Kilravock Unveils “Incompatibility”: A Gritty, Electrifying Anthem Of Neurodivergence And Social Defiance
https://dulaxi.com/kilravock-unveils-incompatibility-a-gritty-electrifying-anthem-of-neurodivergence-and-social-defiance/
By Daniel / 28 November 2024
Kilravock is the solo project of Steven Wayne Smith, a multi-instrumentalist and producer from Omaha, Nebraska, who channels his personal experiences into electrifying musical creations. Rooted in alternative rock and grunge, Smith’s music is deeply influenced by his journey as a neurodivergent individual navigating the pressures of a capitalist society. His ability to translate frustration, introspection, and resilience into compelling soundscapes sets him apart as a bold and authentic voice in modern music.
Steven Wayne Smith’s versatility is the cornerstone of Kilravock. With a mastery of multiple instruments and a knack for immersive production, he crafts songs that resonate on both an emotional and technical level. While his solo project emphasizes his individuality, Smith’s collaborations with his band, The Alliterates, showcase his ability to connect and innovate with others. This balance between independence and collaboration gives his work a unique, multidimensional quality.
Kilravock makes a strong statement with the release of “Incompatibility” on November 5th, 2024. The song delves into the disconnection in society and the struggles of navigating the capitalist world while growing up neurodivergent. Kilravock delivers an intense and intimate performance, playing all the instruments and delivering a captivating vocal performance. This release highlights Smith’s artistry, featuring a powerful cover of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” with contributions from The Alliterates bandmates. “Incompatibility” goes beyond being just a song—it serves as an anthem for individuals who don’t fit into a strict society and serves as a powerful start to Kilravock’s new project, “Just Another Wonderful Day”.
Kilravock’s track “Incompatibility” demands attention from the start with its electrifying sound. An intense mix of electric guitars, powerful basslines, and persistent drumbeats creates the atmosphere for a deeply emotional examination of anger and social disconnect. The song starts with tightly crafted chord progressions and a gritty, unrefined tone that instantly evokes a feeling of urgency, reflecting the tension in its thematic elements. This dynamic opening is both engaging and serves as a guide for the energy found throughout the song.
The song’s instrumentation is a masterclass in layering and cohesion. The interplay between sharp, intricate guitar riffs and the anchoring basslines creates a soundscape that is simultaneously expansive and cohesive. The bass offers a grounding counterbalance to the fiery guitar leads, while the drumming delivers a relentless drive that propels the track forward. Each instrumental layer is distinct yet interwoven, creating a textured sonic experience. The attention to detail in the production ensures that no single element overshadows another, resulting in a harmonious blend of raw power and refined craftsmanship.
The steady gritty beat and moderate energy of “Incompatibility” are truly remarkable. Its consistent vigor is balanced by periods of self-reflection, resulting in a lively fluctuation that captivates the audience. The production of the track is refined but not overly processed, finding an ideal mix of genuine emotion and approachability. This dual nature showcases Kilravock’s talent for creating music that is both intimate and relatable to all.
The success of “Incompatibility” lies in its artistry and expression. Kilravock has produced a song that is both musically captivating and thematically profound. The blending of emotive singing, complex musical elements, and carefully created production leads to a listening journey that is both powerful and enduring. This song doesn’t simply request your attention – it insists on it, keeping you enthralled from start to finish. Kilravock has established a high standard with “Incompatibility,” a track that is guaranteed to make a lasting impact on all listeners.
Rock/Review Kilravock - Incompatibility / Working Class Hero
https://www.themusicalroad.net/blog/november2024/kilravock
27 Nov Written By Kamil Bobin
“Incompatibility / Working Class Hero” by Kilravock is a powerful and impactful release that combines activism with self-reflection. His next album, “Just Another Wonderful Day,” is introduced with this two-song offering, which consists of a strong original and a transformational cover. It is a moving examination of social alienation, particularly from the perspective of neurodiversity within a capitalist system.
Steve's multi-instrumental skill and poignant lyrics are on full display in the original song, "Incompatibility." The emotional burden of navigating a system that frequently marginalizes originality is captured in the song, which was written for people who feel alienated in both society and the job. The song turns into an anthem for those looking for understanding and unity thanks to its rich orchestration and unfiltered, passionate vocals.
These themes are further developed in Kilravock's song of John Lennon's classic “Working Class Hero,” which also features bandmates Anna Schmidt, David Dick, and Sean Soucy of The Alliterates. The updated version has a profound effect, paying tribute to Lennon's legacy while introducing a new, cooperative dynamic. Schmidt's harmonies and Dick's vocal performance provide another level of intensity, fostering a sense of urgency and cohesion.
This release is a call to action for social justice and worker rights, not simply music. Kilravock highlights the ongoing significance of these themes in the modern world by combining an original song with John Lennon's classic denunciation of systematic inequity.
“Incompatibility / Working Class Hero” is a profoundly intimate yet widely relatable release that serves as a reminder of the ability of music to provoke thought, provoke controversy, and bring people together. Those who support the struggle for a more equitable society should listen to this.
Kilravock - Incompatibility
https://www.goodmusicradar.com/review/kilravock-incompatibility/
November 27, 2024
Kilravock’s latest single, “Incompatibility,” is a commanding and emotionally charged exploration of the personal and societal. The track opens with a blistering guitar riff, instantly pulling you into its raw, gritty world. With a mix of heavy riffs, intricate chord progressions, and aggressive basslines, “Incompatibility” is a soundscape that feels intense and unyielding, yet deeply expressive. The mastermind behind Kilravock, Steven W. Smith, is no stranger to creating complex, thought-provoking music.
The track is both powerful and cathartic, with Smith’s vocals taking centre stage. His voice crackles with emotion, commanding attention with every line. From the deep, resonant lows to the soaring highs, his vocal delivery embodies the emotional turmoil explored in the song’s lyrics, which touch on feelings of frustration and alienation in a world driven by capitalist demands. This theme is brought to life with a blend of angst and reflection, creating a poignant narrative that feels both personal and universal. The song’s rhythmic backbone is equally impressive, with pulsing basslines and dynamic drumming that anchor the expansive guitar work. The result is a track that feels heavy and immersive, while also showcasing an exceptional level of musical craftsmanship. Kilravock has created a piece that blends the intensity of doom rock with the complexity of progressive rock, building a sonic world that is both thought-provoking and exhilarating.
