Band Biographies: Doulos

Based in Riverside, Southern California, Doulos have been perennial outsiders, fighting for their place in the modern metal scene – equally unwilling to compromise their principles as they are to water down their stripped back, bloody knuckled hardcore song craft. Doulos are one of a rare breed of bands who live by their beliefs – be that playing charity shows to support the underprivileged, or donating merch proceeds to help in the fight against the despicable practice of sex trafficking – this band practice what they preach. Every word, every action is accompanied by no frills, super heavy hardcore, built on muscular riffs, impassioned vocals and a head-caving rhythm section – and that unencumbered power is perfectly presented by the high impact, knockout blow of new single ‘Bellum’.

Following up the initial charge of 2021s The Middle Man EP and the acclaimed barrage of last year’s full-length debut album, Birth Pains – described by The Metal Onslaught as “taking their sound to its utter limits with absolute expertise” – ‘Bellum’ has a lot to live up to. Luckily this taste of the future from Doulos exceeds expectations with ease. There’s no prevaricating or procrastinating here…a militaristic drum pattern leads straight into riffs that shift and collide like tectonic plates reforming a planet. The smell of the pit hangs heavy in the air as ‘Bellum’ marches to a conclusion that comes too soon, that leaves you desperate for the next patented Doulos blow to land…but then that’s what the repeat button is for! And good things come to those who wait…

Out on August 30th via Rottweiler Records, ‘Bellum’ is another triumph for Doulos, another immaculate demonstration of their focus and intent. Easing off the accelerator and doubling down on the lead weight heaviness, every chord is delivered with determined intent and unquestionable sincerity. This is real. This is hardcore. This is Doulos.

Genre: Hardcore

For fans of: Freya | Pro-Pain | Lionheart | (Un)Worthy

Line-up:

Eddie – vocals

Melanie – Bass

Jeff – Drums

Noah – Guitar

Eza - Guitar