Tomorrow, Albany, New York-based sludge/drone metal quartet CARNWENNAN will release their debut LP, Lotus, through Darkest Records, and today, Outlaws Of The Sun is hosting an advance stream of the entire powerful album.
CARNWENNAN’s Lotus plays as one continuous track subdivided into four movements, the album created with great restraint and tension, resulting in a slow-motion, seamless evolution. The wooded environment of the band’s upstate surroundings indisputably influenced the lush, organic sounds of growth and decay, life and demise, themes which are exemplified in the lyrical and visual delivery of the album.
Recorded outside of Hudson, New York by Ryan Slowey at the headquarters of Darkest Records – the label formed by members of fellow Hudson Valley sludge stalwarts Hush – Lotus was mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Locrian, Iron Monkey, Mournful Congregation).
CARNWENNAN’s vocalist/guitarist Jack Jackal states, “We’ve been working on this for three years now, and Friday we’ll finally be able to show everyone the extent of our labors. Thanks to everyone for the support so far, and we hope you like it.”
Outlaws Of The Sun praised the album in a detailed review this week, which reads in part, “Lotus is a beautifully heavy and wholly destructive release which goes across many layers of the drone/doom metal spectrum which will also appeal to fans of the sludge/stoner metal underground scene as well. The album is superbly produced and allows CARNWENNAN to play to their maximum technical abilities, which produces first rate musical passages throughout the entire album. This is an awe-inspiring and jaw-dropping record that could become one of the best drone metal albums of the year.”
Darkest Records will release Lotus on LP and digital formats this Friday, May 31st. Preorders can be placed at Bandcamp HERE. Fans of Earth, Khanate, Hush, Om, Bell Witch, Primitive Man, Conan, and Old Man Gloom must hear CARNWENNAN’s Lotus.
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.
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.
“…depressing, slow chords and equally-paced drumming, with dreary melodies…” – Decibel Magazine
“I wouldn’t say I’m tired of all the psychedelic bliss and harmonies and this and that of the modern heavy underground, but sometimes you just want to hear something that hurts too. Heads up on this…” – The Obelisk
“…purveyors of seething, acerbic, caustic songs that do everything in their power to mercilessly and purposefully beat into submission any of its listeners… a wave of crushingly powerful riffs and soundscapes that will make any listener feel like they’re being raked over coals…and somehow enjoying it.” – Metal Epidemic.
CARNWENNAN Live:
6/01/2024 Empire Underground – Albany, NY w/ Intrusive, Misery Machine
6/08/2024 No Fun – Troy, NY w/ Horse Grave, Flatwounds, King Mob
6/09/2024 Collar City Mushrooms – Troy, NY w/ Radiation Blackbody, Compress
More Info:
https://carnwennan.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/carnwennan.ny
https://darkestrecords.bandcamp.com