The heavy metal heavens opened up at The Unicorn on Saturday night and rained down some of the most pulverising riffage courtesy of five brilliant underground bands. From around the country they came led by Alunah. This was…AWESOME…

There is a healthy crowd from the outset which helped create a lively atmosphere for these bands to showcase their wares.

Alunah’s fast growing reputation for delivering classic British doom metal is well deserved. Those smooth Soph Day vocals over rich, powerful guitar and rhythm work prove why they are young standard bearers for the genre. At times they almost sound imperial and there is a trance-like quality about their set. Tracks from their latest release Awakening The Forest get a nice work out. This is the band to watch in the future.

The music is one thing, the community is another and there was such a nice vibe around The Unicorn tonight. 

I’m lucky I get to a lot of gigs but sometimes certain nights really stand out. This was one of them – five absolutely brilliant bands and it was great to see plenty of support. 


http://metalmouth.net/2015/02/alunah-sea-bastard-hagstone-gevaudan-famyne-the-unicorn-7215/

"The next two bands made our MetalMouth “Kick Ass list of 2014”. Sea Bastard and Alunah really are Lords of The Underground..."

"Alunah’s fast growing reputation for delivering classic British doom metal is well deserved. Those smooth Soph Day vocals over rich, powerful guitar and rhythm work prove why they are young standard bearers for the genre. At times they almost sound imperial and there is a trance-like quality about their set. Tracks from their latest release Awakening The Forest get a nice work out. This is the band to watch in the future. The music is one thing, the community is another and there was such a nice vibe around The Unicorn tonight. I’m lucky I get to a lot of gigs but sometimes certain nights really stand out. This was one of them - five absolutely brilliant bands and it was great to see plenty of support."

http://metalmouth.net/2015/02/alunah-sea-bastard-hagstone-gevaudan-famyne-the-unicorn-7215/

Thanks to the following for including "Awakening The Forest" and/or "Heavy Bough" in their top 2014 lists and honourable mentions. It feels good to see the fruits of our labour being so appreciated, and to be included among some incredible albums / songs / album covers.

Metal Hammer Germany
http://www.metal-hammer.de/incoming/article672394/thomas-sonder.html
Loudwire
http://loudwire.com/best-metal-songs-of-2014/
Metal Mouth
http://metalmouth.net/2014/12/the-class-of-2014-adamds-top-19-albums/
Doomed and Stoned
http://doomedandstoned.tumblr.com/post/105759442623/billygoats-twenty-must-have-doom-albums-of-2014
WRKR Radio
http://wrkr.com/ramones-top-10-albums-of-2014/
Sputnik Music
http://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=154448
Angry Metal Guy
http://www.angrymetalguy.com/amg-staff-picks-top-ten-records-o-2014/
Metalbase India
http://metalbase.in/2014/12/30/the-entmoot-end-year-recommendations-part-iii/
The Obelisk
http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2014/12/22/the-obelisk-presents-the-top-30-of-2014/
Ethereal Solitude
https://etherealsolitude.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/favourite-album-covers-of-2014/
Heavy God
http://www.heavygod.com/uncategorized/my-favorite-jams-of-2014/
Kick Ass Metal
http://kickassmetal.wordpress.com/2014/12/14/kickassmetals-top-100-heavy-metal-albums-of-the-year-2014/
Bandmill
http://bandmill.net/blog/2014/12/23/best-rock-metal-album-covers-october-december-2014/
Fast 'n' Bulbous
http://fastnbulbous.com/lucky-14/
The Metal Forge
http://www.themetalforge.com/articles/2273
Snooze Control
http://www.snoozecontrol.be/index.php/roep/24-muzieknieuws/3738-beste-albums-van-2014-voor-fotografe-sylvie-huybrecht
M N Levinsen
http://majbritt.levinsen.se/2014/12/best-of-2014/

Dooms best kept secret, Alunah, have just released their 3rd album, Awakening The Forest, via Napalm Records. I spoke with the woman steering this mighty ship, and we talked about the new album, and brutal things to do with hair straighteners.

As you do.

First up, how would you describe Alunah to a complete noob?

