The Gates of Slumber
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Karl Simon |
| Headquarters | Indianapolis, Indiana , United States |
| Products | Doom metal music, albums, EPs, singles |
| Website | www |
The Gates of Slumber is a doom metal band originating from Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. While their popularity is more pronounced in Germany and the United Kingdom, their initial American release came in 2008 with the album Conqueror, issued through Profound Lore Records.
Initial phase (1997–2013)
The band was established in 1997 by Karl Simon under the name The Keep. The original lineup included Simon handling vocals and bass, Jason McCash on guitar, and Chuck Brown on drums. Following the departure of McCash and Brown in 1999, Simon transitioned to guitar duties and rebranded the group as The Gates of Slumber. In 2000, bassist Dr. Phibes and drummer Jamie Walters joined but left shortly thereafter due to internal disagreements. Their positions were temporarily filled by Brad Elliott and Chris "The Fist" Gordon before McCash and Brown rejoined in 2003.
This formation remained stable until 2005 when Brown exited amid tensions. Gordon briefly returned before "Iron" Bob Fouts took over drumming responsibilities, forming the band's most enduring lineup until 2010. Jerry "Cool" Clyde Paradis succeeded Fouts for two years before Fouts resumed his role in 2012. McCash's departure in September 2013 led Simon and Fouts to disband the group soon afterward.
Deaths and comeback (2014–present)
In April 2014, Karl Simon revealed that Jason McCash had passed away due to a heroin overdose, initially stating that the band would not continue. Nevertheless, The Gates of Slumber reunited in April 2019 with Simon, original drummer Chuck Brown, and newly added bassist Steve Janiak.
Their self-titled album was released in November 2024 through Svart Records.
Former drummer Jerry Clyde Paradis died in 2016 at age 46 from heat stroke. Bob Fouts passed away in April 2020 at age 45; no cause was publicly announced.
Band members
- Current members
- Karl Simon – vocals (1997–2013), bass (1997–1999), guitar (2000–2013, 2019–present)
- Chuck Brown – drums (1997–1999, 2003–2004, 2019–present)
- Steve Janiak – bass (2019–present)
- Former members
- Dr. Phibes – bass (2000–2002)
- Jamie Walters – drums (2000–2002)
- Brad Elliott – bass (2002–2003)
- Chris Gordon – drums (2002–2003)
- Jason McCash – guitar (1997–1999), bass (2003–2013; died 2014)
- Bob Fouts – drums (2005–2010, 2012–2013; died 2020)
- Jerry Clyde Paradis – drums (2010–2012; died 2016)
- Timeline
Discography
- Studio albums
- ...The Awakening (2004, Final Chapter)
- Suffer no Guilt (2006, I Hate Records)
- Conqueror (2008, I Hate Records / Profound Lore)
- Hymns of Blood and Thunder (2009, Rise Above Records)
- The Wretch (2011, Rise Above Records)
- The Gates of Slumber (2025, Svart Records)
- EPs
- Like a Plague upon the Land (2005, Hellride Music)
- God Wills It (2006, Slumbering Souls Records)
- The Ice Worm's Lair (2008)
- The Hyena Sessions (2010)
- Stormcrow (2013)
- Singles
- The Jury (2011)
- Compilations
- Villain, Villain 2LP compilation (2007, Metal Supremacy)
- Chronicles of True Doom 4LP compilation (2009, Iron Kodex Records)
- Splits
- The Gates of Slumber / The Dream is Dead split EP (2007, Relapse Records)
- From Ultima Thule split CD with Spiritus Mortis (2007, Emissary Records)
- The Gates of Slumber / Crowning Glory split 7" (2008, Rise Above Records)
- Demos
- Blood Encrusted Deth Axe demo (2000)
- Sabbath Witch demo (2002)
- The Cloaked Figure demo (2004)
- Compilation appearances
- Chariots Arrive Again Vol.2 compilation (2004, Foreshadow Productions)
- A Dark World compilation (2004, Final Chapter)
- CM Disro Sampler 2004 compilation (Century Media)
- Constant Migraine compilation CD (2007, Constant Migraine Records)
Sources
- The Gates of Slumber – God Wills It, Slumbering Souls – 01 – 2005 (Red Vinyl LP) (German)