The Roller

Formed in the psychotropic bowels of Austin, TX, the Roller emerged in late 2005 with a sound as annihilating as it is heavy. Vacillating between the drone of classic doom and the faster, unpredictable tempos of sludge-metal, the foursome provide the ideal soundtrack for a hesh sesh or all night fuck-fest of mind-bending and calamitous proportions.

The Roller freed some of their first recordings in 2006 on a limited-release, 250-press demo, before permanently recruiting Axes to the Sky alumnus Theron “Groady” Rhoten on guitar. With the current lineup complete, Rhoten, along with drummer Jeremy Jenkins, bassist Ed Davis and vocalist Mike Morowitz launched into a US tour in support of Austin brethren the Sword and San Francisco sludge-bags Black Cobra. They have also already shared the stage with fellow darksiders such as Pelican, Skeleton Witch, Saviours, Middian, Daughters, Kylesa, and Mammatus.

Drawing from the deep vibrations of vintage doom and heavy stoner rock such as the Melvins and Blue Cheer, and adding elements of psych and speed and an appreciation of nature, the Roller began work on their first full-length album, recorded at Austin’s Sweat Box studio. Set to release on June 17, the band will head out on a west coast tour this summer in support of the album.