Soph: Well, I don’t want to say the ‘BS’ words, but you know, Black Sabbath. But if I’m talking to say, my mums friends, and they ask ‘what’s your band like?’, I’ll say ‘You know Black Sabbath? Kind of like that, but with a girl singing’. But if I’m talking to someone who knows their stuff, I’d say its a little bit doom, classic rock, psychedelic, even a bit pop. We’re labelled as a doom band, but there’s more to it really. We once got described as Black Sabbath with Blondie on vocals. I don’t know whether that was reference to my hair, or what. *laughs*

So you’ve just released ‘Awakening The Forest’, how has the feedback been so far?

Soph: Yeah it’s been good. When we released our last album, it was all pretty much good feedback. The majority on this one has been good, but there has been a few criticisms as well. I think that when you send it out to a wider array of people you’re always going to get more of a mixture. Rather than just stoner and doom press, there’s been wider range going out, but the vast majority have been happy with it.

If it makes you feel any better, I really liked it.

Soph: I read your review actually, thank you so much for that.

No worries. Now,forgive me if I’m wrong, but this is your first album with Napalm, correct?

Soph: It’s the first album, but they did release the second on vinyl. But yeah, first with new releases.

How are you finding your new home?

Soph: Well, we released our first album on our own label, then the second on psychadoomelic, who paid for everything, did a little bit of press, but we did a lot of the work ourselves. So it’s been nice this time to have someone invest so heavily in your band. Not just paying for it all, but also sorting out a tour and sending the album out to different areas of the press industry, it gives you an extra weight you didn’t have before. Some magazines and websites take you more seriously if you’ve got a label behind you, and that’s something we couldn’t of done by ourselves, but Napalm really helped us with that.

As a band though, we do like to do most of the things ourselves. We do most of the designs, most of the t-shirt printing, that kind of stuff. We book all the UK gigs, but it’s nice to have some of the jobs taken off your hands. They act like a, I really hate to say this, but a business partner, which they are really. I mean if I have this idea that I think is great, I can go to them and say “I’m thinking about doing this”, and they’ll tell you whether its beneficial or not. It’s free advice really, it’s like having an expert on your side that makes sure you don’t do anything shit. *laughs*

We interviewed you earlier in the year. Apart from the new album, what have you guys been up to since then?

Soph: We went to Europe for a couple of weeks, did some really good gigs over there. Getting the video sorted for the new album, as that’s something Napalm like to do. That was a big deal for us. We also got a new bass player last year, he helped writing the new songs with us, but we also had to get him up to scratch with the older songs, because we obviously played them live. So just practicing as much as we can for that tour in October, and making sure everything was ready for that really.

What’s the plan going forward into the new year?

Soph: We’ve got a label from Canada called PRC, who approached us about re releasing the first album, as it’s sold out. That’s coming out in April with new artwork. White Hoarhound just sold out too, so they’re releasing that as well, also with new artwork, but that won’t be out until the end of the year. It doesn’t affect our relationship with Napalm, as it’s not new releases, so that’s cool.

We’re looking into a few tours, just looking into whether we can do them or not. It’s a bit crap really, as we can’t say anything until its officially announced. We’ve had a few announced in Scotland, and maybe Ireland, which will be cool, because we’ve never played there before. Then some festivals in Europe towards the end of the year, but they haven’t been announced yet.

Are there any bands you’ve played with, or are listening to that people need in their lives?

Soph: Some of the dates on the recent tour, we played with a French band called Mars Red Sky.They’re really well-known around Europe because they’re constantly touring, but they hardly ever come over here. I think they played Desertfest though.

Oh yeah, I got shown them a while ago.

Soph: Then you’ll know they’re incredible! I heard little bits before, but when I first saw them live, I was absolutely blown away. We did four dates with them and are looking into doing something together next year. They’ve become my new favourite band. We got all their albums on that tour, we’d play with them at night, then on the bus, we’d have the albums on rotation and completely immersed ourselves in Mars Red Sky.

There’s another band called Monolith Cult from Bradford, they’re incredible. I’m also in love with Hexvessel from Finland, they have the same singer from Beastmilk. I’m getting into a lot of  neo folk bands at the moment, there’s loads of really cool stuff out there, and perhaps an indication as to where the new album is going to go.

Last question, it’s a bit silly, so you have been warned. Alunah have been entered into a trial by combat scenario. What’s your weapon of choice?

Soph: Defiantly hair straighteners, I don’t think enough people are killed by them, an incredible weapon. When I’m pissed off with my husband, I just snap them at him, then he behaves. Definitely my weapon of choice if I was wielding them. It wouldn’t be a quick though would it?

