Canadian Doom Metal trio, Ethereal Tomb, have been making quite the name for themselves among the Canadian DIY scene. Proving why doom metal has just as much a place in the scene along side genres like metalcore, deathcore, and hardcore. Raw production and heavy hitting instrumentals all wrapped up in an anti-colonial mindset, these three really know how to keep your attention on them.
A handful of shows and demos under their belts, things are looking positive for the future. The band dropped a Split EP with fellow Canadian doom band Loose back in early November and as recently as January 20th, 2023 they dropped their follow up “Promo ’23“. In support of their newest release they dropped lead single “Stone Magnet“, an amazing Electric Wizard cover, which is available on all streaming platforms.
We had a chance to catch up with Guitarist/Vocalist Alexander Senum to discuss general life as a musician/promoter, the bands future in the scene, and being an indigenous creator in an mostly white dominated genre.
“Most venues/promoters don't give a fuck about providing a space for kids but it looks like that's changing more and more, so I'm happy to see it.”
How would you describe Ethereal Tomb?
“We’re a Doom metal trio from Barrie/Tkaronto, Canada. Ethereal Tomb is a mixed bag of things. We are definitely a doom band, but the influences are probably not normal for the genre. Firstly, I grew up a straight edge, hardcore kid and still am to this day. Our drummer, Aidan Harper, is a huge fan of Blink-182 and Alexisonfire. Aidan Weatherall on bass loves Sleep and $uicideboy$. Like is said, we’re definitely a doom band but we operate as a hardcore, DIY unit. Also, Fugazi is the shit.”
We’d like to get some info about the new Promo if possible?
“Right now were having a bunch of fun writing new stuff and preparing for a bunch of upcoming shows. We’re releasing a new album this year and the promo tape has sort of a demo for it. It also contains a “Witch Bitch” demo and an Electric Wizard cover. The promo is a little easter egg for the homies who buy the tape, only the Electric Wizard cover will be available digitally.”
Have the crowds been reacting how you’ve expected coming into the hardcore scene as a doom metal band?
“That would depend haha. We only played only hardcore bill so far and the people vibed but no crazy moshing and that’s okay too. We’re just here to have a good time with everyone as they see fit. I booked a banger benefit gig with some hardcore bands in February so well see how that one goes. i have faith it’ll be fucked in the best way.”
“I'm mixed indigenous and definitely take a lot of pride in that and my people”
Can you tell us how that came to be? Such a stacked bill and for such a good cause!
“We got a bunch of homies who are also native and I thought it would be a perfect fit to throw a gig with them. I book 90% of our gigs and some skateboard events as well. I realize I have the tools necessary to bring people together and why not make it for a good cause? The first event I ever booked was an animal shelter benefit 4 years ago. A couple months ago they actually hooked my cat up with a procedure so that was super rad of them. Shit can come full circle, be a good person and it can pay off.”
Not enough bands/artists discuss the issues coming out of indigenous communities like you three have.
“There’s not enough people talking about it in general. Almost no one realizes how deep the problem actually goes. Wearing an orange shirt and having a native friend doesn’t automatically make you an ally. Educating yourself and actively supporting indigenous liberation actions is some real shit.”
Lastly, what does the future hold for Ethereal Tomb?
“Future is looking fun as hell. We’re most of the way through writing our new record. It is darker and heavier than the first record. It’s thematically based around indigenous genocide and resistance against colonialism. We’re premiering the title track at the benefit show so we are extra hyped on that. It’ll be out later this year and were doing vinyl this time around. Before that though, we got a Canadian tour all the way to Victoria, BC in July. Wish i could give the dates, all i can say it mid to late July. We’re all so stoked to hang with y’all.”