Drouth: The Enigmatic Force of Portland’s Blackened Death Metal Scene

A Mysterious Presence

Portland-based blackened death metal band Drouth has cultivated an air of mystery around their identity. While their names and images are accessible online, they remain largely silent, opting to let their music speak for itself. A rare glimpse into their world can be found in a photograph from a local wrestling show, but beyond that, the band maintains a low profile. Whether this reticence is intentional or not is inconsequential; what matters is how their enigmatic presence amplifies the impact of their art.

The Upcoming Release: The Teeth of Time

Drouth is set to release their third album, The Teeth of Time, in May. The anticipation is palpable, particularly with the release of their new single, “False Grail,” which serves as a tantalizing preview of the album. The track showcases Drouth’s evolution, presenting an exciting blend of West Coast black metal and death metal influences.

Exploring “False Grail”

The single “False Grail” offers only fleeting hints of Drouth’s Portland roots. Instead of drawing inspiration from the city’s revered forests, the track conveys a sense of isolation and confinement. With a relentless pummeling sound, “False Grail” features a particularly captivating riff that emerges two minutes into the song. The shrieks that punctuate the final minute echo the nihilistic essence found in earlier West Coast USBM bands. The production, handled by the esteemed Billy Anderson, is intentionally sparse, allowing Drouth’s raw energy and despair to shine through without excessive reverb or fuzz, ensuring a punchy and visceral listening experience.

Recording Insights

Drouth shares their thoughts on the upcoming album:

“We are proud to present The Teeth of Time, a culmination of several years of blood, sweat, and pain. It is a nightmare made manifest, and we are both eager to share our creative work and grateful to the many people who helped make it possible.”

Behind “False Grail”

Bassist Matt Solis elaborates on the creation of “False Grail”:

“This was actually the last song we wrote before heading to the studio to record the album. It came together relatively quickly based on ideas that Stikker brought in—he had it pretty well fleshed out, but we made some arrangement adjustments together and expanded the closing doom section to really emphasize the dynamic shift in the song. We also knew we wanted string accompaniment in that section, so we had Eva Vonne from Isenordal add layers of mournful viola after the initial tracking was completed.”

Vocalist and guitarist Matt Stikker reflects on the lyrical themes:

“Lyrically, the song is a nightmare reflecting the disconnect between the true and projected self and the increasing tension between those poles that we’re all experiencing. The map is not the territory, but when the map prefigures and gradually dictates the territory, our agency is threatened forever.”

Release Details

The Teeth of Time is set to be released on May 16 via Eternal Warfare Records, promising to be a significant contribution to the metal landscape.

Conclusion

Drouth’s combination of mystery, musical prowess, and thematic depth positions them as a formidable force in the blackened death metal genre. As they prepare to unveil The Teeth of Time, listeners can expect a record that encapsulates years of creative struggle, resulting in a haunting auditory experience that challenges perceptions of self and reality.

FAQs

When is the release date for The Teeth of Time?

The Teeth of Time will be released on May 16.

Where can I listen to the single “False Grail”?

You can check out “False Grail” on various streaming platforms.

Who produced The Teeth of Time?

The album was recorded and mixed by Billy Anderson, known for his work with bands like Dragged Into Sunlight and Neurosis.

What themes does “False Grail” explore?

The song explores the disconnect between one’s true self and the self that is projected, reflecting on the tensions that arise from this duality.