My girlfriend left hers open a while ago and I brushed my arm against them. Fuck me, that was painful!

Soph: *laughs* I heard this story once where a woman found out her husband was cheating on her. So she got her straighteners and shoved them up his bum, cooking him from the inside out. I mean, if you’re talking instant though, then they’d be useless.

Bloody Hell, that’s grim.

Soph: Your fault, you did ask. *laughs*

Granted. Although that’s an image I can’t get out of my head. I think I’ll end on that bombshell.

Soph: No worries. You’ll be having sweet dreams tonight then. *laughs*


http://metalmouth.net/2014/12/interview-soph-day-of-alunah-she-got-her-straighteners-and-shoved-them-up-his-bum-cooking-him-from-the-inside-out/

Thanks to Ryan Lee Spearman for writing this SECOND "Awakening the Forest" review for Metal Mouth:

Bearing the weight of the phenomenal ‘White Hoarhound’ on their shoulders, Alunah have a lot to live up to in ‘Awakening The Forest’. Hailing from Birmingham, a city known for spewing out it’s own fair share of doom, more notably, a little up and coming doom band by the name of Black Sabbath. Jokes aside, Alunah are fast becoming an ever shining diamond in the rough,and if their previous album is anything to go by, this promises to be quite the gloomy affair. Expect huge riffs.

From the first chords of ‘Bricket Wood Coven’, you’re reminded of that rich warm tone that made people fall for this band in the first place, as well as the hypnotizing vocals of Soph Day, who is like a siren drawing sailors to their untimely demise. But instead of jagged rocks, these hardy men (and lady) of the sea have slow, stoner like grooves to smash their faces against. It’s pretty clear that Alunah are maintaining the same level as their previous album which a very high level indeed.

‘Heavy Bough’ is where the riffs begin. Very heavy on the fuzz, it’s like they’re straight out of the 1970s complete with all the dodgy mustaches a guy could ask for. The music is in no rush to get anywhere, it’s like a leisurely stroll through a dark forest, and spending your time time feeding deer and picking mushrooms, very rewarding in its own way. The slow pace at which ATF pulls its self along continues through that hypothetical forest is relentless, and although it moves, it trundles along like a sloth yet its presence is gargantuan. Much like a horde of ents, on their way to Isangard to confront Saruman.

As the album progresses, the measuring stick set by White Hoarhound is smashed into a million pieces. It’s a shame that some of the atmosphere from the previous effort is gone, but the musicianship and songwriting in its place makes up for it to say the least. The sound is monumentally cleaner, and gives the band a slick, dazzling veneer that we’ve not seen before, especially on Soph’s vocals and the solos. It’s an obvious step up to what the band were previously, I’m not saying they were bad before, far from it. It’s just that now they’ve hit a higher plateau that puts them amongst the finest in UK doom.

There’s a real intent from Alunah in this album, they’re obviously ready to take that massive leap forward, and Awakening The Forest insures that they stay there. It’s astonishing how far of a progression it is in terms of sheer quality, and like I said before, they belong amongst the best and the brightest, in mean, umm, gloomiest bands of the genre.

With bands like Cathedral and Orange Goblin flying the flag for UK doom, the Birmingham 4 piece are mere footsteps behind, if not, on par with quality, they just lack the years of touring and building the name. You can rest assured that they’ll get there in the end though, especially with albums like this.

Already a massive fan of Alunah, I was already aware of the brilliance that was White Hoarhound, and to say they smashed it this time around with this release is somewhat of an understatement.

9/10

http://metalmouth.net/2014/10/review-alunah-awakening-the-forest/

Read our FIRST Metal Mouth review by Gary Trueman here: http://metalmouth.net/2014/09/alunah-awakening-the-forest/

It’s a dark and rainy night heading over the hills into Bradford, a place I’ve never before visited, I’m always excited to go visit new venues and cities. 

So we arrive at the venue, well we think so, all we knew was that it’s in the basement of an old swimming pool…horror movie plot anyone? 

Anyway, eventually we’re parked and after finding the venue and making our way inside, what I find is a tiny little alternative club hidden down stairs next to a shiny Wetherspoons. It’s always a plus when you can destroy your liver at a venue without having to sell another organ or take out a mortgage. At the princely sum of £2 for a pint you can’t go far wrong.

