UK doom ‘n’ rollers Groan have announced the release details of their longawaited
split EP with Finnish psych-rock doomers Vinum Sabbatum.
Both bands had spoken about the collaboration for the last year, though
logistical issues and red tape delayed the release for over 9 months after
the last tracks were recorded and mixed.
Groan's up-tempo brand of doom 'n' roll on this release is well-balanced by
Vinum Sabbatum's more thoughtful hammond-lead psych-rock.
American cover artist Ralph Walters (
http://wralphwalters.com) was
commissioned by the bands to paint the release’s artwork with hidden
coded messages throughout the CD cover and layout. Walters says: “I
wanted to create something people could stare at for hours and hours whilst
tripping”.
Vinum Sabbatum are going from strength to strength as their established
line up look to release their full length debut later this year.
Meanwhile Groan will be recording their second full length album with a
new line up after both their drummer and vocalist quit in June this year.
Bassist Leigh Jones says of their recent troubles: “It’s as if we were too
potent a rock ‘n’ roll force. Sadly we had our Sabbath-esque Volume 4
breakdown sooner than expected – there were hookers, written off Ferraris
and death threats. I wish just one of those were made up. Sadly it all took
its toll on the band. After a short break we now have our new line up and
have begun rehearsing and writing already. The next album is 85% written,
and Groan will be performing live again in early 2012”.