IN (C)OLD BLOOD

Hailing from Chico, California, Cold Blue Mountain combines the simple, riff-driven approach of moderately paced doom, the frenetic energy of hardcore and the melodic elements of ’90s alternative rock to craft a highly accessible, unique brand of metal all its own.

Sparing the diehards from any “clean,” or non-screaming, singing whatsoever, vocalist Brandon Squyres is a rare breed in the world of frontmen not anchored by an instrument; he doesn’t try to cram vocals into every empty space. His willingness to let the songs breathe allows them to feel that much more dynamic, hinting at a keen understanding of vocals as an instrument rather than focal point.

The hooks present here are more often than not the guitar work of Will McGahan and Sesar Sanchez, building crushing refrains that live on in memory like a vocal melody.

This will be the band’s second tour through Eugene in support of album Old Blood, a concept record that was already largely written when Squyres joined in 2012. Stepping in, he wrote lyrics based upon the existing song titles.

“My goal was to make the lyrics go with the structures of the songs, like the score of a movie,” Squyres says. “Sesar wanted the theme to be about breaking the will of man. I liked the idea, but took it a little further.”

Cold Blue Mountain will be joined by Los Angeles sludge act North and Oakland blackened doom band Secrets Of The Sky 8 pm Monday, June 15, at Wandering Goat, 268 Madison St.; $5. 21-plus.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!