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.
Heathen Apostles new music video release: “Deadly Nightshade”
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce Deadly Nightshade, their new Southern Gothic horror music video, directed by good friend Jorge Jaramillo. It is the third video from their Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, out on Ratchet Blade Records. Here is the press release for the video:
Deadly Nightshade, the new music video from the Heathen Apostles, takes the band back into familiar dark territory; this time, the atmosphere is that of the quintessential Universal horror films of the 1930’s and 40’s.
Those familiar with the iconic genre will thrill to the sights of a mortician-like banjo player piloting an angelic victim down river to her doom and corpses floating up from their graves, while burlap-masked musicians provide the soundtrack to a feral witch stealing the soul from our helpless heroine.
‘Inspired by classic horror movies and German expressionism, the main goal was to not romanticize an old style, but rather to bring it to something that could still be dark, creepy and beautiful,’ states director Jorge Jaramillo (who also directed the Heathen Apostles’ Paint the Stars video). Watch the new video HERE.
Lead vocalist Mather Louth: ‘When the Heathens sat down for the initial pre-production meetings with Jorge, we all agreed that reinventing and modernizing the classic black and white horror genre would be the perfect visual direction for “Deadly Nightshade”. I’ve always felt very strongly about “Deadly Nightshade” being incredibly cinematic in nature, and it was always clear to me that Jorge would be the perfect director for the song. His work is thought-provoking, filled with symbolism and horrifically disturbing creatures, and he is a true visionary and original.
The video also served as a fun exploration for me to portray both predator and prey, and I particularly enjoyed finding the physicality and mannerisms of the witch’s character. There is something quite freeing about playing a character that is so wholly repulsive and ugly, especially in today’s overly filtered and appearance-obsessed culture.’
Deadly Nightshade is the third music video from the band’s Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, check it out HERE. The Heathen Apostles fifth album, Dust to Dust, is out June 7th on Ratchet Blade Records.”
New Heathen Apostles album DUST TO DUST
The Heathen Apostles are proud to reveal the cover art for their fifth album Dust To Dust, which will be released online Friday June 7th on Ratchet Blade Records.
The cover artwork was conceptualized, photographed, and edited by Mather Louth herself, with makeup by Alta DeKoven-Skratulia and camera/on set assistance by Ana Sanchez. Bone halo also designed and crafted by Mather for Cadaver Couture.
New Heathen Apostles charity benefit single – “Paradise Lost”
Heathen Apostles Benefit Song “Paradise Lost” For The Victims Of California Wildfires With Regime Music Group (Buy Links at Bottom)
Los Angeles based Gothic Americana outfit Heathen Apostles have released their new single “Paradise Lost” in conjunction with Regime Music Group across all digital platforms. All proceeds from the song will be donated to programs that support the victims of the California wildfires, including rebuilding efforts and animal rescue efforts. The members of Heathen Apostles and some of the staff members from Regime Music Group were directly affected by the deadly wildfires that spread through Malibu and surrounding areas where thousands of people lost property, businesses and nearly two million acres of land burned.
“Paradise Lost is a requiem to those that lost in the fire and also to those that were lost in the fire. Seeing the utter devastation in Paradise and the simultaneous Woolsey fire on television back in November struck a deep nerve within me, and instantaneously, I found myself crying. It was a very primal emotion, that of a crushing sense of loss, and it was overwhelming,” said Heathen Apostles lead vocalist Mather Louth.
She continues, “I had the images of the destruction burned into my dreams night after night, and it was from the combination of those nightmares and countless conversations with friends and colleagues whose lives were forever changed by the fires that the song was written.”
Speaking about the label partnership with Regime Music Group for the release of the song, Louth said, “We are incredibly humbled and grateful to have Kevin Zinger and his amazing team at Regime Management selflessly partner with us in our efforts. We are all working to make this release a success for the sake of the victims, and we hope that Paradise Lost will offer them a safe place to grieve for their losses while offering support and strength in the face of extreme adversity.”
Since their formation in 2013, the Heathen Apostles have branded the hide of alternative roots music forever with their incendiary bloodgrass music, releasing four full-length albums and a string of gothic western music videos (three of their most popular videos- “Death’s Head”, “The Reckoning”, and “Dark Was The Night”, have garnered 17K, 16K and 15K views respectively.) The latest Heathen release, “The Fall”, was just named EP of the Year by Folk N Rock. In 2018, the Heathens completed a successful tour of Northern Europe- including an explosive appearance at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air- proving that their unique music cannot be pigeonholed. The Heathen Apostles have already confirmed over a dozen dates in Europe throughout June and July of 2019 and will be touring in support of their forthcoming fifth studio album.
