERE.
Here’s a quick bio of The Dread Crew of Oddwood:
The Dread Crew of Oddwood is a folk metal band known for its pirate-themed music played exclusively on acoustic instruments. They have dubbed this unique style as Heavy Mahogany. Embarking from San Diego in 2008, this bloodthirsty horde has accumulated a commendable cult following and is rapidly gaining infamy throughout the far corners of the world.
By infusing the raw energy of heavy metal with Celtic folk music, The Dread Crew of Oddwood’s pirate goth style has carved a distinct and popular niche in the heavy metal community. They riff and shred on the accordion, mandolin, bouzouki, tin whistle, toy piano, acoustic guitar, upright bass, and “Oddkit”, while weaving grandiose tales of comrades lost, bloody sieges, drunken debauchery, zombies, airships, and time travel!
Heathen Apostles ‘Country Gothic’ European Tour 2020
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce the first wave of bookings for their 2020 European tour, which will take place in September. It will be their third tour of Europe, and this time around the band will be bringing their country gothic music to Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland and more TBA. They will be promoting their gothic blues release Born By Lightning (out now on Ratchet Blade Records), as well as two surprise vinyl releases that will be announced at a later date.
Here are the dates, the shows marked TBA will be announced at a later date, check back soon. To book one of the remaining dates, contact Kurt at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Heathen Apostles European Tourdates 2020:
3/09/2020 Thursday – Kulturrampe, Krefeld, Germany
4/09/2020 Friday – Wild At Heart, Berlin, Germany
5/09/2020 Saturday – City Club, Augsburg, Germany
6/09/2020 Sunday available
7/09/2020 Monday available
8/09/2020 Tuesday – Quarterdeck, Basel, Switzerland
9/09/2020 Wednesday – TBA, Paris, France
10/09/2020 Thursday – La Tavern, Nevers, France
11/09/2020 Friday – Alter Open-Air, Mannheim, Germany
12/09/2020 Saturday – CC Muze, Zolder, Belgium
13/09/2020 Sunday – Lokaal 42, Helmond, The Netherlands
14/09/2020 Monday available
15/09/2020 Tuesday – Tortuga, Unna, Germany
16/09/2020 Wednesday – Bei Chez Heinz, Hannover, Germany
17/09/2020 Thursday – Monkeys, Hamburg, Germany
18/09/2020 Friday – Extra Blues-Bar, Bielefeld, Germany
19/09/2020 Saturday – PRIVATE PARTY
20/09/2020 Sunday – BUSKERfestival, Aarschot, Belgium
Heathen Apostles x Jason Charles Miller x Hannah Aldridge at the Whisky
The Heathen Apostles will be playing Friday March 8th with Jason Charles Miller and Hannah Aldridge for a great night of gothic outlaw country at the world famous Whisky-a-Go-Go in West Hollywood, Ca. You can get advance tickets HERE.
Jason Charles Miller is an American singer-songwriter known for his solo albums as well as being the lead vocalist and guitarist of the industrial rock band Godhead. Hannah Aldridge is an Americana/ Folk artist originally from Muscle Shoals, Al. She is the daughter of the #1 hit songwriter and Alabama Music Hall of Fame inductee, Walt Aldridge.
Heathen Apostles 2020 European tour
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce the first wave of bookings for their 2020 European tour, which will take place in September. It will be their third tour of Europe, and this time around the band will be bringing their country gothic music to Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland and more TBA. They will be promoting their gothic blues release Born By Lightning (out now on Ratchet Blade Records), as well as two surprise vinyl releases that will be announced at a later date.
Here are the dates, the shows marked TBA will be announced at a later date, check back soon. To book one of the remaining dates, contact Kurt at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Heathen Apostles European Tourdates 2020:
3/09/2020 Thursday Kulturrampe Germany Krefeld
4/09/2020 Friday Wild At Heart Germany Berlin
5/09/2020 Saturday City Club Germany Augsburg
6/09/2020 Sunday available
7/09/2020 Monday available
8/09/2020 Tuesday Quarterdeck Switzerland Basel
9/09/2020 Wednesday available
10/09/2020 Thursday available
11/09/2020 Friday TBA Germany
12/09/2020 Saturday CC Muze Belgium Zolder
13/09/2020 Sunday TBA
14/09/2020 Monday available
15/09/2020 Tuesday Tortuga Germany Unna
16/09/2020 Wednesday Bei Chez Heinz Germany Hannover
17/09/2020 Thursday Monkeys Germany Hamburg
18/09/2020 Friday Extra Blues-Bar Germany Bielefeld
19/09/2020 Saturday PRIVATE PARTY
20/09/2020 Sunday BUSKERfestival Belgium Aarschot
Heathen Apostles European tour starts TODAY!
