Avernus

AVERNUS
Chicago atmospheric death / doom metal
established 1992

Core foundational members (vocalist/guitarist Rick McCoy, guitarist Erik Kikke, guitarist James Genenz and drummer Rick Yifrach) regrouped to create ‘Grievances’ (M-Theory Audio). the most mature, dismally emotional and best AVERNUS have ever sounded.

Establishing an allegiant following rather quickly in the underground, Avernus blasted a massive hole in the doom metal scene with their 1993 demo "Sadness", cementing their imposing stature. Even with the expeditious rise, the band still faced a myriad of impediments, most notably some rather abrupt lineup changes, as well as a propensity to overthink every track. Regardless of that, Avernus had already evolved into an atmospheric doom zombie that couldn't be slowed down.

Enter the present. Somehow over 20 years have passed since their last offering, which was 2003s ‘Bury Me in Fire’. This hiatus has not affected the vision, Avernus remains as dark and dynamic as ever. Even with the lapse, the band's lineup has been one of its strongest qualities. Rick McCoy, Erik Kikke, Rick Yifrach, and James Genenz have all been unwavering members, and they've decided that 2024 will be the year of ‘Grievances’, the crushing, atmospheric, and emotional doom metal album they've been waiting to release.

‘Grievances’ is a melancholy, meandering journey into the madness of mortality. It is not a cookie cutter album, it's a ten track epic that was constructed to be heard from start to finish. The experience that listeners get saturated in is not just for the ears, but also for the mind, conjuring up scenic visions of absolute despondency. The experience, and talent that is emblazoned throughout the band is fully on display as Avernus makes their way back to the forefront of the doom metal scene. ‘Grievances’ is a bleak and daunting apocalyptic hellride, extremely personal to the band, and it has finally arrived. The time is now.