“Incompatibility” is a fierce introduction to Kilravock’s unique sound, an amalgamation of raw emotion, technical skill, and social commentary. It’s a track that demands attention, offering listeners a powerful, immersive experience from start to finish.
Kilravock drops debut double single
https://plasticmag.co.uk/2024/11/kilravock-drops-debut-double-single/
Posted On November 27, 2024 Kat Lattimore
Hailing from Omaha, Kilravock is the ambitious new solo project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Steven Wayne Smith. Known for his work with bands like The Alliterates, Lucid Fugue, Megaton and Valley of Shadows, he now brings to life a new side of his sonic vision with this new endeavour. Drawing on a broad array of influences including stoner and doom rock, progressive rock, post metal, industrial and elements of electronic music, Kilravock is here to deliver something entirely new.
As an accomplished musician, he channels his extensive experience into this solo effort, fusing an array of genres to craft a sound that’s unlike anything else. Marking a departure from his past collaborations, the project serves as both an artistic outlet and a platform to share his reflections on identity, society and life from his own perspective.
Kilravock’s debut release features two singles, “Incompatibility” and a cover of John Lennon’s classic “Working Class Hero.” These tracks offer a compelling introduction to the artist’s daring sound and a preview of his forthcoming album, Just Another Wonderful Day.
On “Incompatibility,” an original track entirely performed and sung by Steven himself, he explores the challenges of growing up neurodivergent in a capitalist society. The song distils a palpable frustration, delivered through heavy instrumentation and emotionally charged vocals to deliver a rousing slice of dark and gritty alternative rock music. Driven by pounding drums and splashing cymbals, a hazy wall of guitar textures and intense vocal performance serves up a grooving and highly original sound brimming with angst and energy.
The second single, “Working Class Hero,” reimagines Lennon’s iconic anthem with contributions from Smith’s The Alliterates bandmates Sean Soucy on guitar and David Dick on vocals alongside Anna Schmidt’s striking co-vocals. This cover amplifies the track’s enduring message of determination and defiance, reframing the song for the modern era.
Showcasing the more tender side of the Kilravock sound, the musicians craft a brooding folk rock soundscape where the stripped back acoustic guitar arrangement is met with stacked layers of vocals, resulting in an epic rendition of the timeless song. With “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero,” Kilravock makes an emphatic artistic entrance and with his upcoming debut record on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what this exciting new project has in store.
Kilravock's Grungy Gem "Incompatibility"
https://www.blackfruitapparel.com/post/kilravock-s-grungy-gem-incompatibility
If you're searching for fresh music that reshapes rock and grunge, this is a must-listen. Steven Wayne Smith, the talented artist from Omaha, Nebraska, delivers a song that stands out in today's vast music landscape. This track is not just another release; it’s a heartfelt exploration of emotion and creativity.
This single marks the beginning of a series from upcoming album, Just Another Wonderful Day. It offers a glimpse into the artist's skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. Impressively, he handles everything himself from vocal performance to crafting intricate instrumental arrangements.
From the opening notes, it pulls you in with an engaging melody. The song features a seamless mix of rock and grunge elements, creating a treat for fans of catchy yet meaningful tunes. Smith’s vocal performance is both heartfelt and reflective, perfectly matching the dynamic instrumentals he has built.
As you listen, you will notice how each layer contributes to the overall experience. For example, the drums punch energetically, driving the rhythm forward, while the guitars add depth. It’s remarkable to realize that the artist has created this full-bodied sound on his own.
"Incompatibility" dives into the complexities of relationships that just don’t fit, a subject many listeners can connect with. The lyrics reflect feelings of longing and self-exploration. It captures the struggle between the desire for connection and the acknowledgment of differences that often drive people apart.
The relatability of Smith's songwriting is noteworthy. Themes of emotional conflict resonate widely, making this track accessible to a broad audience. The emotional weight of the lyrics, combined with catchy hooks, makes it easy to find yourself singing along.
In addition to "Incompatibility", Kilravock includes a cover of John Lennon’s "Working Class Hero" in this release. This choice is significant, showcasing Smith’s musical influences while giving a contemporary spin to a classic. He honors Lennon's legacy while infusing his unique style, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
The combination of these two tracks illustrates Kilravock's potential to connect different musical generations. Fans of classic rock will appreciate the tribute, while younger audiences may discover fresh perspectives in the reimagined classic.
With this single, Steven Wayne Smith explores emotional depths wrapped in a beautifully structured song. From the relatable lyrics to rich instrumental layers, this track is bound to resonate with music lovers across demographics.
Brilliant and Beautiful: Kilravock's "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" will surprise you!
Lakshita Jain
Drawing influences from a diverse range of genres, including stoner/doom rock, heavy rock, progressive rock, post-metal, post-punk, industrial, and even some EDM, Kilravock is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist producer Steven Wayne Smith. Hailing from Omaha, United States, this artist crafts uniquely blended soundscapes that unwind into a rhythm of refreshing beats. Having worked with magnificent bands like The Alliterates, Lucid Fugue, Megaton, and Valley of Shadows, this artist has made his way into the industry as smoothly as butter melts on your bread.
Exhibiting Steve’s frustration at growing up as a neurodivergent person in a Capitalist society, Kilravock's "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" is a pumped-up pound of percussions.
The first of a slew of songs that were written for his upcoming release Just "Another Wonderful Day," Kilravock's latest release, "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" is a set of two soundtracks, "Incompatibility" - an original that Steve played all the instruments on, and sang on, and "Working Class Hero" - a cover of John Lennon classic "Working Class Hero."
If you want to drift into a nihilist prog rock program filled with absurdities, bizarre perspectives and insurgent ideas, well, Kilravok is the artist for you. His riff-filled, bass-washed, sky-falling sonics are all-consuming. Think of it as a swirling vault, a cauldron, full of bubbling layers, frothing with dark spells, and sparkling with energy. This is his debut release, a double single ‘Incompatibility/ Working Class Hero’.
While ‘Incompatibility’ is a lofty prog rock machination that works its way into doom rock, post metal, and heavy rock sludges, ‘Working Class Hero’, is comparatively a lighter track; in texture, in tone, and in mood. The two songs form an interesting contrast, showcasing not only the range of the artist but the variety of his ideas.
‘Incompatibility’ explores the depravity and depressions that are caused by asymmetric relationships. The soundscape, designed with frictions and a dramatic culmination of them, conceptualizes the drain in a person’s energy and personhood. It is emo, dark, driving, and destructive. ‘Working Class Hero’ is a glinting acoustic folk rock song. A melancholic flow that gets into the realities of the theme with a contemplative dimension. Listen Now!
