Conan + Mares of Thrace

Conan’s doom is singular. Carved of granite. Yes, of course there’ve been changes since guitarist/vocalist Jon Davis founded the group in 2006, but the intention at the time toward superlative heavy – tonal extremity wrought with impressionist lyrics stripping ideas to the core where sometimes the whole line is just one word; they’ve always called it “Caveman Battle Doom” – remains at the root of everything they’ve done since. And across five studio records in the decade from 2012-2022, Conan have set the standard by which much of “heavy” anything is judged. And in comparison, most is found wanting.

Canadian mixed-race mixed-gender duo Mares of Thrace deal in a brand of heavinessthat draws as much from noise rock and hardcore as it does from the doom metalthey’re commonly grouped with. The band came roaring back to life in 2022 after aconsiderable hiatus; while 2012’s The Pilgrimage (released on Canada’s Sonic UnyonRecords) catapulted them onto the world stage, garnering a premier on Pitchfork andpraise in Decibel, Terrorizer, Metal Hammer, and countless other outlets, their currentera is fast eclipsing it. Their relentless schedule in support of 2022’s The Exile saw themtour the USA, Canada, and Europe (including a full tour with UK doom legends Conan,and stints with Bell Witch, Dopethrone, and KEN mode) and headline a showcase atnew “North American Roadburn” festival Prepare the Ground.
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