Purchase link HERE.
New Interview: SD Voyager
Recently, Mather was interviewed for SD Voyager magazine, an online community that focuses on local musicians, artists, and other creators. Within the interview, Mather discusses her plunge into the music world, creative approach, and outlook on artistic isolation.
You can read the full interview HERE.
Header image by Ashley Joncas.
Heathen Apostles – support for Shawn James
The Heathen Apostles are honored to be named main support for Shawn James at the House of Blues Anaheim on March 24.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking the link below:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09005645D8B63398
Shawn James- https://www.shawnjamesmusic.com/
Heathen Apostles California Wildfire benefit release
In support of the victims of last year’s devastating California wildfires (and in direct condemnation of President Trump’s threats of pulling FEMA disaster relief funds), the Heathen Apostles will be releasing a brand new song, “Paradise Lost” next month with all proceeds going directly to the victims. Please stay tuned as more details unfold about this important release.
Heathen Apostles European Tour announced for 2019
Spurred by an incredibly successful maiden voyage last summer, the Heathen Apostles will be returning to Europe this June and July for another tour in support of their upcoming fifth studio album.
Being that tour dates are filling up fast, any interested venues or festivals should contact Kurt De Bont of Rootstown Bookings via the link below:
THE FALL named Best EP of 2018
First and foremost, happy new year!!
The Heathen Apostles’ latest EP “The Fall” was named Best EP of 2018 by Folk N Rock. You can read the entire list of awarded releases by clicking the link below:
To purchase your digital copy of “The Fall”, click the Heathen Apostles Bandcamp link below:
Brand New Heathen Apostles’ “The Fall” EP – $1 Presale
Ratchet Blade Records has launched the $1 Pre Sale for the Heathen Apostles’ “The Fall”, the new 3 song EP that will be released on Halloween. Upon purchasing the Pre Sale you will receive an immediate download of the Gothic epic Through the Forest, Through the Trees, and you’ll receive the entire EP on Halloween day. The EP was produced by Chopper Franklin and features cover art by Ana Sanchez. Click HERE to preview and order.
Heathen Apostles at Wacken Open Air
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce that they will be a part of this year’s Wacken Open Air festival in Wacken, Germany. The band will be performing in the Beergarden, and the festival date will serve to help kick off their Summer ’18 European tour.
Read the official press release HERE.
Few dates remain open for booking the band, so if you want to see the Heathens in YOUR neck of the woods, be sure to contact Kurt De Bont at Rootstown Bookings HERE.
Heathen Apostles – 2nd Hand Revival (FREE SHOW!)
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce that they will be returning to this year’s 2nd Hand Revival festival this Saturday, February 10th. The festival is “an annual two-day gathering of artists, poets, craftsmen, tinkerers, makers and peddlers of vintage goods”, and, best of all, it’s FREE!
The Heathens’ good friends Speedbuggy will be performing as a duo at 5pm, and the Heathens will hit the stage at 6pm. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Gothicwestern.com fashion blogs
Recently, Mather was tapped to pen a two-part blog on gothic western fashion for Ratchet Blade Media’s brand new website, www.gothicwestern.com. The website is dedicated to all avenues of the gothic western genre, from literature, to movies, to music, and of course, fashion.
Read the blogs HERE.
BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1 review
Viola Noir has posted a lovely review of the latest Heathen Apostles EP, BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1, giving it a 7/10 and stating that it “sounds quite exciting.”
To read the review in its entirety, click HERE.
BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1 now available for purchase
BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1, the latest Heathen Apostles EP, is now available for purchase on the HA Bandcamp website as well as iTunes.
For a limited time, order from the Bandcamp page HERE and pay only $4 for the EP (unless, of course, you’d like to donate more…:)
Or, purchase the EP on iTunes HERE.
Heathen Apostles – EUROPEAN TOUR 2018
As some of you might already be aware, the Heathen Apostles will be heading overseas next summer with Belgium’s Rootstown Bookings for a string of tour dates in August (and possibly September). The band is already set to appear throughout Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, with more countries set to be announced shortly.