Kilravock is the solo project of Omaha area producer Steven W. Smith, of The Alliterates, Lucid Fugue, Megaton, and Valley of Shadows.
Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero By Kilravock – SAIID ZEIDAN
Emerging from Omaha's vibrant independent music scene, Kilravock embodies a singular creative vision courtesy of Steven Wayne Smith, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter who resists easy categorization. Much more than a simple musical project, Kilravock's vehicles are deep social commentary, interweaving the personal narrative with wider systemic critique. Smith's approach to making music blasts through traditional boundaries, folding alternative rock, art-rock, and progressive soundscapes into a striking conceptual language that ties in with today's social experience.
The first release, “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero," immediately establishes the musical and philosophical terrain of Kilravock. The original song “Incompatibility” is a masterful examination of workplace alienation and personal strife. Instrumental virtuosity is immediately apparent in a guitar performance that crisply and sensitively builds dense emotional fabrics. The song opens with a razor-sharp riff, cutting through layers of sonic texture with breathtaking technical skill. Every chord progression seems to be carefully thought out, revealing intricate harmonic relationships that beg for close listening.
The guitar work is surprisingly sophisticated from the very first note. The delivery flickers and flows perfectly to carry the track's thematic journey of workplace alienation. The immediate sense of vocal delivery is pure and unfiltered, making what should be singular experiences universal, which seems to be a hallmark of great songwriting. The basslines rumble with controlled aggression, adding textural depth and keeping the track solid. It's to Smith's credit as a producer that every instrumental element feels both distinct and cohesively woven together.
Not a companion piece, the cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" is a purposeful ideological continuation. Smith enlists Sean Soucy, Anna Schmidt, and David Dick as he reimagines the protest song classic as a collective statement. This makes for a track with a palpable sense of communal resistance that elevates Lennon's original message for the modern era. In terms of production, the release is remarkably complicated. There's a richness to the auditory palette, but it's controlled; every instrumental and vocal element is in its perfectly judged spatial dimension. The mix is intentional, betraying Smith's background as a multi-instrumentalist producer—nothing feels accidental, and yet the result never descends into sterility.
As a debut, "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" is an intriguing introduction to Kilravock's artistic outlook. It precedes an album entitled "Just Another Wonderful Day," which promises to push the expectations and musical comfort zones of its listeners.
The inner depth that "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" has brought into my life is beyond mere emphasis. Uncompromising emotional honesty, coupled with Smith's brilliance, makes this single a personal epiphany. I implore you, dear readers: to stream Kilravock's "Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero" on your music platform of choice.
Kilravock : Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero, une rencontre explosive entre rage et rébellion
Iggy Magazine 22 novembre 2024
Avec sa dernière sortie, Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero, Kilravock — le projet solo de Steven Wayne Smith — fait plus que livrer deux morceaux. Il nous offre une véritable déclaration sonore, un reflet brut et viscéral de ses luttes intérieures et de ses frustrations face à un monde capitaliste oppressant.
Incompatibility, morceau original, est une plongée tumultueuse dans les abîmes de la désillusion. Portée par des guitares rugissantes et une production immersive où chaque instrument (tous joués par Smith) semble en proie à une tension palpable, la chanson dresse un portrait sonore de l’isolement et de l’aliénation. Le tout, enveloppé dans une atmosphère sombre où le grunge rencontre l’art rock, dépeint une vulnérabilité exacerbée. À travers sa voix rauque et ses riffs incisifs, Kilravock capte parfaitement cette sensation de déconnexion dans un monde de plus en plus déshumanisé.
Le second morceau, Working Class Hero, est une reprise audacieuse du célèbre hymne de John Lennon. Smith ne se contente pas d’un hommage fidèle ; il injecte une énergie crue et métallique qui donne au classique une nouvelle vie. L’approche industrielle et post-punk de Kilravock réinvente ce manifeste révolutionnaire, renforçant son message de lutte sociale tout en l’ancrant dans une époque où les inégalités persistent de manière plus flagrante que jamais. L’ajout des membres de son groupe The Alliterates — Sean Soucy, David Dick, et Anna Schmidt — à la guitare et aux voix accentue cette réinterprétation vigoureuse.
À travers ces deux morceaux, Kilravock, qui se prépare à sortir son album Just Another Wonderful Day, laisse entrevoir un projet prometteur. Un projet où le sludge, le prog rock et le métal industriel se fondent pour offrir un univers sonore où chaque note semble crier son opposition à l’ordre établi.
Leonardo Brauna November 20, 2024
Kilravock: pesado, experimental, caótico, descubra mais no single “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero”
Em Nebraska (EUA), mais precisamente em Omaha, Steven Wayne Smith que, além de cantor é produtor, compositor e multi-instrumentista, está se dedicando a um projeto solo que o batizou como Kilravock. Seu próximo lançamento, “Just Another Wonderful Day”, ascende as expectativas. Contudo, o trabalho de hoje serve para mostrar uma série de músicas que, originalmente, foram escritas para esse vindouro álbum. Essa jornada começa com “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero”, que se traduz em uma música autoral que se emenda com uma versão para o clássico de John Lennon, “Working Class Hero”. Embora haja releitura, não há como não dizer que essa é uma obra genuína.
O single que está disponível nas plataformas digitais por meio do selo Mutually Assured Records, é uma espécie de formação mutante, pois é impossível encaixá-lo em qualquer estilo de música. Sabe-se, no entanto, que a estrutura vem do amplo universo do rock’n’roll e, apesar de a produção ser temperada com sujeira, um solo incrível de guitarra ecoa entre esse emaranhado sonoro. Talvez o nome “Incompatibility” surgiu nessa intenção, pois quem pretende encontrar melodias cristalinas em uma produção que se assemelhe a uma brisa de praia, dê meia-volta. Aqui o clima é pesado, embora harmônico.
Por outro lado, se você é um entusiasta de estilos pentatônicos e se amarra em atmosferas densas, traga o seu olhar para cá. Kilravock é um prato cheio para adeptos do experimentalismo, mas não como o que se fazia nos anos sessenta. Aqui, o cardápio é moderno, porém introspectivo. Um trabalho que parece não querer chamar atenção pela beleza, mas pelo conteúdo rechonchudo, caótico e eficiente. Sim, como dito antes, existe harmonia aqui, mesmo sendo do tipo hino de bárbaros em um banquete na taverna. Pena que a produção ofusque um pouco os elementos de bateria, mesmo assim se figura um bom andamento.
