The Denver-based speed metal trio, Flahoola, is set to launch their highly anticipated album on Halloween, October 31. To celebrate, they will host a release show at the Oriental Theater on Saturday, November 1. The event promises to be a vibrant Halloween party, featuring a costume contest and an engaging atmosphere for fans.
Bassist and vocalist John Napier shared a haunting childhood memory that inspired the band’s creative process. He recounted a recurring fever dream where he was pursued by a Formula 1 racecar driver adorned with an Italian flag. “Every time I died, I would wake up,” he explained. This vivid experience lingered for years until he finally confronted his dream adversary. “I had my first lucid dream and I stopped him and killed him, and I never had the dream again,” Napier stated, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity.
The band, which includes guitarist Cole Helman and drummer Jaydon Kershner, aims to create an electrifying atmosphere at the release show. Kershner noted the intent to foster respectful audience interaction, ensuring that the event remains fun without crossing any boundaries. Helman added a humorous twist, saying, “Or real blood for that matter, but one day,” referring to the event dubbed Flahoolaween Volume I.
Formed nearly a decade ago, Flahoola originally emerged from a collaboration between Napier and Kershner. Helman joined the group full-time in 2022, and together they have developed a unique style that blends traditional metal, classic rock, and stoner-doom influences. Despite their energetic performances, this album marks the first formal release of their music.
Kershner expressed the band’s desire to record their songs for a long time. “We’d go play a live show and get a good response, and people would ask, ‘Where can I find your music?’ and we’d have to say, ‘Nowhere yet,’” he recalled with a laugh. Since June, Flahoola has released singles, including a track inspired by Stephen King, showcasing their vibrant sound.
To capture the raw energy of their live performances, the band recorded most of the album in a single room. Kershner explained the creative process behind one of their new originals, “TommyKnocker.” He described how the tempo of the song pushed them to play faster, leading to a more intense track. “It’s a more trippy, transcendental thing,” he noted, with the song exploring themes of space and drugs.
As fans anticipate the full album release, they can look forward to tracks like “Frankenstein’s Hell,” which presents a rock opera from the perspective of the iconic monster. The band hinted at plans to return to the studio soon to produce more material, ensuring that their music continues to evolve.
Flahoola’s upcoming performance at the Oriental Theater, starting at 18:00 on November 1, will also feature support from local acts Tongue Hammer, Nova Nights, and Shwarma. With their commitment to delivering high-energy performances, the band promises an unforgettable experience. Helman concluded, “It’s not intentional, but it’s rock and roll.”
