Old Man Gloom

Formed in 1999 as a creative outlet for Aaron Turner (Isis) and Santos Montano, Old Man Gloom evolved into a definitive post-metal supergroup featuring members of Converge and Cave In. Their sound identity is defined by a 'more is more' approach to texture, blending the raw power of Boston hardcore with the expansive, atmospheric tendencies of the Hydra Head Records scene.

Unlike their peers who often leaned into melodic beauty, Old Man Gloom maintained a commitment to ugliness, using noise and non-musical samples to create a sense of 'primitivism.' Their career is marked by conceptual pranks and unconventional releases, such as releasing two different albums with the same title simultaneously. Critically, they are viewed as the 'fun' but terrifying counterpart to the more serious post-metal movement, maintaining a cult status as architects of the sludge-noise hybrid. The tragic passing of bassist Caleb Scofield in 2018 marked a significant shift in their narrative, leading to a period of mourning and eventual continuation that solidified their legacy as a cornerstone of American experimental metal.