Last year in Tilburg, Netherlands, two of the underground’s most respected and creatively ambitious artists performed together. Inside a makeshift warehouse space, thousands gathered to witness the bespoke, never-before-heard music from Louisiana sludgecrushers Thou and LA ambient/dark-folkster Emma Ruth Rundle. Initially commissioned for Roadburn festival as part of Thou’s artist residency (which also included an incredible Misfits covers set in a skate park), the project has since evolved into a full-length album. 

“When we got asked to do the residency and decided on a collaborative idea, we were going to do it anyway, but Roadburn was a way to focus us on actually doing it,” smiles Thou guitarist Andy Gibbs today, joining Kerrang! and co-conspirator Emma Ruth Rundle on Zoom. “For Thou, Roadburn’s purpose is to whip us into shape and do a project we actually say we’re going to do. When you have a goal to work toward, it makes it a lot easier to get everyone motivated to get shit done.” 

“And you can’t let Walter down,” interjects Emma, chuckling, referring to Roadburn founder and organiser Walter Hoeijmakers. “Walter is our metal dad,” smirks Andy in response.

Full interview via KERRANG!