Many bands change musicians, but not partway to winning a competition. Heavy rockers Worshipper hit that bump after a first-round victory in April’s Rock & Roll Rumble when lead guitarist Alejandro Necochea left for a European commitment with another band. He drafted Craig Small to learn his parts as a sub.
“We really made it a point to just be as relaxed about the whole situation as we could,” singer/guitarist John Brookhouse says. “It was definitely more daunting for Craig than us.” Especially when the group added songs in later rounds.
Worshipper still emerged triumphant, as one might expect of dark, epic-minded rockers crowned Metal Artist of the Year at December’s Boston Music Awards.
Brookhouse says he was seeking something more melodic than his thrash band Rule, while Necochea wanted something heavier than Township in forming their group with bassist Bob Maloney (Cracktorch) and drummer Dave Jarvis (Mellow Bravo).
“Pop and metal weren’t that far apart when we were growing up, so people can see those touchstones of things they remember,” says Brookhouse, citing old-school influences UFO, Rainbow, Judas Priest and Dio-era Black Sabbath. “And we’re trying to write songs too. It’s not just a bunch of riffs thrown together.”
Now Worshipper awaits the Aug. 26 release of their debut album, Shadow Hymns, capped by the distorted bass wah-wah of remixed favorite “Black Corridor.” And the eight-song record arrives on New York’s Tee Pee label, home to the group’s more modern, doomy inspirations, like Sweden’s Graveyard. “A lot of bands on there are right in our wheelhouse,” Brookhouse says. “It’s a cool place to be.”
Striking a Chord
Catch 10 Local Bands Making Waves.
By Paul Robicheau | Photo Credit: James Jay Fortin | Aug. 1, 2016
Worshipper
Many bands change musicians, but not partway to winning a competition. Heavy rockers Worshipper hit that bump after a first-round victory in April’s Rock & Roll Rumble when lead guitarist Alejandro Necochea left for a European commitment with another band. He drafted Craig Small to learn his parts as a sub.
“We really made it a point to just be as relaxed about the whole situation as we could,” singer/guitarist John Brookhouse says. “It was definitely more daunting for Craig than us.” Especially when the group added songs in later rounds.
Worshipper still emerged triumphant, as one might expect of dark, epic-minded rockers crowned Metal Artist of the Year at December’s Boston Music Awards.
Brookhouse says he was seeking something more melodic than his thrash band Rule, while Necochea wanted something heavier than Township in forming their group with bassist Bob Maloney (Cracktorch) and drummer Dave Jarvis (Mellow Bravo).
“Pop and metal weren’t that far apart when we were growing up, so people can see those touchstones of things they remember,” says Brookhouse, citing old-school influences UFO, Rainbow, Judas Priest and Dio-era Black Sabbath. “And we’re trying to write songs too. It’s not just a bunch of riffs thrown together.”
Now Worshipper awaits the Aug. 26 release of their debut album, Shadow Hymns, capped by the distorted bass wah-wah of remixed favorite “Black Corridor.” And the eight-song record arrives on New York’s Tee Pee label, home to the group’s more modern, doomy inspirations, like Sweden’s Graveyard. “A lot of bands on there are right in our wheelhouse,” Brookhouse says. “It’s a cool place to be.”
8 of 10
NextStay a step ahead with our newsletter on the latest in Boston living.
Sign me upView All Events
Related Articles
Fountain of Youth
A record industry icon and trumpet idol spreads his rich influence...
Live Review: Nostalgia takes very different forms
Mott the Hoople and Trey Anastasio contrast the old and new at Orpheum...
Full Course
Amanda Palmer unapologetically plunges into the personal and political...
Live Review: Fleetwood Mac keeps rolling at Garden
Stevie Nicks shines, while Neil Finn and Mike Campbell flesh out band's lineup...
Winter Olympics - Feb. 11
Weekend Ideas: January 8, 2014
Standing Tall
Troy Andrews credits New Orleans mentors for fueling his own mission...
Boozy Bonds
Meryl Streep tanks in John Wells’ adaptation of August: Osage County...