Já a releitura do saudoso ex-Beatle, o que podemos dizer é que Smith tentou ao máximo trazê-la para a pegada do Kilravock. Conseguiu! A versão de “Working Class Hero” com as participações de Anna Schmidt, David Dick e Sean Soucy tirou a canção daquela “limonada sem açúcar” de Lennon para algo mais substancial e encorpado. Agora, retornando à “Incompatibility”, seria muito legal se as próximas músicas da série mostrassem um pouco mais do traço peculiar que o Kilravock mostra aqui. Afinal, eis aqui uma prova de que para ser bom não precisa maquiar. E, mais uma vez: Que solo de guitarra!
Kilravock – Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero – Cheers to the Vikings
November 24th 2024
Kilravock is the solo project of Steven Wayne Smith from Omaha, NE and his latest two track release features the original track “Incompatibility” and a cover of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero”. This release is a teaser for his forthcoming album, “Just Another Wonderful Day”.
The first track “Incompatibility” is a good example of Steven’s skills to play different instruments and his incredible vocal abilities. The song is full of energy, it has powerful guitars and drums and features deep and screaming vocals. The hook is incredibly memorable and catchy which is a great way to grab the listener’s attention. The song has a very heavy feel creating an unforgettable listening experience.
“Working Class Hero” by Kilravock is a good reinterpretation of the iconic John Lennon classic. Beginning with a haunting acoustic guitar and harmonized vocals, Steven stays true to the song’s poignant roots while introducing his distinct production style. This makes the version sound familiar but at the same time fresh and different, which is perfect for those who want to hear a new take on a classic song.
I appreciated the passion and effort put into these songs. Kilravock’s music is dark and different and I believe his upcoming work will continue to impress. These tracks are perfect for those who like to listen to emotional and raw music with a hint of creativity.
O lançamento do single duplo 'Incompatibility / Working Class Hero' do projeto Kilravock é uma viagem densa e introspectiva ao som de influências de industrial, noise, doom rock e pós-punk. A faixa original, *Incompatibility*, encapsula a frustração do músico Steven Wayne Smith ao crescer como uma pessoa neurodivergente em um mundo regido por um sistema capitalista opressor, enquanto o cover visceral de *Working Class Hero*, de John Lennon, reforça essa narrativa de rebeldia e descontentamento. Ambos os lados do single expõem a identidade sonora multifacetada de Kilravock, um projeto solo de Omaha, Nebraska, que combina peso emocional e uma produção ousada e singular.
xxx
Kilravock’s double single release 'Incompatibility / Working Class Hero' delivers a profound and immersive exploration of industrial, noise, doom rock, and post-punk influences. The original track, *Incompatibility*, captures Steven Wayne Smith's frustration growing up as a neurodivergent individual in a capitalist society, while the raw, impassioned cover of John Lennon’s *Working Class Hero* amplifies the theme of defiance and discontent. Both tracks lay bare the multifaceted sonic identity of Kilravock, a solo project from Omaha, Nebraska, blending emotional weight with bold, distinctive production.
Kilravock – “Incompatibility / Working Class Hero” – Beach House
ByHayden Frear November 25, 2024
I love diving into Kilravock’s latest releases, “Incompatibility / Working Class Hero”. The track showcases Steven Wayne Smith’s multifaceted talent as he not only plays all the instruments but also delivers vocal performances that resonate deeply. This release, which includes an original piece and a cover of John Lennon’s ‘Working Class Hero’, is a brilliant encapsulation of Steve’s experiences and frustrations as a neurodivergent person in a capitalist society.
His collaboration with bandmates from The Alliterates, including Sean Soucy on guitar and David Dick on vocals, along with Anna Schmidt’s co-vocals, adds a rich, authentic layer to the music. If you like thought-provoking lyrics with great musicianship, you’ll want to follow Kilravock on social media and definitely add these songs to your Spotify playlist, they are true gems that keep revealing more with each listen.
Nishant Varma November 18, 2024
Rock with character returns with Kilravock. This is the solo project of Omaha area producer Steven W. Smith, who has been the soul of many bands. The Alliterates, Lucid Fugue, Megaton, and Valley of Shadows have to be some you would have heard of, and now the musician is off creating his own flow. Unrequited by other limitations, these are the frequencies this musician can produce unprompted. This is his debut double A side, Incompatibility/Working Class Hero.
Rock to remember
Immediately, you hear the neo-retro flow kicking in. Kilravock promises to be a packaged toroid of energy, spinning endlessly in a state which can change your view. You can definitely hear the stoner/doom rock vibes with the chord transitions, tones and style in which he performs. You’re reminded of a time when these hooks used to get hoards of people going absolutely bat shit. In the 5-minute track, he delivers solos, effects and an ambience of doom which is undeniable, yet full of a sound which only he can completely contain.
Working Class Hero has Anna Schmidt and David Dick to use another plane of music. The dimension is different, chaotic, and plays on some unique juxtapositions in the vocals. Acoustic strings ring across strong, while the rhythm is felt within the pulse of the song itself. Kilravock is the culmination of decades of experience, styles and funnel of expression that becomes evidently a musicians’ identity.
You can check out the single below and follow him on Instagram as well. Kilravock is the indie anthem designer for generations from now:
Kilravock - Incompatibility - indiemusicflix
The latest track by Kilravock, Incompatibility, is a bold fusion of post-grunge grit and old-school heavy metal theatrics, brought to life by a modern production that crackles with intensity. Omaha-based producer Steven W. Smith, known for his work in The Alliterates and Lucid Fugue, flexes his versatility, weaving together a sonic tapestry that’s both raw and polished.
The song opens with walls of fuzzy guitars that reverberate with a grungy, distorted energy, instantly immersing the listener in a thick, emotive soundscape. The instrumentation builds steadily, with a crushing bassline and pounding drums laying a foundation for the track’s moody progression. Smith’s dark, screeching vocals pierce through the haze like a call from the void, delivering lyrics that grapple with themes of alienation and human fragility. The carefully crafted stereo field enhances the listening experience, creating a sense of movement and depth. Synth flourishes peek through the mix, adding an industrial edge to the track’s metal-heavy backbone.
