Late last month, Chicago-based atmospheric metal unit VARAHA released their self-titled debut EP. Captured by Nick Morgan and Mike Lust (Urge Overkill, Russian Circles, William Elliott Whitmore, Child Bite) and mixed and mastered by Adam K. Stilson (Airiel, Car Seat Headrest, Ritual Howls, Pink Frost, Radar Eyes) at Decade Music Studios, the three tracks comprising the EP include guest appearances by Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Corrections House, Brain Tentacles et al) on saxophone and Josie Boyer (Round Rock Symphony Orchestra) on cello.
Initially released digitally, Varaha will finally be available on CD on February 3rd. Preorders are currently available at the official VARAHA BandCamp page where you can stream the record in full.
VARAHA will bring their hymns to the stage in the coming weeks first with a one-off performance on the Metal Injection-sponsored Withered and Immortal Bird tour late next month followed by a show supporting Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, and Earthen in March with additional live dates to be announced soon.
VARAHA:
2/28/2017 The Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL w/ Withered, Immortal Bird [tickets]
3/26/2017 Reggie’s – Chicago, IL w/ Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Earthen [tickets]
VARAHA named in honor of the boar manifestation of Indian god Vishnu who lifts the earth from underneath the ocean – plays a dynamic brand of dark and somber doom/dark rock inspired metal. The band’s palette is wide and varies from monolithic, heavily distorted guitars to elegiac and nostalgic arrangements. Overall, their music is a cinematic dance between heavy riffing counterpointed by omnipresent melodies, as well as droned parts of despair, and evocative clean guitar arrangements.
