#like yes bud make a pun about what the hell and the devil in front of you I support you in all things 😊

[hello-eeveev]

can we also talk about Essek’s cute little pun from when Teven showed up and he said, “would someone like to explain what the hell is going on?”—gestures to Teven—“literally?”

[doomedandstoned]

The Misery Men Invite Us to Dirge with the “Tardigrades”

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

By Billy Goate

I've always said that the test of an "authentic" doom composition is how well it identifies with what you're feeling. Coming off a 13-day battle with COVID-19, my mental outlook has been pretty dim but when I decided to audit the new single by THE MISERY MEN it was just what the proverbial doctor ordered. The Portland outfit has become a super group of sorts, featuring Corey G. Lewis (vocals, guitar), Rob Wrong (lead guitar), Billy Anderson (bass), and Ian Caton (drums) -- you'll of course recognize Rob Wrong from Witch Mountain and Billy Anderson from his engineering efforts on so many great records, including Sleep's Dopesmoker.

Now I sit here slowly headbanging to a vibe that seems to get where I am and say, "Life can be pretty shit, brother. Let's groove to this jam." And groove "Tardigrades" does. Frontman Corey G. Lewis can't help himself. Ever since I've known him and Misery Men, the band has had this underlying grooviness and penchant for simple melodic motifs that make every song distinct from the mass of sameness in the doom scene.

He was surely inspired, in this case, by the strange world of the micro-creature for which the song is titled. Tardigrades have been spotted far and wide in every conceivable environmental condition and location. These buggers can survive anything, and I do mean extreme conditions. Fuck yes, water bears (as they're bemusingly nicknamed) rule this doomed planet.

If you like this song, take a moment to get acquainted with the breadth of The Misery Men's output (including the recent single "Iron Front"). In addition to giving you a first-listen to "Tardigrades," Doomed & Stoned is also debuting the accompanying music video, which gives further insight into the song's lyrical thrust. Look for 'Devillusion' (2021) on Desert Records, releasing in digital and CD formats (pre-order here).

Give ear...

The Misery Men - "Tardigrades" (music video)

Some Buzz

I started writing Devillusion at the beginning of the Pandemic. 16 months of bloodletting 5 songs and 3 covers later we have an album. It was a therapeutic writing process to say the least. Inspired by the “Grunge” influencers in the PNW like Napalm Beach, Dead Moon, The Wipers, that definitely impacted TAD, Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Screaming Trees, Soundgarden, etc. I wanted to pay homage to the folks who laid the foundation and paved the path that we walk down. I’m humbled and grateful daily that I have found a vortex that aligns with my frequencies to allow me through great collaboration to tap into the ether, transmutating a Rock n’ Roll album I feel proud to be a part of and co-produce with Rob Wrong. We all had a good time making this album. It’s been challenging but ever rewarding.

I had asked Chris Newman to collaborate on something, maybe lay down a solo or harmonize on a song or write something together, and at first he was very interested and excited once he recovered from surgery. Unfortunately his health took a turn for the worse and Chris passed May 5th 2021. So Rob and I decided we needed to honor him and record a couple songs. We contacted Sam Henry (Napalm Beach, The Wipers, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs) to play drums and it just made sense to have Kelly Halliburton (Dead Moon, Pierced Arrows, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs) to play bass. We also recruited Jeffrey Larson (Lucky 13’s, Misfortunes of Mr Teal) to play rhythm guitar along with Rob Wrong on lead, plus me just on vocals. We recorded Cat With Nine Lives by Napalm Beach and The Reaper by Snow Bud and the Flower People. Both songs were Chris Newman songs, that turned out pretty damn good! Hell we didn’t even practice together before we recorded.

Devillusion by The Misery Men

Again I recruited Billy Anderson to play bass again on this album, because beyond his ability of musicianship and his legendary “enginear” status he’s also a pleasure to be around. Hilarious, kind, and smarter than your average Neanderthal bassist. Ha! He also studied anthropology so he knows a thing or two about humans. Not to mention he played Baseball growing up, so I figured he must really know what he’s doing with basses. Oh and he’s the master of Pun!

Once again Ian Caton of Breath is playing drums on this album. Talk about a Beast Of Burden, what an absolute animal! He usually doesn’t have a problem playing any style or tempo and is able to tap into the ether with ease!

Of course, Rob Wrong once again delivers some of the best solos he’s ever played. Not only that but he doubled the rhythm to give this album the full collective collaboration. I’m humbled to work with him and call him a best friend. It’s been a ton of fun making two albums with him at Wrong Way Recording.

Again I got Ben House to make some incredible artwork! It’s beyond expectations and couldn’t have been happier with the results!

Devillusion was also mastered by TAD, not to mention inspired by him as well. I originally wanted to call the album Devil’s Balls, but after watching the TAD documentary and the scene where he showed his mom the album and she said something like, “Tad you’re smiling…Tad God’s Balls? But Tad you have such a great smile.” Nevertheless, we have a song called Devil’s Balls and Werewolf that we’re most definitely influenced by some Tad. I’m forever grateful for his existence.   (Corey Lewis, The Misery Men).

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