It’s not hard to imagine Incompatibility as part of the soundtrack to action/horror classics like Underworld or The Crow, where its brooding atmosphere and kinetic energy would amplify key moments. Kilravock’s sound pays homage to the heavy music icons of the past while maintaining a forward-thinking approach that makes the track relevant in today’s indie music scene.
Steven W. Smith’s deep roots in Omaha’s alternative music community shine in this project. Having explored various styles through bands like Megaton and Valley of Shadows, Kilravock feels like the culmination of his experience—a fearless dive into experimental, genre-blurring territory. With Incompatibility, Smith solidifies his place as a standout voice in indie heavy music.
Kilravock – Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero – Thoughts Words Action
“Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is a debut release by Kilravock, an excellent solo project of Steve Smith, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in Omaha, Nebraska. These two tracks are the perfect showcase of his experience, knowledge, talent, and skills, proving he’s an exceptional songwriter and composer who knows how to tastefully blend several different but complementary music genres. Soundwise, he combines a singer-songwriter approach with some of the finest properties borrowed from alternative, art-rock, prog-rock, psych-rock, grunge, and post-punk, but don’t be surprised if you stumble on some other elements along the way. He uses all these additional sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift these tracks to new heights while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. During this process, he also demonstrates all his abilities as a very skillful and profoundly talented songwriter who knows how to assemble fresh, unique, versatile, and diverse music pieces. Therefore, “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” will undoubtedly appeal to anyone looking for tastefully assembled and flawlessly performed music.
“Incompatibility” perfectly displays his dedication to the craft. It’s a fresh take on so many familiar styles, but, yet again, it sounds so fresh and unique. As soon as you press play, you’ll instantly notice the guitars reign supreme in this sonic equation. The comprehensive collection of expertly arranged, flawlessly performed chord progressions, riffs, harmonies, melodies, and other sonic maneuvers acts as a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon while defining the raw, abrasive, gritty ambiance. Kilravock thoroughly planned everything, so each riff strikes with such precision and finesse without overwhelming the remainder of the instrumentations. Still, the vocals are the unquestionable centerpiece in this sonic equation. You’ll hear how Steve Smith’s voice commands attention and guides the listening apparatus through each segment, emphasizing and elevating each instrumentation to new heights. His impressive vocal range seamlessly balances low, mid, and high notes while perfectly aligning with all the instruments. Of course, this composition wouldn’t be complete without an equally impressive rhythm section. You’ll notice how intricate, audible basslines rumble beneath all those guitar layers, offering more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding everything together. The excellent drumming performance delivers groovy, punchy, dynamic beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics that keep everything in line while dictating groove and pace. What makes this song even more ear-appealing are the arrangements. Kilravock put a lot of effort into each segment, so this composition arrives with a perfect structure, garnered with many brilliant ideas and impressive orchestrations. It’s such a perfect track that showcases all the creativity of an artist.
Kilravock has picked his version of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” as a second track, and it’s such a nice addition that showcases two creative sides of an incredible artist. His rendition includes features his The Alliterates bandmates Sean Soucy on guitar, David Dick on vocals, and additionally Anna Schmidt on co-vocals, further improving an already incredible composition. The chord progressions are nearly polished, clean, and soothing, but there’s a subtle rawness and abrasiveness that gives this version such a distinctive ambiance. With the additional vocals, it sounds even more anthemic, harmonious, melodic, and powerful, like a rallying cry for a desperate change in the current socio-political landscape. With his rendition of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” Kilravock breaks all the rules and shapeshift boundaries of rock music, proving that even rock classics could sound even better if they’re covered with precision and finesse. Lyrically, this double single explores Steve’s frustration at growing up as a neurodivergent person in a Capitalist society. It examines and explores his anxiety with the current socio-political landscape in a distinctive way. “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is also a perfect introductory double single by this profoundly creative artist, a musician who simultaneously pushes the boundaries and showcases what you might expect of “Just Another Wonderful Day,” his upcoming release. His creativity, talent, knowledge, and experience are on full display here, so you should immediately place this marvelous release on your music radar. “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!
Kilravock nous balance Incompatibility et Working Class Hero - EXTRAVAFRENCH
Kilravock nous balance Incompatibility et Working Class Hero
Published novembre 20, 2024
Steven Wayne Smith, alias Kilravock, revient avec une double offrande qui transcende les étiquettes. Incompatibility et sa reprise de Working Class Hero de John Lennon ne se contentent pas d’être de simples morceaux : ils sont une déclaration brute, viscérale, et sans compromis de l’artiste d’Omaha.
Une introspection qui brûle dans Incompatibility
Dans ce titre original, Steven Wayne Smith nous livre un portrait sonique sombre et brutal. Porté par des riffs de guitare acérés et une voix rauque pleine de tension émotionnelle, Incompatibility explore les failles des relations humaines avec une intensité féroce. La production, entièrement réalisée par l’artiste lui-même, frappe par son équilibre entre chaos et maîtrise. Les couches de guitares grondantes, les percussions martiales et une ligne vocale oscillant entre mélancolie et rage nous plongent dans une atmosphère à la croisée de l’art rock et du grunge.
C’est un morceau où chaque instrument, joué par Smith, agit comme une voix supplémentaire, amplifiant le thème de la déconnexion et des tensions inhérentes à nos interactions modernes.
Une relecture audacieuse de Working Class Hero
Reprendre un classique aussi emblématique que Working Class Hero est un défi colossal, mais Kilravock s’en sort avec brio. Steven Wayne Smith parvient à injecter une dose d’introspection sombre et métallique qui amplifie le message révolutionnaire de Lennon sans en dénaturer l’essence.
Avec des arrangements mêlant une esthétique post-punk industrielle et une énergie brute digne des pionniers du grunge, cette reprise transcende l’original. Les distorsions inquiétantes et les nuances gothiques créent un paysage sonore qui transforme le morceau en une contemplation contemporaine de la lutte des classes.
Une promesse pour Just Another Wonderful Day
Ces deux morceaux, issus de l’album à venir Just Another Wonderful Day, plantent le décor d’un projet ambitieux. Kilravock démontre une capacité unique à canaliser des influences variées — allant du prog rock à l’industriel, du grunge au métal mélodique — tout en restant fidèle à une vision artistique profondément personnelle.
