Last month, Stu Folsom and his sonic Frankenstein of time-tested thrash draped in outlaw Western in Spiritworld announced the March 21st arrival of the third full length studio record, Helldorado. Introduced by the attack of "Western Stars & The Apocalypse" and the heavy honky tonk of "Abilene Grime", the clamor surrounding one of heavy music's most innovative projects is at a fever pitch.
Folsom's latest preview from the album features stylistic opposites converging to create a colossal, cohesive track. "Oblivion" features contributions from Zach Blair of punk heroes Rise Against and Sgah'gahsowáh of indigenous black metal force, Blackbraid. The finished product is a pulverizing show of force that underscores Spiritworld's driving sound, unwavering aggression and uncanny ability bridge styles and smash.
Folsom spoke of the tall task the track presented and how the juice proved well worth the squeeze. "'Oblivion' is one of my favourite songs off Helldorado! It was the song that took the most work to finish, but I am so glad that I kept pulling it back out of the dumpster to chip away at. It has a great mid-tempo headbanger groove that reminds me of growing up listening to early Obituary/Six Feet Under records full of Alan West riffage in my headphones, walking home from my graveyard shift selling booze and tampons at a 24/7 SAV-ON in East Las Vegas."
Folsom further explained how the collaboration was a way to showcase artists that the band appreciates and respects. "We also got some help from our friends to polish it off. Zach Blair from Rise Against tracked a blistering guitar solo and Sgah'gahsowáh (Blackbraid) put down vocals that really lift the song to a whole different level. It is an honour and very flattering to have people from bands I love, willing to collaborate and add their style to this project."
As for the album, Helldorado marks an important transition for the project. While the previous SW releases, along with Folsom's book Godlessness all worked in tandem to create a consistent narrative of harsh, western frontier heft - album three affords Folsom the creative freedom to expand on his influences and further embrace his Western pedigree and hardcore DNA.
Folsom explained, "Maybe it is a risk to incorporate things that will be pretty far out there for the casual punk or metalhead, but having the opportunity to make a record comes with a responsibility to me. I dreamed of making records for so long. Way before I could play guitar or do any of the practical things you need to be able to do. I take it very seriously to follow my gut and let my style hang out on these records. I only want to do things in life that I am all in on. If that makes me an outcast or even more fringe than your average underground music act then that's okay. The stench of being genuine is beautiful."
Folsom further added how the contrasting dynamics of Helldorado were not only deliberate, but ultimately, what makes SpiritWorld, SpiritWorld. "This record, more so than the last two, I think you hear way more fearlessness and confidence in the choices. Things that were showing up as interludes have manifested into fully fleshed out pieces. At its heart, Helldorado is a punishing, unrelenting masterclass in crossover and hardcore thrash. But in a scene where every riff has been played before and every great band has thirty contemporary acolytes mining their catalog and doing worship albums, there is something in the strangeness of Helldorado that makes it endearing."
Helldorado, the third full length album from SpiritWorld arrives March 21st via Century Media Records. Order the release - HERE