To book Mather and the band in YOUR neck of the woods, please click HERE.
BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1 – New Heathen Apostles EP
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce their latest EP, BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1, available worldwide on December 15th via Ratchet Blade Records. The 5-track EP will contain 3 original songs as well as two covers: the timeless classic “Summertime”, as well as Darrell Scott’s heartwrenching “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive”.
In Mather’s own words: “To me, BLOODGRASS: VOL. 1 represents a concise and effective marriage of both ends of the Heathen sonic spectrum: from the fire and brimstone of “Death Came A Ridin’” to the haunting lull of “Summertime”, this EP has something for every Heathen fan. It has also been a true joy to record “Dark Days”, a melody I had written years ago that now has been fully realized thanks to the band.”
The album cover features a stunning charcoal drawing of Mather by acclaimed artist Stephanie Inagaki:
As a reminder, the band will be touring overseas next summer, with confirmed dates so far in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. If you wish to have the band appear in YOUR neck of the woods, please click HERE.
“SPECTRAL PLANES” – Volition Magazine editorial
Mather is proud to announce her latest editorial “Spectral Planes”, published in Volition Magazine. The editorial, a visual representation of the intersection between the natural and spirit worlds, was shot with acclaimed photographer Justin Rosenberg, with makeup by Alta DeKoven, and fashions by Wonderland Corsets, Costurero Real, Ver Mar, and Cadaver Couture (Mather’s personal clothing line.)
To purchase a copy of the magazine, click HERE.
“Fiji Mermaid” – Latest Cheryl Walsh collaboration
A few weeks back, Mather was able to squeeze in one final (and VERY cold!) underwater photoshoot with the masterful Cheryl Walsh. This time, Mather paid homage to her home state (and also to Guillermo Del Toro and his latest movie The Shape of Water) by embodying an original take on the legendary Fiji Mermaid “genuine fake” made famous by P.T. Barnum. Cheryl Walsh is currently running a Kickstarter campaign for photo prints, jewelry and more- if you’d like a print of one of these images, be sure to head over to her Instagram for a direct link to the campaign before it ends!
Photography by Cheryl Walsh, MUA by Alta DeKoven.
“Age of Discovery” bridal editorial
Earlier this year, Mather had the pleasure of modeling in a ethereal bridal editorial entitled “Age of Discovery”, shooting at the luxurious US Grant Hotel in San Diego with a fantastic dream team of creative individuals. The editorial is now live on the San Diego Weddings website- much thanks to all involved for their time and efforts!
View the full editorial HERE.
“The Firebird” – New Cheryl Walsh collaboration
Recently, Mather had the pleasure of once again collaborating with Cheryl Walsh and Alta DeKoven on another underwater shoot. This time, Mather paid homage to her Czech heritage and its incredible Firebird myth, lovingly designing the couture robe she is wearing from scratch. The image is called “Pták Ohnivák”, and is dedicated to the memory of her grandmother.
Photo: Cheryl Walsh
Makeup: Alta DeKoven
Firebird robe/styling: Mather Louth for CADAVER COUTURE
With very special thanks to Todd Walsh for safety!
Heathen Apostles at the Viper Room
The Heathen Apostles will be performing on Tuesday, August 15th at the Viper Room. Joining the band as a special guest will be Benedikt Brydern on violin (a good friend and band leader of Hot Club Quintette, for which Mather sings.) The evening’s bill will also include Heathen friend Reverend Red as well as the House of Rabbits- get your tickets in advance HERE.
New Cheryl Walsh images
Last month, Mather had the pleasure of collaborating once again with acclaimed underwater photographer Cheryl Walsh and gifted makeup artist Alta DeKoven- this time, Mather featured the amazing wings of Spanish fantasy designer Costurero Real. Check out the final images below, and stay tuned for another underwater shoot with Cheryl later this month!
Phantom of the Black Hills cameo
Recently, Mather had the honor of collaborating with Ratchet Blade Records labelmates Phantom of the Black Hills on their latest single “Wild Witch of the West”. The single will be released on 8/11 (with the full album, SCALPED, to arrive on 8/25), and a corresponding video featuring Mather as the titular character will also be released that day.
Check out the SCALPED teaser video HERE.
Order a presale copy of SCALPED (featuring a bonus sampler CD and digital booklet) HERE.