word @killer.solo.music
Trevor Stoltenberg talks DIY doom, Lovecraft, double vinyl and the next chapter for Montana’s underground heavyweights.
Three mates, three janitors, massive amps and enough doom to wake the fucking dead. Meet The Old Ones, the Billings, Montana trio turning friendship, loud guitars and cosmic weirdness into one seriously heavy musical adventure.
I caught up with guitarist and vocalist Trevor Stoltenberg to talk about Vol. II, the band’s latest full-length release, their DIY approach and what happens when you mix Lovecraft-inspired mythology with the everyday grind of working life.
The band’s roots go back to 2014, when Trevor and drummer Benjamin Meyer were already old mates, with bassist Steve Nicol bringing his punk-rock background into the mix. The idea was simple: loud amps, big chords and caveman-level heaviness. The result has grown into something that moves between crushing doom, stoner-rock grooves, esoteric ideas and the occasional left-field lyrical detour.
And yes, that includes Janitor Guy Blues.
Vol. II is the band’s first full-length double-vinyl release, clocking in at nearly 55 minutes across eight tracks. The double album wasn’t even the original plan — the songs simply kept growing until the band had enough material to fill it.
Despite being a new release, much of the material has been kicking around for years. The band is already looking ahead, with Trevor revealing that their third album is written and more songs are in the works.
Doing everything independently isn’t easy. The Old Ones fund their own releases and book their own shows, while juggling work and family life. Getting the album in front of labels and distributors has also been a challenge, with Trevor openly admitting how difficult it can be to get anyone to respond.
Still, they’re not sitting around waiting for permission. They’re making the music, playing shows and building the next record on their own terms.
If you’re into doom, stoner rock, cosmic horror and bands doing it themselves without waiting for the industry to notice, The Old Ones are worth your time.
And if you’re a label or distributor looking for your next underground heavy hitter, Trevor and the boys are listening.
This is the gospel.
I bite crowd surfers.
Killer.
