Since their formation in 1995, The Dirge Carolers have materialized in many incarnations in the New England dark music scene. The current lineup formed in 2007, and is now on the verge of their most ambitious release to date. Pulling from goth, post-punk, deathrock, steampunk, new romantic and new wave, their diverse sound appeals to a broad audience.
Over the years, the Dirge Carolers have performed at such seminal venues as CBGB, The Rat, Club Babyhead, and the El'N'Gee. They have shared the stage with Gene Loves Jezebel, Holy Cow, the Dorian James Band, and the Impotent Sea Snakes. In 1996, the band performed at the 15 Lillies benefit show, a goodwill offering from the goth scene to family members of the Columbine High School tragedy. Recently, a Dirge Carolers track was featured in the film "Beyond the Dunwich Horror", by Richard Griffin of Scorpio Films.
Some of the Dirge Caroler's musical influences include: Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Chameleons UK, Sisters of Mercy, The Misfits, The Dead Kennedys, Gene Loves Jezebel, Soft Cell, and Tuxedomoon.
Throughout the bands career, the band has issued several independent releases from the early Fables of Despair to the controversial Tied My Own Tie Today. Ornithronos, released on Triforium Records in 2009, will reach a wider audience.
The current lineup includes founder Chris Harnois on vocals and bass, Peter N. on guitar, and Heather C-N on keyboards, saxophone, and additional bass. Ornithronos also contains additional guitar contributions from New England goth veteran Dorian James.
Walking the lines between postpunk, deathrock, and horrorpunk, this CD showcases much new material and a few new approaches to older songs by this Massachussets goth act. While it captures the current sound of the band admirably, it explores new directions. From the bluesy cautionary tale dubbed "Hoof," to the batcave-like sounds of "Scars of Love," to the melodic rock of "Want" and the overtly poppy "Dunwich Horror," this ecelectic group of tunes will keep you wondering where the Dirge Carolers will take you next. Check them out in the clubs and party like it’s 1899!
Instrumentation
Chris Harnois--Vocals/Bass/Programming
Peter N.-Guitar
Heather C.-N.--Keyboards/Saxophone/Bass
Discography
2009 "Ornithronos," a full-length Triforium Records release.
2008 Dunwich Horror Single, also featured in the film "Beyond the Dunwich Horror," 2008
2007--"Walk Like Men" EP, DIY
2005--"I Tied My Own Tie Today" DIY
2002--"Louder Than Graves" DIY
1998--"Fables of Despair" DIY
"Der Verrottengeist"-a compilation by Spiderbite Studios
1997--"The Dirge Carolers"
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