Roachpowder

Roachpowder forged combative textures on the latest strains of heavy metal, channeling relentless surges of energy through their compositions. Drawing from Black Sabbath and Electric Wizard, the Swedish trio carved fresh paths across the heaviest sonic territories by fusing the densest stoner rock with thrash-metal edges. Having previously played together in Skintrade, drummer Masen Persson, guitarist George Bravo, and bassist Hogge Calmroth recognized that internal musical divergences were impeding further progress. In September 1995 the three convened for their initial rehearsals as a unit. Locating a vocalist aligned with the group’s direction proved swift; Francisco Rencoret, Bravo’s brother, joined in November 1995. Following more than a year of work, Roachpowder tracked their debut album Viejo Diablo in April 1997. The record reached Swedish shops in 1998 and arrived in the United States the following year via the Music Cartel label, securing notable recognition. Calmroth soon departed, with Lasse Rosenberg—previously of Entombed and Therion—taking his place. Over two years elapsed before the band issued its sophomore effort, Atomic Church, in 2001.