So first up tonight is Pigwitch a band that I must admit aren’t familiar to me at all. I do try and listen to all support bands before a gig but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. What did happen on the other hand isn’t what I was expecting. I WAS expecting a shrieking doom slathered sludge attack. Which isn’t what happened at all. Instead I got bluesy, riff soaked rock and roll. Impressed I was, the band delivered a spectacular performance in their allotted 30 minutes including my new favourite track Skies! Off the band pop and I head back to the bar. Well until I have to go on an adventure!

I say adventure, I take Alunah singer Soph Day next door to Wetherspoons for a quiet chat about the new album, getting signed and public masturbation. This was definitely worth missing the first part of the set by second band Monolith Cult whom in the brief time I get to see them put on quite the performance. Heavy Sabbath-esque riffery with heaps of character and bags of fun. Despite my experience of this band being short, I definitely appreciated the performance I saw.

Onwards to Space Witch, this bunch of misfits hailing from the pottery capital of the UK that is Stoke On Trent creep onto the stage and throw down a 40 minute barrage of instrumental doom. These guys are definitely a band that have to be seen to be thoroughly experienced as their recorded material is not quite as good as the sludgy brilliance that this 5 piece deliver in a live setting. Otherworldly electronics go hand in hand with thundering bass tones and slowly sweeping riffs. Throughout this set you’re taken on an adventure around the galaxy, to a planet no-where near rainy Bradford. This trippy adventure continues to it’s conclusion as the band depart the stage.

Up to finish the evening are Birmingham psych rockers Alunah, recently signed to Napalm Records. These chaps and lady are set to make waves, Bradford is the first in a few UK stops scheduled for the band. Go see them!

Playing through a mixture of old songs and new the band set free their riffs like some musical game of hot potato. Off they fly, it’s the vocals of Soph Day that make this band so exciting to me, whilst coming across as naturally classic they also have an air of freshness to them that many psych bands could do with taking note of. Cuts from their most recent release White Hoarhound go over well with the crowd who by this point fill the tiny club to it’s brim. I’m not gonna lie, I can’t wait for these guys’ new album. I have a feeling it’ll make it to my top 10 of 2014. So bring it on!

Bringing their set to a close, I wander off, have a look at the merch, pick up a patch and 195/250 of Alunah’s new split single with drone masters Queen Elephantine and off we go, back into the rain to head back to Middle Earth, for tonight I’d be spending the night in a hobbit hole. Which when finishing the night off with tea, toast and Pink Floyd you can’t go for wrong at all.

http://metalmouth.net/2014/02/alunah-space-witch-monolith-cult-pigwitch-vampire-bradford-8214/

Last Christmas Eve when we wrote our first Year in Review, we stated that "in our 6 year history, this year has been our best", well we topped that this year! We played over in Europe for the the first time, released our first 12" Record, signed a worldwide album deal with Napalm Records, gained a new bass player and played with some of our favourite bands such as Saint Vitus, High on Fire and The Sword. We can't thank everyone who made this year awesome, but we truly appreciate everyone who came to a gig, bought merch and supported us!

The year wouldn't have been what it was without the input from the following people, most of whom we said thanks to last year; they continue to be the best people to have on your side!

Gareth Imber: Gaz left Alunah this year to concentrate on his other band, but we can't write this without thanking him. We spent 4 years with Gaz, and wrote and recorded 2 albums with him. We wish him all the best for the future!

Dan Burchmore: Dan joined us earlier in the year, he's an awesome bassist and a top bloke! He learnt our songs straight away, spent his first Alunah gig supporting Karma to Burn, and immediately got stuck in writing songs for our forthcoming album! We're excited about our future with Dan, and Napalm Records.

Sebastian Muench and the team at Napalm Records / Spinning Goblin Productions: Napalm released White Hoarhound on 12" vinyl back in January. We entered talks with them a few months ago regarding a long-term partnership, and at the beginning of December we signed a worldwide contract. News of the deal can be read here >>

Matte and the team at Sound of Liberation: We also partnered up with European booking agency SOL this year, and embarked on a 10 date European tour taking in France, Germany, Poland and Denmark. We are currently making plans regarding our 2014 tour.

Olivia Burr: Liv tirelessly sells our merch for us, provides transport when needed and handles all management queries for us! We couldn't do what we do without her!

