Many within the underground doom scene have praised Eugene Oregon’s YOB for their unique take on the genre. In their world, molten riffs spiral into epic psychedelic tinged soundscapes that simultaneously crush skulls and warp minds.
The past couple of years have been full of ups and downs for YOB founder and guitarist/vocalist Mike Scheidt. First after the departure of bassist Isamu Sato and drummer Travis Foster, Mike officially disbanded YOB. He then went on to form a new trio under the name Middian. Their Metal Blade debut Age Eternal was released in March of 2007 and things were going well. Or so it seemed.
Late last year a band from Milwaukee who go by the name Midian, filed a federal law suit claiming ownership of the name Middian. During this ordeal the band were dropped by Metal Blade and after looking into their options, they decided the costs involved in fighting the law suit weren’t worth it. So in hopes of resolving things, they offered to stop using the name Middian. Unfortunately the other band refused to settle the matter out of court and demanded tens of thousands of dollars.
Eventually their legal troubles were resolved. However only after a very rough year for the band members. After briefly re-surfacing as Age Eternal, they decided to go their separate ways.
But now the good news. Mike has decided to reform YOB. Joined by former drummer Travis Foster and new bass player Aaron Reiseberg, the band will be releasing their next release via Canada’s Profound Lore Records.
Unfortunately because of the above mentioned legal problems, Middian’s one and only release has virtually dropped off the face of the earth. So while we await the return of YOB, enjoy a track off the now mystical Age Eternal.
Middian “The Blood of Icons” From the Album Age Eternal
