Pillorian was an American metal band from Portland, Oregon. It was formed in 2016 by John Haughm, Trevor Matthews, and Stephen Parker. Pillorian released their only full-length album, Obsidian Arc, on March 10, 2017.[1]
Pillorian | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Portland, Oregon, United States |
| Genres | Black metal |
| Years active | 2016–2019 |
| Labels | Eisenwald Tonschmiede |
| Members |
|
History
editPillorian was formed early in the summer of 2016 with the stated goal of "[creating] a unique, sinister, and twisted style of dark/black metal". The word "pillorian" means "of or relating to scorn and condemnation".[2] The band formed shortly after the breakup of Haughm's previous band, Agalloch.[3]
On February 10, 2017 Pillorian released their first single, "A Stygian Pyre". NPR described the titular song as "feral" and "bestial", but with "enormous" production values.[4]
One month later, on March 10, 2017 Pillorian released their first full studio album, Obsidian Arc. The album received mixed to positive reviews. Sputnik Music gave the album a rating of 5 out of 5, or "classic", and alluding to a lyric from one of Agalloch's songs,[5] summarized its review by saying that "if this grand panorama before me is what you call god... then god is not dead."[6] Decibel magazine gave the album an 8/10 review, calling it "categorically black metal" and "darker, edgier and far more dissonant" than Haughm's previous work as the frontman of Agalloch.[7] Metal Injection called the album a "somewhat promising start", but said that the album was too safe and that despite being good, "seldom [veers] towards being great".[8]
In February 2019, Matthews and Parker both left the band after Haughm made comments on Facebook that were criticized for being anti-Semitic.[9] In his apology letter, Haughm stated that Pillorian would not continue.[10]
Members
edit- John Haughm – guitars, vocals (2016–2019)
- Trevor Matthews – drums (2016–2019)
- Stephen Parker – guitars, bass guitar (2016–2019)
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Obsidian Arc (March 10, 2017; Label: Eisenwald Tonschmiede)
Singles
edit- A Stygian Pyre (February 10, 2017; Label: Eisenwald Tonschmiede)
References
edit- ^ "Pillorian". The Metal Archives. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
- ^ "Biography". Pillorian. 2017. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
- ^ Cottell, Pete (May 18, 2017). "After Breaking Up Portland's Finest Metal Band, Can John Haughm's New Project Withstand the Weight of Expectation?". Willamette Week. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
- ^ Gotrich, Lars (January 10, 2017). "Hear 'A Stygian Pyre' By Pillorian, A New Band From Agalloch's John Haughm". NPR. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ "Agalloch – In the Shadow of Our Pale Companion Lyrics". Genius Lyrics. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ "Pillorian - Obsidian Arc (album review)". Sputnikmusic. July 9, 2017. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ Dick, Chris (March 13, 2017). "Pillorian". Decibel Magazine. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ Luedtke, Christopher (March 28, 2017). "Album Review: PILLORIAN Obsidian Arc". Metal Injection. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
- ^ Rosenberg, Axl (February 28, 2019). "Former Members of Agalloch Condemn John Haughm over Anti-Semitic Comment, Pillorian Guitarist and Drummer Quit Band". MetalSucks. Retrieved May 24, 2019.
- ^ Sacher, Andrew (March 1, 2019). "Agalloch's John Haughm apologizes for anti-Semitic remark". Brooklyn Vegan. Retrieved May 24, 2019.