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Over the last four decades, many genres and sub-genres of rock and metal have come and gone, but one such genre has stood the test of time: DOOM. Bands like Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, and Electric Wizard are undeniable proof of this fact. Now, with the recent resurgence of Doom in the form of Space Rock, Sludge, and Stoner Rock, it seems as though Doom may truly be a permanent fixture--not just another passing fad. Perhaps this is because it embodies everything for which heavy music stands.
Rising from the ashes of Chicago-based metal outfit Cursed at Birth, Trifog began as the brainchild of guitarist Justin Anderson (Urethra Franklin and the Ghetto Children) and bassist Dave Katzman in early 2004. The two focused on creating a band that emulated what they admired most about Doom, Sludge, and Stoner Rock. "As fate may have it, my interest in the Stoner/Doom genre was rekindled just before the demise of UFGC," says Justin. "I wanted to be part of a band whose work wasn't confined to one simple style of music,” adds Dave. Justin and Dave recruited drummer Chris Wozniak (I Klatus, Lair of the Minotaur), shortly followed by lead guitarist Markus Launsburry (Vasana, Nachtmystium). Although they had not yet found the perfect fit for a vocalist, the quartet chose to move forward, and started playing gigs as an instrumental unit. Despite the positive feedback they received during this period, they continued their search for a front man. According to Woz, “We had high standards for a front man, and we realized it might be a while before we found what we were looking for.” After auditioning more than 10 vocalists over a period of six months, Trifog finally found what they were looking for in Mark Weiner (Soul Pollution, Power King), thus completing their lineup.
Since its inception, Trifog has opened for many notable acts such as Weedeater, Yob, Jumbo’s Killcrane, and Negative Reaction, while continuing to carve their niche in the Chicago scene with local Doom-brothers Couldron, Salt of the Earth, and DeepSpacePilots. In March 2006 they unleased their 5 song demo upon the world, and have since received critical acclaim from all ends of the globe:
This cross-breeding betwixt American and British notions of doom metal ends up a subtle, oddly entrancing chunk of wistful traditional doom.
-Mark Hensch, Hensch’s Hometown Heroes
Awesome! Southern rock soaked, psychedelic overtones, infused with ball breaking vocals. Hell yeah I love it! This shit is good enough to get your grandma rockin’!
–Kitty, Downtune Despondency
This is quality stuff in my opinion…a level of heavy music songwriting that’s been sorely lacking here in the States, coupled with a guy that can actually sing his ass off…
-Chris Barnes, Hellridemusic.com
2007 marked the arrival of Trifog’s first official full-length album, “If I Could Change My Ways…”. Recorded by Geoff Montgomery at the Ensomberoom, and subsequently mastered by Collin Jordan at the Boiler Room, “If I Could Change My Ways” was released in December 2007, and is bound to garner even more attention than its predecessor.
Make no mistake about it: Trifog takes its roots in Doom and intends to carry on the DOOM tradition for many years to come. But their approach to songwriting is a very open-ended one in which every member makes a contribution. “When you get five guys together in one band, you tend to bring in an eclectic mix of influences and backgrounds,” says Mark. “For the type of band that we are, I think we have a unique ability to create a wide range of sounds and not continuously write the same song over and over again.” These varying elements continue to shape this young band as their sound continues to evolve.
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