Mez Dewsbury at OHMZ Sound Services: Mez accompanies us on the road, providing sound and technical services. He also promotes local stoner/doom gigs at Scruffy Murphys as part of his promotions company Heretic Promotions. Awesome bloke, professional and a top laugh!

Mona Miluski at Platinum PR: We came on board with German company Platinum PR to help promote White Hoarhound, and they have gone above and beyond to get us some amazing international press. They continue to be awesome!

Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios: Greg recorded both of our albums, he totally gets us, and is an easy creative guy to work with. He pulled out all of the stops to deliver some brilliant sounding demos recently, and has given us great advice regarding the legal side of the music industry. We will be working with him on our 3rd album also.

We must also mention the following bands, promoters, radio shows, webzines and podcasts who we've done stuff with in 2013. Again, in no particular order and sorry to those we've missed:

High on Fire, The Sword, Lonely Kamel, Saint Vitus, Ufomammut, Kadaver, Orchid, Gentleman's Pistols, Mos Generator, Fatso Jetson, The Wounded Kings, Samsara Blues Experiment, Witchsorrow, Conan, Black Moth, Black Star Riders, Skindred, Black Spiders, GOLD, Slow Worm, Jex Thoth, Moghul, Mage, Temple of Lies, Diesel King, Eldorado, Grifter, Greenhorn, The Albion Codex, Trippy Wicked, Hannah Rachel McCaul, Karma to Burn, Desert Storm, Stubb, Huata, Belzebong, Dopelord, Stoneache, The Skeletons, Cultura Tres, Prosperina, Heavy on The Ride, DesertFest Berlin, Heavy Days in Doom Town, French Metal Webzine, O2 Academy, Scruffy Murphys, Kerrang Magazine, I Did The Booking, Paranoid Hitsophrenic, Midlands Rocks, Contact FM, Rocking The Midlands, Doomsmoker.pl, Evil Wizard Promotions, Castle Cases, Vein-Tap.Com, Stoned Gatherings, Black Bullet Live, Terrorizer Magazine, Metal Mouth, Destruction Music, The Sleeping Shaman, Doommantia, The Obelisk, Cosmic Tomb, Temple of Perdition (R.I.P - thanks for everything!), The Sludgelord, Uberrock, Repulsive Revolutions, Stonerhead Let Groove Your Brains Tonight, Stonerrock.eu, The Paranoid Music Blog, Blabbermouth, Moonlight666.com, Hard Rock Hell, Native Ground, Metal as Religion, Brett Devey Photography, Zero Tolerance Magazine, Doommantia, Michael Cowell, DesertScene, Rock Regeneration, Doomed and Stoned, The Morsel, Get Ready to Rock, Get Your Rock Out, TBFM Radio, Planet Mosh and Eyes From The Mosh Pit.

In 2014 we will release our third album, re-release Call of Avernus on tape cassette, play various festivals, play with Grand Magus, tour Europe and the UK and hopefully meet a load more awesome people! Here's to a happy new year, these were our most viewed blog posts and images of 2013...

Top 5 Most Viewed Blog Posts

1. Alunah's 2013 European Tour Diary - by Soph

2. Alunah Sign Worldwide Album Deal with Napalm Records

3. Alunah Announce New Bassist

4. Alunah to Support St. Vitus in Birmingham

5. Alunah Play Hard Rock Hell 7

Top 10 Most Viewed Images of 2013

Big thanks to John Zilic at Metal Mouth (a true gent!) for this review! 

"Soho is buzzing and The Borderline is filling quickly. Berlin’s Samsara Blues Experiment are bringing their own brand of psychedelic rock to London. Anticipation is high but tonight turns out to be a triple treat. Taking to the stage in a hurry, Alunah waste no time in laying down their take on doom and much more. Chest pounding riffs morph into hypnotic grooves, and Soph Day’s entrancing vocals sometimes verge on the Patti Smith style. A big wall of sound courtesy of Dan Burchmore on bass and Jake Mason on drums provides the platform; all the while Soph and Dave Days’ mighty twin guitar assault take us on a journey into heavy. Rounding off their set, White Hoarhound, Bricket Wood Coven and the punshing Belials Fjord leave me wanting more. All these years on and it seem the Birmingham talent pool is still there."

Read the full review here:
http://metalmouth.net/2013/11/samsara-blues-experiment-stubb-alunah-the-borderline-london-15112013/