Steven Wayne Smith ne fait pas simplement de la musique. Il construit des mondes sonores, sombres et captivants, qui résonnent autant par leur brutalité que par leur honnêteté. Incompatibility / Working Class Hero n’est pas une simple écoute : c’est une immersion dans l’esprit d’un créateur qui refuse de se conformer.
Pour les amateurs de rock alternatif qui cherchent une musique à la fois intellectuelle et viscérale, Kilravock offre un antidote à la banalité. Si ces morceaux sont une indication de ce qui est à venir, Just Another Wonderful Day promet d’être un chef-d’œuvre à ne pas manquer.
Kilravock – Incompatibility / Working Class Hero – Indie Dock Music Blog
indiedockmusicblog November 17, 2024
American producer and multi-instrumentalist Kilravock presented his double single 'Kilravock - Incompatibility / Working Class Hero', which is his first solo work. Kilravock is known for being in bands like The Alliterates, Megaton and Valley of Shadows.
The versatility of his talent is revealed to us in a new way in his solo project. The first song from Kilravock's release is called 'Incompatibility' and it conveys the thoughts of many who are not willing to spend their lives working at a hated job. "Why can't you just let me be me?" - asks the main character of this song. Constantly fussing for a piece of bread from the other side brings enrichment to the capitalists of this world. Hard proto-punk and grunge sound adds expression and rawness to this gloomy track.
Side B of this release is represented by John Lennon's famous song 'Working Class Hero'. Unlike the first song where all the parts were played and sung Kilravock, this track highlights the participation of other musicians in the recording. The music and sound of Kilravock offers a completely new perspective on the collaboration of musical styles such as post-punk, industrial, rock and EDM.
Kilravock traz rock alternativo de peso em novo single | Indieoclock
indieoclock Nov 24, 2024
Kilravock o projeto solo do talentoso Steven Wayne, compositor e multi-instrumentista, acaba de lançar seu novo e brilhante single, um rock alternativo de peso que nos faz vibrar.
Incompatibility é o nome do novo single de trabalho do genial e super criativo Steven Wayne, pelo seu incrível projeto Kilravock, ele chega com grande impacto em um rock de personalidade e com muita qualidade.
Rock expressivo e cheio de atitude que mistura rock alternativo, post-punk, grunge, metal e hard rock, uma combinação única que só quem sabe o que está fazendo consegue fazer, ele flutua perfeitamente entre os estulos trazendo um estilo único, o de Kilravock.
Essa faixa tem um instrumental poderoso, guitarra marcante e expressiva, que consegue percorrer nossas veias e entrar em nossa mente nos conectando as nossas raízes do metal, ela é uma energia única que atiça nossas sensações e nos desperta.
Essa música foge da mesmice do cenário musical atual, ela entrega profundidade de instrumental e muita qualidade em sua narrativa que consegue nos atingir e que jos faz sentir vivos e jovens
Working Class hero e um rock com uma pegada folk e na sequência se complementar com A faixa anterior, dando a nos uma jornada sensacional de desligamento da rotina caótica e o mergulho através ee composições de notas únicas e que nos fazem bem.
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Kilravock, the solo project of the talented Steven Wayne, composer and multi-instrumentalist, has just released his brilliant new single, a heavy alternative rock that makes us vibrate.
Incompatibility is the name of the new single by the brilliant and super creative Steven Wayne, for his incredible project Kilravock, he arrives with great impact in a rock with personality and a lot of quality.
Expressive rock full of attitude that mixes alternative rock, post-punk, grunge, metal and hard rock, a unique combination that only those who know what they are doing can achieve. He floats perfectly between the stimuli bringing a unique style, that of Kilravock.
This track has a powerful instrumental, striking and expressive guitar, that manages to run through our veins and enter our minds, connecting us to our metal roots, it is a unique energy that stirs our feelings and awakens us.
This song escapes the monotony of the current music scene, it delivers instrumental depth and a lot of quality in its narrative that manages to reach us and make us feel alive and young.
Working Class Hero is a rock with a folk feel and then complements the previous track, giving us a sensational journey of disconnecting from the chaotic routine and diving through compositions with unique notes that do us good.
Lelahel Metal, November 2024
Kilravock’s latest release, Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero, merges powerful original music with a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon. In this interview, we explore the inspirations, collaborations, and bold themes shaping this dynamic artist’s music and message.
1. Your latest release, Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero, blends original music with a classic cover. What inspired you to pair these two songs together for this release?
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me!
I plan to release a few more single releases between now and the album release and thought it would be neat to pair each song with a cover song. For this particular release I thought Working Class Hero would pair really well with this song because the lyrics John wrote for it just absolutely hits for me. I relate with that song so hard. I have cover versions for BYOB by System of a Down, and Revolution Calling by Queensryche in the works, and those will probably feature my friends like Working Class Hero did.
2. You’ve mentioned that Incompatibility expresses frustrations about growing up neurodivergent in a capitalist society. Could you elaborate on how your experiences shaped this song's lyrics and tone?
The lyrics to Working Class Hero just explain it all really; “They hurt you at home and they hit you at school
They hate you if you're clever and they despise a fool
'Til you're so fucking crazy you can't follow their rules” and “When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years
Then they expect you to pick a career
When you can't really function you're so full of fear”
Growing up in the 90s they spent so much time telling my parents and myself that something was “wrong” with me and they needed to correct me so I could conform into our hyper productive, for profit society. Then when they failed at that, because you can’t just change a neurodiverse person, I enter the workforce and face an uphill battle trying to find my place in the world. It’s already hard enough to find work as a neurotypical person, but as an ADHD person it’s difficult to get through even the interview process since you get rejected before you can even prove you can do the job. So it feels like to get your foot in the door you have to become someone else just to get the damn job, then once you have the damn job you have to put up with micromanagement, office politics, hurry up and wait mentality. So many jobs are mental torture and they really don’t need to be.
3. The decision to release the single on Eugene V. Debs’ birthday adds a political dimension. What significance does Debs hold for you, and how do his ideals connect to your music?
My opening track is going to have a quote from him when he was defending himself in court. Debs was the Socialist presidential candidate here in the US in the early 1900s. Was even put into prison for standing up for workers and ran from jail for one of the years. I’m also including a song based on the essay “Tyranny of the Clock” by another North American Socialist, George Woodcock, who did an excellent job portraying how we’ve become slaves to the clock in a lot of ways.
I felt it was a good idea to highlight some Socialist heroes that are closer to home, and in Deb’s case did some great things for the American worker even without being in office. Debs didn’t like hero worship, probably because of the cult of personality type stuff that ended up developing in the future Socialist nations, but I respect the hell out of him for standing up for what is right and think his story deserves to be told.
