Metal band's fans can't curb enthusiasm

Melodic sludge act Boss Keloid are currently riding high after their new release Herb Your Enthusiasm was hailed by the music press and fans alike.

The four-piece, made up of singer Alex Hurst, guitarist Paul Swarbrick, bassist Adam Swarbrick and drummer Steven Arands, is also looking forward to a string of festival appearances including a slot at Bloodstock Open Air, one of Britain’s biggest metal bashes.

The new album, which takes its distinctive name from a pun on popular US sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm, has 10 tracks showcasing the band’s unusual mix of heavy, slow-paced grooves inspired by doom and sludge metal with progressive touches and Alex’s clean sung vocals.

The front man said: “The reviews have been unreal, it’s a bit overwhelming.

“We think if people are into heavy music they will like us, but everybody seems to be absolutely loving it.

“We knew it was good but we weren’t expecting the reaction we’ve had.”

Herb Your Enthusiasm is the first album Boss Keloid has released on Black Bow, the record label owned by Jon Davies who is the vocalist in metal band Conan.

Alex says the new record is a development from Boss Keloid’s debut and features some of his more unusual influences alongside metal and sludge bands such as The Melvins, Mastodon and Om.

He said: “Our sound has slowed down a lot since the last album. Some people have described it as prog sludge but I don’t see that.

“Bands like Fantomas are a big influence on me, our drummer’s absolutely prog crazy and loves bands like Yes, and I could go on all the way down to Bob Marley.

“Reggae is a big part of my life so when I create music, melodies often come from those singers even though Boss Keloid isn’t reggae at all.”

The success of the new album has put Boss Keloid on festival bills including Bloodstock Open Air, where the group will play alongside the likes of Gojira and Slayer.

The band has also pencilled in a rare Wigan date at The Boulevard on October 7 which will be its first hometown show in around four years.

The album is out now. To find out more visit https://bosskeloid.bandcamp.com