Live at Curry Donuts | Wilkes-Barre, Pa | 1-10-25
Live in Wilkes-Barre, Pa with Spew, Revenge on Society, Dead Horse Theory, Divination and The Son of a Shepard. Watch us rehearse for the show here >
Bellwether Ritual Live at Curry Donuts, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Bellwether Ritual Brings Desert Doom Vibes to Curry Donuts
This past weekend, Curry Donuts in Wilkes-Barre, PA, became an unexpected oasis for fans of stoner rock and doom metal as Bellwether Ritual brought their signature “Doom-Wop” sound to the intimate venue. Hailing from the Lehigh Valley, this quartet has been steadily carving a name for themselves in the heavy music scene, blending elements of stoner, desert, and doom rock with psychedelic and melodic influences.
From the moment they took the stage, it was clear Bellwether Ritual had something unique to offer. Their set opened with slow, crushing riffs that transported the audience straight to a sonic desertscape, evoking the imagery of lonely highways and haunting sunsets. Tracks from their latest EP, WindBag, took center stage, showcasing the band’s ability to merge massive, sludgy guitar tones with ethereal vocal harmonies. The crowd swayed in rhythm, entranced by the hypnotic grooves that seemed to echo like a desert wind through the room.
A Unique Venue for a Unique Sound
Curry Donuts may not be the first place you’d expect to host a doom metal show, but the cozy space added to the night’s charm. The scent of fresh donuts mingled with the hum of amplifiers, creating an atmosphere that was both unexpected and memorable. The low lighting and close quarters gave the performance a personal, almost ritualistic feel, drawing the audience into Bellwether Ritual’s world of eerie melodies and heavy rhythms.
The band’s “Doom-Wop” style—a fusion of vintage doo-wop melodies and the crushing weight of doom—shone brightly throughout the night. Their sound is undeniably inspired by legends like Black Sabbath and Windhand but with a unique twist that feels fresh and innovative. The vocal interplay, led by bassist Hillary and guitarist Mike, brought an otherworldly quality to the music, blending haunting harmonies with raw power.
A Set to Remember
Highlights of the set included “The Fall,” a track that perfectly captures the band’s balance of crushing heaviness and melodic beauty, and “Brick by Brick,” a slower, more introspective piece that brought to mind the vast emptiness of the Mojave under a setting sun. The lyrics, often poetic and dark, felt like chapters from an unwritten Gothic novel—full of mystery, longing, and just a touch of menace.
Steve, the band’s newest guitarist, brought an infectious energy to the stage, seamlessly blending his playing with the rest of the group. His riffs, paired with Hillary’s driving basslines, created a dense, layered soundscape that felt as heavy as it was hypnotic. Drummer Brenton anchored the set with precision and power, proving why he’s not just the backbone of the band but also their recording engineer and producer.
The Spirit of Desert and Doom
Bellwether Ritual’s music is a journey. Their sound, heavily influenced by the stoner and desert rock traditions, captures the spirit of wide-open spaces and the introspection they inspire. Yet, there’s a distinct mysticism to their work—a nod to psychedelia and vintage rock that evokes the free-spirited energy of Woodstock while diving into the darker, doomier corners of the genre.
The band’s latest EP, WindBag, recorded in the scenic Poconos, reflects this duality perfectly. Tracks like those performed at Curry Donuts showcase their ability to create music that’s both crushingly heavy and unexpectedly melodic. Fans of Uncle Acid and Baroness will find plenty to love in their sound, as will anyone who craves the hypnotic pull of stoner metal.
A Night to Remember
As the final notes rang out and the applause filled the room, it was clear Bellwether Ritual had made a lasting impression. Their performance at Curry Donuts wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience—a blending of sound, space, and energy that felt as unique as the band itself.
For those who missed it, Bellwether Ritual’s rise in the stoner and doom metal scene is one to watch. Whether in unconventional venues like Curry Donuts or on larger stages, they’re proving that their “Doom-Wop” sound is as unforgettable as it is innovative. Fans of desert, doom, and stoner rock, take note—this is a band you don’t want to sleep on.
