Alunah: The Doom Metal Sirens of the UK

Alunah is a British doom metal band known for their heavy, melodic riffs and ethereal vocals. Hailing from Birmingham, England, the band carved a distinct path in the modern doom scene with critically acclaimed albums like Awakening the Forest.

Early career

Alunah formed in 2006, emerging from the rich musical soil of Birmingham, a city with a deep history in heavy music. The original lineup, featuring vocalist and guitarist Sophie Day, guitarist Dave Day, bassist Gaz Imber, and drummer Jake Mason, honed a sound steeped in classic doom and 70s rock. Their early work culminated in the 2010 debut album Call of Avernus, released on the label PsycheDOOMelic, which established their foundational style.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived with their third studio album, Awakening the Forest, released in 2014 via Napalm Records. This album marked a significant step forward, receiving widespread praise for its expansive songwriting and Sophie Day's commanding vocal delivery. While not achieving mainstream chart positions, the record solidified Alunah's reputation as a leading force in the European doom metal circuit and expanded their international fanbase considerably.

Key tracks

White Hoarhound — The title track from their 2012 sophomore album became a fan favorite, showcasing their evolving blend of crushing riffs and haunting melody.

Awakening the Forest — This epic track exemplifies the band's mature sound, weaving nature-inspired themes with a powerful, hypnotic groove.

Fire of Thornborough Henge — A single from their 2017 album Solennial, it highlights their knack for combining folkloric British themes with monolithic doom.

Hunt — This song from 2020's Violet Hour album marked a new chapter with vocalist Siân Greenaway, proving the band's resilience and evolving artistry.

Wicked Game — Their doom-laden cover of the Chris Isaak classic demonstrated Alunah's unique ability to reinterpret songs through their heavy, melancholic lens.

The band underwent a major transition in 2018 with the departure of longtime vocalist Sophie Day. They welcomed new vocalist Siân Greenaway, whose powerful voice brought a fresh dynamic. This new lineup released the album Violet Hour in 2020, demonstrating a seamless continuation of the Alunah sound while exploring darker, more progressive territories.

Fans of Alunah's heavy, melodic doom often appreciate the work of similar UK-based acts. Electric Wizard shares a penchant for massive, riff-centric soundscapes. Black Sabbath is the foundational influence from Alunah's own hometown. My Dying Bride offers a parallel path in combining melancholy and heaviness. Paradise Lost explores similar gothic and doom metal textures.

Alunah's music receives regular rotation on dedicated doom and stoner metal radio stations, as well as on online rock radio streams that specialize in the heavier side of the spectrum. Their tracks are staples on independent music radio stations that champion underground metal, ensuring their sonic reach continues to grow.

Listeners can explore the heavy, resonant sound of Alunah on various radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover their discography, from early classics to recent material, through the curated rock and metal stations available on onairium.com.