Chicago death doom legends Novembers Doom were formed in 1989 by vocalist and lyricist Paul Kuhr. Throughout its career, the group has evolved from mournfully slow compositions into an entity that defies categorization, combining varied musical styles and elements without abandoning their roots. ND constantly reinvented itself to cultivate a unique sound that makes them immediately recognizable.

After the success and lasting impact of their debut 2022 full-length, Where the Shadows Adorn, Indianapolis melodic death-doom purveyors Mother of Graves return to the surface with a new and prolific dose of melancholy. The Periapt of Absence, out 10/18/2024 on Profound Lore Records, serves as a testament to Mother of Graves' evolutionary journey and steadfast dedication to crafting their profoundly personal and enthralling rendition of death-doom metal. Highlighted by Brandon Howe's soul crushing and poetic vocals, this offering transcends boundaries, delving even deeper into realms of melancholy and introspection than their past offerings. The album expands on Mother of Graves' engrossing atmospheres, crushing passages that shine light on their death metal roots, monumental hooks, and melodies that will resonate for years to come. The crushing production, provided by the band's Ben Sandman with dynamic mastering by the legend Dan Swanö, amplifies the tight rhythm section anchored by Don Curtis on drums and Corey Clark on bass, while illuminating the intricate guitar harmonies skillfully woven by guitarists Sandman and Chris Morrison. The Periapt of Absence is without a doubt their most in depth and significant material to date. Each song provides a poignant exploration of the human experience, where moments of despair are illuminated by glimmers of hope and fleeting beauty. Through eight cathartic tales of heartache, love, and loss, Mother of Graves beckons you to delve deep into the recesses of their dark and gloomy world.

Through the wonders of the internet, S.O.A. was formed in March of 2011 by George Lohan. All the other pieces just naturally fell into place after Erik Michael and Jason krieger joined and the sings for the debut wrote themself. After a long search, vocalist David kraus was discovered. After a few lineup changes, the current lineup has remained strong since 2013.