Youngblood Supercult
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Defunct | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Topeka , United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Youngblood Supercult was a stoner rock ensemble originating from Topeka, Kansas, in the United States. The group comprised Bailey Smith on guitar, David Merrill handling vocals, Weston Alford on drums, and Brad Morris playing bass. Their musical approach fused elements of hard rock, stoner rock, and heavy blues. Their sophomore record, High Plains (2016), garnered favorable critiques and secured the second position on the Doom Charts in March 2016. Following this release, the band embarked on an extensive U.S. tour and partnered with DHU Records to issue a limited vinyl pressing of High Plains. Their third studio effort, The Great American Death Rattle, which came out on August 17, 2017, was met with praise from the stoner and doom rock communities.
History
Emerging from a mix of northeast Kansas musicians, Youngblood Supercult made their first appearance in Topeka’s NOTO Arts District on September 6, 2013. The initial roster included Bailey Smith, Weston Alford, Coder Potts, and Wyatt Desch. This lineup recorded their debut album, Season of the Witch, at Two Wolves Studio with producer David Steinlage. The album’s mastering was completed by Jerry Tubb and its artwork created by Pol Abran. Critics commended the record for its fusion of 1970s-style heavy blues and occult doom rock influences.
Following the release of Season of the Witch, vocalist Wyatt Desch exited the band and was succeeded by David Merrill. This personnel change coincided with an evolution in their sound, incorporating folk, blues, psychedelic, and classic heavy stoner rock components. During the sessions for High Plains, bassist Coder Potts departed due to creative disagreements; Merrill took over bass duties for recording purposes as the band proceeded as a trio.
High Plains debuted on February 19, 2016, receiving airplay on stations such as 105.9 KISS FM and earning positive reviews from outlets including The Obelisk. Subsequently, Brad Morris joined as bassist to broaden their sonic palette. The group finalized their third album, The Great American Death Rattle, in early 2017 and released it in August of that year.
In May 2019, Youngblood Supercult publicly announced their dissolution.
Members
- Bailey Smith – guitar (2011–2019)
- David Merrill – vocals (2014–2019), bass (2015–2016)
- Weston Alford – drums (2011–2019)
- Brad Morris – bass (2016–2018)
- Coder Potts – bass (2012–2015)
- Wyatt Desch – vocals (2013–2014)
Discography
- Season of the Witch (2014)
- High Plains (2016)
- The Great American Death Rattle (2017)