4. In your cover of John Lennon’s Working Class Hero, you collaborated with Sean Soucy, David Dick, and Anna Schmidt. What was the creative process like for this version, and how did their contributions shape the final track?
Sean and David are my bandmates in The Alliterates. I chose Sean because he owns a great sounding acoustic guitar and is a huge Beatles fan and frankly is much better at playing chords than I am. He nailed it. I had Anna and David provide vocals on the tracks because they are both big workers rights advocates and thought they’d appreciate having their voices added. Anna is an amazing artist and local drummer. She was originally playing with Dave and I when we were looking to start The Alliterates but couldn’t commit to the project, so I feel like I owe quite a bit to her when it comes to learning to drum.
5. Your upcoming album, Just Another Wonderful Day, spans multiple genres, including stoner rock, post-metal, and industrial. What motivated you to explore such a wide range of styles in one album?
I feel like a lot of albums lack dynamics when it comes to the tracklists. I grew up listening to thrash and extreme metal but it gets to the point where the bands all start to sound the same, all the songs on the album sound the same. I think back to a lot of my favorite albums and many of those come from the 60s and 70s and those releases seem to be more dynamic in the sense that they would explore a few different genres on their album. Take a band like Black Sabbath for instance, on most of their better releases you of course get the brooding heavy metal songs, the speed metal songs, but you also get blues shuffles, psychedelic experiments, and prog rock epics. I’ve picked up a lot of albums made in the last 20 years that are the same sounding songs 8-10 times in a row in varying tempos.
6. As a multi-instrumentalist, you often perform, produce, and engineer your music. How do you balance these roles during the creative process?
In some ways it is easier, since I can record parts at any time I want and get to work on it right away and if I don’t feel like a part is up to snuff I can take care of it right then and right there. I feel like the creative process goes faster since I’m tailoring it for myself at the end of the day. It all kinds of blends together when you wear multiple hats like that.
In some ways it is harder, since you can’t be like “hey you, finish this song for me.”
7. Your discography includes projects ranging from heavy sludge metal with Megaton to experimental EDM with Lucid Fugue. How do you approach genre shifts in your various projects?
When I left Megaton and later Valley of Shadows I was experiencing musical burn-out and for a few years I was kind of coasting and not really listening to a lot of music, mostly podcasts and YouTube videos about history and whatnot. Lucid Fugue came out during that little break and breathed back to life my interest in making music, and being part of that group is probably the primary reason I’ve branched out to look at different genres. Fun fact, I consider Beg for Scraps from our Artificial Flesh album to be the prequel to this album in general, since I made up lyrics on the spot for that song and they take on an anti-work theme. During that time I was listening to a lot of more electronic oriented music, Daft Punk & video game soundtracks. The Shovel Knight soundtrack slaps yo.
8. You also play in several bands, including The Alliterates and Valley of Shadows. How does your solo work with Kilravock differ from your collaborative efforts in these groups?
I’ve joked that my solo project kind of sounds like all of my previous projects happening at the same time. I suppose the main difference is that I’m the main songwriter for all of it. In Megaton I was very collaborative with our bassist Serena and most of the songs in that project were written by both of us. Most of the time I’d bring in a song 2/3rds of the way finished and have her finish the rest. With The Alliterates I do bring songs in, but I’m kind of the George Harrison in that band, whereas Sean and David are that group’s Lennon/McCartney. I’m the drummer in that band so my role is more about hitting shit.
It’s a very different experience and I enjoy both. I’ll tell the guys in the band that it doesn’t need to be exactly what I wrote, because if I wanted complete control over it I would have just recorded it for my solo project.
9. Your podcast, Side One/Side B, focuses on discovering off-the-beaten-path albums. Has hosting the podcast influenced your approach to creating music?
David is my co-host on that podcast and he has introduced me to all sorts of music that I haven’t listened to before and it gives me all sorts of ideas I would have never come across had I just been looking on my own. It is also interesting to hear what others think about some of my favorite albums when we’re all sitting there listening to them critically. It has really helped my ear for production and songwriting in general I feel like. It’s been a long time since I’ve approached music as just a listener, but sometimes you get nostalgia blinded for something you use to listen to and it’s interesting to hear the releases again and actually sitting down and listening close. I’ve discovered many things about my own taste doing the podcast.
For Season 1 for a lot of the releases I chose strange, oddball albums from my collection but Season Two will be starting up probably at around the start of the year and I’ll be selecting albums that had more of an influence on my own music taste. Mastodon, Rush, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, The Sword to name a few. This season we did weird shit like Paul Di’Anno (R.I.P.) from Iron Maiden did an AOR album that sounded like Styx after he left Maiden, or one of the solo albums the members of KISS did when they all did their own solo albums. I love weird oddball shit like that. I’ll definitely be coming back to those after season 2.
10. You’ve described Just Another Wonderful Day as containing 10 songs across a diverse range of genres. Could you share any insights into the album’s overarching themes or stories?
The album itself has an overarching theme of anti-work, anti-toil, labor rights, and just good ole bitchin’ about your job you fucking hate. When I sat down to figure out what kind of lyrics I wanted to write that was the mindset I was really in. I was coasting and burn out at a corporate gig, and I also reached back to my younger days when I was working in factories or gas stations to find some frustration there. I’ve got songs about anxiety, depression, burn out. A song about the work place sycophant that sucks up to the boss and makes everyone’s lives worse, and a song about how the worship of the clock and productivity has sucked any joy that could be had from our grim, grey workplaces.
11. Your production work on projects like Artificial Flesh and Nothing New demonstrates your technical expertise. What has been your biggest learning curve in the world of music production?
Can’t take credit for the production on Artificial Flesh, that was by “The Sculptor” or Dan, who has his own new age project called Shrouded Day.
Nothing New was the first release that I took a crack at myself. It’s pretty lo-fi because I hadn’t purchased any production tools at that point, but it sounds very punk imo. I had a blast making out live bootleg Live, Laugh, Love, The Alliterates though. I pieced that together from cell phone and laptop recordings and thought it turned out really well for what it is!
The production has been the most difficult part for me. Most of the songs themselves have been written for awhile now, but I’ve been meticulously listening to it and making adjustments and eventually that lead to me purchasing a more professional mixing and mastering suite.
I think my next release won’t take quite as long.
