Tombs (band)

Lore & Background

Tombs was founded in 2007 by guitarist/vocalist Mike Hill, bassist Domenic Seita, and drummer Justin Ennis. Their debut full-length album, Winter Hours, was released in 2009 through Relapse Records. The band's second album, Path of Totality (2011), received critical acclaim. A song titled 'Ashes' was featured in the Decibel Magazine October 2012 Flexi Series, and a cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes' was made available for streaming on Ghettoblaster on August 29, 2012.

Tracking for their third record, Savage Gold, began on November 11, 2013, with producer Erik Rutan at Mana Recording Studios in Florida. The band's sound has been described as black metal, post-metal, and experimental metal, with frontman Mike Hill likening it to being more black metal-inspired. Hill has cited influences including Neurosis, Swans, Joy Division, Darkthrone, Black Flag, Deathspell Omega, Leviathan, and Bauhaus.

Over the years, Tombs has undergone numerous lineup changes. Current members include Mike Hill (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, synths), Justin Spaeth (drums, synths, additional guitars), Drew Murphy (bass, backing vocals), and Dan Higgins (lead guitar). Former members include Andrew Hernandez, Dan Howard, Carson Daniel James, Justin Ennis, Domenic Seita, Garett Bussanick, Ben Brand, Evan Void, Fade Kainer, Charlie Schmid, Matt Medeiros, and Todd Stern.

Reader's Guide

Tombs has maintained a consistent presence in the American heavy metal underground since their formation in 2007. Their discography spans six full-length albums, with Path of Totality (2011) receiving notable critical acclaim. The band's music incorporates elements of black metal, post-metal, and experimental metal, drawing from a wide range of influences including Neurosis, Darkthrone, and Joy Division. Their third album, Savage Gold (2014), was recorded with producer Erik Rutan. Tombs has released material through several labels, including Relapse Records, Metal Blade Records, Season of Mist, and Redefining Darkness Records. The group's frequent lineup changes have not prevented them from releasing a steady stream of studio albums, EPs, and a compilation. Their 2025 album Feral Darkness was released on Redefining Darkness Records. The band's significance lies in their fusion of extreme metal styles and their longevity in the independent metal scene.

Did You Know?

• Tombs was formed in Brooklyn, New York in 2007.
• Their second album, Path of Totality, was met with critical acclaim.
• A cover of David Bowie's 'Heroes' was streamed on Ghettoblaster in 2012.
• Frontman Mike Hill has cited Neurosis, Swans, and Darkthrone as influences.