Melvins’ upcoming album, Tarantula Heart (April 19, Ipecac Recordings), will continue a legacy celebrated for its eccentric output and lengthy tours.
A preview of the five-song, 39-minute collection arrives with the release of “Working The Ditch” and the accompanying Jesse Nieminen-created video. Nieminen previously directed the band’s short film, “A Walk With Love and Death.” Check it out below…
“The way we approached Tarantula Heart was different than any other Melvins’ album,” explains Buzz Osborne. “I had Dale and Roy Mayorga come in and play along with Steven and I to some riffs, then I took those sessions and figured out what parts would work and wrote new music to fit. This isn’t a studio approach we’ve ever taken. Usually we have the songs written BEFORE we start recording!”
“The majority of Tarantula Heart has dual drum parts,” adds long-time Melvins drummer Dale Crover. “Roy is an amazing drummer. We would discuss what we would do pattern wise, then we’d just go for it. Improvising riffs and trading off on drum fills.”
Tarantula Heart pre-orders (https://themelvins.lnk.to/tarantula) are available now, with the album available on a trio of vinyl variants (black, indie exclusive Silver Streak and Ipecac Recordings’ 25th Anniversary Puke Green), featuring a 12-page booklet, as well as on CD and digitally.
Next month sees the Melvins head overseas, playing in Japan for the first time since 2019 following a stint where they join current labelmates, Mr. Bungle, for a trek across Australia and New Zealand. Buzz and Bungle bass player Trevor Dunn team up later this year for the “King Dunn Tour,” a 45-date excursion that sees the pair play songs from the King Buzzo releases: This Machine Kills Artists and Gift of Sacrifice. The full list of dates can be found via Ipecac.com/tours.
Melvins tour dates:
March 3 Auckland, NZ Auckland Town Hall
March 6 Melbourne, AUS Festival Hall
March 7 Adelaide, AUS Hindley Street Music Hall
March 9 Sydney, AUS Hordern Pavilion
March 10 Brisbane, AUS Fortitude Music Hall
March 12 Perth, AUS Metro City
March 17 Osaka, JP Music Club Janus
March 19 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
March 20 Tokyo, JP Shibuya WWW X