12. Finally, looking forward to the release of Just Another Wonderful Day, what do you hope listeners take away from your music, both as Kilravock and across your other projects?
I mostly hope that my songs reach someone that is feeling similarly to how I was when I wrote those songs and know that they aren’t alone and many people feel the same way you do, and not to give up or give in to the bastards. Stand up for yourself and your co-workers when you’re being mistreated by the boss, and remember that nothing is more important than your life and your story. Your job is a paycheck and you are not their slave. Your boss needs to more than you need your boss.
Kilravock Music (Stoner Metal, Garage Rock, Experimental Music)
Megaton – Cybernetic Divine | The Metal Observer
August 14, 2014 by Neil Pretorius
I’m kind of a sucker for green (provided it’s not fungi) and music with truck-sized cojones. Unsurprisingly, the bright green glow of the cover art adorning Megaton’s Cybernetic Divine EP lured me in before the three tracks contained therein proceeded to stomp an equally truck-sized hole in the ol’ noggin. Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I generally prefer brains over brawn when it comes to my metal but every now and it’s a rather welcome change of pace to be greeted by a band that’s the aural equivalent of Bigfoot swinging a bag of hammers. So yeah: trucks, balls, Bigfoot and hammers – we’re obviously not in Alcest territory here. In the off chance that a Megaton tune comes on over the car radio I’ll probably drop all my plans and pull into the nearest pub. Or go home and play this shit on a bigger, louder, meaner sound system. Either way, these Nebraska natives’ brand stoner metal is best served in in an environment where booze, bongs and testosterone fuelled caveman antics are the order of the day. That pretty much goes for every stoner band out there but the tracks on Cybernetic Divine are just a tad grizzlier than the norm.
Almost as if to signal a return to a more primitive time, the title tracks kicks off with the sound of a dial-up modem before a curiously thrashy main riff starts hammering things home. The rampant low-end and Steve Smith’s primal barks pull things into the requisite stoner murk, but that biting main riff imbues it with a lot of forward momentum. The same could be said of “Spiritual Madness,” where the Mastodon-meets-Clutch swagger of the guitars is overlaid with steady double-bass that keeps things moving at a lively clip. It’s only on “The Silver Key” that the listener is finally given a bit of a breather, the bluesy guitars and somewhat more languid vocal a prime example of the band’s Black Sabbath/Electric Wizard-by-way-of-small-town-America aesthetic. It’s pretty nifty and the organic production job fits these unpolished tunes perfectly. Most importantly, it’s played with a palpable sense of enjoyment and it’s as catchy as it is heavy and dirge-y. Great stoner metal, in other words. Go check out the EP at the band’s official Bandcamp page.
Doom at the Zoo, it's gonna be an EAR-BLEEDER! ⋆ Badass Concert | Photographer | Nebraska, Iowa
April 17, 2014 by Damascus Wootz
Is the Zoo Bar doomed? The Nebraska Stoner, Sludge and Doom Metal Association sure thinks it will be on 4/20. They have arranged a seven band “earbleeder” to take place at the historic Zoo Bar in Lincoln, NE. The show is scheduled to start at 5pm and wrap up about midnight, fairly early, so now “I have to work tomorrow” bulls*it.
The lineup will be featuring Megaton, King Thumper, Odinson, Monarchs of Speed, Moltron, Caligula and Farmdog. So you do not forget, RSVP right now.
I sat down with one of the organizers of the show, Steve Smith of Megaton and the Nebraska Stoner, Sludge and Doom Metal Group, to talk about the impending doom.
DW: Steve, thanks for taking some time to sit down with me and talk about the Doom at the Zoo show. Tell me a little about what got you thinking to do a heavy music fest in Lincoln.
SS: Well, a few years ago I started a group on Facebook called the Nebraska Stoner, Sludge and Doom metal group. I wanted to find some like minded bands for Megaton to play with. Fortunately I was able to meet a bunch of great guys in Monarchs of Speed, Super Invader (which has since migrated to Odinson), TenDead, Porkbelly, Wet Radio and so on and so forth. Through this group I met a guy by the name of Justice Strong from King Thumper and he really went out of his way to give that group the attention it deserved. Naturally we decided we needed to group these bands on the same show. Using his Lincoln connections and my band connections we booked a 4-20 date at the Zoo Bar.
DW: Is this the first show that you have organized through the NSSD group?
SS: Officially yes. For years I’ve been using the group to meet other bands, but this is the first one that would be considered a NSSD production.
DW: Why did you decide to start your own group on facebook? What makes the NSSD different than other metal promotion facebook stuff?
SS: I’d noticed a lot of similar bands in the area, but no real cohesiveness. I’d been a part of the Nebraska Metal Heads group as well as a few others, but I never felt quite at home among them. I wanted to bring a more specific awareness to my favorite genre of music and more specifically to the bands playing around this area. I’d seen groups dedicated to Death Metal and such, I figured why not bring the same spotlight to sludge and doom?
DW: It seems like the group is pretty active, what do you attribute that to?
SS: I have to give quite a bit of credit to Justice from King Thumper. Had he not stepped up and volunteered to help me, it wouldn’t be nearly as active. I also feel what really has helped us, was that I am friends with every band that contributes to the group. It’s a very fun community.
DW: For someone who isn’t very familiar with doom and sludge metal, what separates that scene from the other sub-genre metal scenes?
SS: It’s incredibly diverse. If you go through our list and listen to each of the bands they sound similar, but not the same. You have my band, Megaton, which takes the aggression of thrash and mixes it with the stoner metal of High on Fire and Mastodon. You have Caligula which is very good at replicating the old grunge sound, Monarchs of Speed who can rock the stoner rock sound and King Thumper who takes the oddities from psychedelic rock and Primus and makes it very heavy. A show with any of these bands on the bill can do a good job of keeping people’s attentions, they don’t know what’s coming next.
DW: That’s great, you’ve really got to keep people glued to the stage, especially on a seven band show! Any last thoughts for our readers, Steve?
SS: Thanks for the interview man. And not to sound cliche, but this interview made me happier than getting my dick sucked off by a wet vacuum cleaner!
DW: We’re here to please! Thanks for chatting!
If you haven’t seen these bands before, this is an awesome opportunity to fill your head with a wide array of Nebraska’s flavor of stoned and sludgy, and on 4/20, no less. Make sure you get the cheeto dust off your fingers first, but…
Get out and pay some cover charges!