Starting today, Mather and the Heathen Apostles embark on a nearly 5 week tour of Northern Europe, making stops in Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The Heathens will have all of their merchandise for sale at the shows, including the brand new DUST TO DUST album- be sure and check out one of the band’s performances if you happen to be in town!
DUST TO DUST – Folk n Rock review
The new Heathen Apostles album Dust To Dust received a great review on the Gothic Folk site Folk N’ Rock. It was written by Jeff Goble, here it is in its entirety, you can also check it out on the site HERE.
“With their iconic blend of Gothic aesthetics and Americana influences, Heathen Apostles set out to create a sound that’s easy to describe as one-of-a-kind. The group’s music is as charismatic as the band’s lush dark aesthetics, bringing a cinematic edge to their sound.
Although Goth and Americana might seem like two odd bedfellows, the mix actually works really well. If you stop and think about it, most Americana songs are rooted in darker stories and mysterious characters. This is definitely a strong connection with the dark and eerie aesthetics of Goth music and art. Heathen Apostles managed to find the right balance when blending these two cultures, making for something really special.
Recently, they set out to release their new studio album, “Dust To Dust.” This release is a musical journey through various moods, and it dives deeper into other genres, ranging from alternative rock to outlaw country. The record kicks off with “Burn It To The Ground.” As the title might suggest, this is a beginning with a bang, showcasing a relentless storm that brings a darker edge to a traditional Americana rhythm.
One of the most exciting aspects of this release is undoubtedly the group’s storytelling. On songs such as “Home Sweet Holmes,” the group dives deeper into the story of serial murderer H.H. Holmes, making for a vivid narrative twist. They also explore different tonal ideals and influences on tracks such as “Two For The Road.”
There is also room for a classic, with a cover of the timeless folk song, “In The Pines.” This track was popularized by artists as diverse as Leadbelly and Nirvana, to mention but a few.
Throughout the span of 13 tracks, this album feels like a sound roller-coaster, as the group takes you through such a wide array of tones and influences. In addition to the kaleidoscopic creative twist of the band’s musicianship, the production of the album is also quite inspiring. It feels warm and organic yet crisp and compelling. There is a pleasant liveliness to this release, which highlights the band’s chemistry, and their ability to create music that feels very cohesive, rather than just patching things up with the help of recording studio trickery and post-production wizardry.
This album is a labor of love and the sound of a band with a powerful vision. They know where they want to take their art, and as a result, they were able to deliver an exciting and meaningful album to the audience.
Ultimately, this release makes for a rewarding listening experience – a set list filled with highlights and diverse sonic characteristics. If you are a fan of artists such as Nick Cave, Howlin’ Wolf, The Pogues, or Devil Makes Three, you are going to enjoy this particular project!
Final Score 8.7 Great
Dust to Dust is a winning combination of different musical worlds, clashing into something fresh and original.
New Heathen Apostles album DUST TO DUST released
Gothic Americana is a genre that is fast taking hold around the world, in that it combines the sub-genres of Western Goth, dark blues and depression-era jazz. The Heathen Apostles were amongst the first to inject all three into their incendiary music.
Their fifth album Dust To Dust opens with the aptly named (and surprisingly danceable) incendiary stomper Burn It To The Ground, and doesn’t let up from there. The Heathens keep one foot firmly planted in driving heavy gothic numbers with Home Sweet Holmes (a recount of America’s first serial killer) and One True Belief (featuring eerie Middle Eastern-esque flourishes). 
With Dust To Dust, the band continues to explore the boundaries of Gothic Americana: the jangly Bad Seeds-esque Two For The Road, a spooky Southern Gothic dirge reinvention of the classic In the Pines, and the lamentful Paradise Lost (written for the victims of last year’s wildfires.) And since no future classic would be complete without an anthem, the Heathens offer up the soaring spaghetti western Rise. As an added bonus, the album concludes with the entire The Fall EP, which was selected by Folk N’ Rock Magazine as the EP of the Year for 2018. You can check out the album HERE.
“I truly dove in head-first on this album, building complex and layered vocal harmonies as a complement to the musical arrangements. Just as the best movies inspire multiple viewings, I sought to create melodies that invite the listener back to hear more and more of the song unfold. With Dust To Dust, we dug the grave a little deeper sonically, but we think you’ll enjoy falling in.” Mather Louth, vocalist.
“After our last album, the decidedly rootsy Bloodgrass Vol. I & II, we chose this album to showcase all of our influences; gothic rock, bluegrass, dark country, cowpunk… and much more.” Chopper Franklin, guitarist and producer.