Flahoola to Release New Album on Halloween with Live Show

The Denver-based speed metal trio, Flahoola, is set to release their highly anticipated album on October 31, 2023, coinciding with Halloween. The band will celebrate this occasion with a live performance at the Oriental Theater on November 1, inviting fans to join in a festive atmosphere complete with a costume contest.

Bassist and vocalist John Napier shared insights into the inspiration behind their music, recalling a recurring nightmare from his youth. “I was being hunted by a Formula 1 racecar driver who was chasing me down in his car,” he said. “Every time I died, I would wake up. There were nights where I’d fall back into the dream again. It went on for five to seven years.” This vivid dream ultimately influenced the band’s creative energy and thematic elements in their music.

The release show promises to be more than just a concert. Drummer Jaydon Kershner emphasized the intention to create a lively Halloween party atmosphere, stating, “We’re trying to make it a big Halloween party.” He assured attendees that the event would feature respectful audience interaction without crossing any boundaries. Guitarist Cole Helman humorously noted, “We’re going to kick ass,” hinting at the high-energy performance expected from the trio.

Flahoola’s name stems from an archaic Irish term describing an “extremely vulgar woman.” The band, which has been active in the local music scene for nearly a decade, saw the addition of Helman in 2022, solidifying their lineup. Since then, they have combined elements of traditional metal, classic rock, and stoner-doom to create a unique sound that resonates with fans.

With a series of singles released since June, Flahoola is finally ready to unveil their full-length album after years of anticipation. “We wanted to get in and record these songs for a long time,” Kershner explained. “People would ask, ‘You guys have so much energy, where can I find your music?’ and we’d have to say, ‘Nowhere yet.’” The excitement surrounding the upcoming album reflects the band’s commitment to their craft.

The recording process aimed to capture the raw energy characteristic of a live Flahoola performance. Most tracks were recorded live in a single room to maintain authenticity. Kershner described one of the newer tracks, “TommyKnocker,” as a song about “space drugs,” aiming for a transcendent feel. Despite efforts to contain the tempo, the song ended up even faster than intended, showcasing their dynamic style.

Fans can also look forward to tracks such as “Frankenstein’s Hell,” which presents a rock opera from the monster’s perspective. The band members hinted at returning to the studio soon to record additional material, showcasing their determination to expand their discography.

As the release date approaches, Flahoola is eager to share their music with the world. “It’s not intentional,” Helman remarked about their energetic performances, “but it’s rock and roll.” The band’s upcoming show at the Oriental Theater, alongside supporting acts Tongue Hammer, Nova Nights, and Shwarma, is expected to be a memorable event for both the band and their fans.

Fans interested in supporting independent music can consider attending the release show on November 1 at 6 p.m. at the Oriental Theater, located at 4335 West 44th Ave, to witness Flahoola’s electrifying performance firsthand.