Earthride

In 1999, bassist David Sherman of Spirit Caravan launched Earthride in Maryland as a side project, taking on vocal duties himself. The group evolved into a primary focus once Spirit Caravan disbanded in 2001. Joining Sherman were guitarist Kyle VanSteinburg, bassist Joe Ruthvin, and drummer Eric Little, formerly of Internal Void. The band committed itself to delivering "pure Maryland doom for the brotherhood of music." By 2000 they had already issued an eponymous, self-released debut EP. Their sound combined a highly accomplished yet strictly blue-collar approach to doom metal with Sherman's distinctive Lemmy-like hoarse croak. That foundation led to the full-length album Taming of the Demons, produced by stoner scene veteran Chris Kozlowski and issued by Southern Lord Records in summer 2002. Founder David Sherman died on September 7, 2022 at the age of 55.