Hailing from Szczecin, Poland, Poorhouse is a fairly new ensemble. They formed in 2020 and prefer not to commit themselves to being categorized in any specific metal sub-genre, however due to the human propensity to stick labels on everything, they can be most closely described as ‘psychedelic metal.’
With influences by bands like Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Pantera and Apocalyptica, a love for hard rock and influence by classical music and movie soundtracks, it’s unsurprising that Poorhouse are a tricky band to pigeonhole.
XII is the debut album by the enigmatic outfit, a glimpse into the beginnings of big aspirations.
Featuring nine tracks, it is a sonic reflection of a handful of years that encapsulates hopes, mistakes, disappointment and euphoria; pure and honest emotions translated into notes and words.
The band’s breakout single Save The Holy Land was released in September 2023.
Poorhouse was founded by bassist Serhii Kysliuk, who embarked on the project as a solo affair to begin with. After tracking some demos with session players, it wasn’t long before other musicians jumped on board, with members of local metal band, Maruder SX, picking up roles within Poorhouse alongside Serhii.
Vocalist Kasper Iwasko can be heard on the recordings for Save The Holy Land and all of the tracks on XII, however he has since relinquished his role and Poorhouse are in the process of recruiting a new singer. They are also on the lookout for a cello player to embellish their live performances.
Currently the band’s line up consists of Serhii, Michal Majczyna on guitar and Michal Szewczyk on drums.
Undeterred by the departure of Kasper, the committed members of Poorhouse are optimistic and energised by the impending release date of XII.
“XII is a mix of quite heavy, but melodic riffs with a drop of Baroque-inspired music,” divulges guitarist Michal. “The powerful bass lines are enriched with guitar and cello in high register.”
Bassist, Serhii, adds “I can’t say it is totally heavy or totally soft, neither is it overly simple or extremely complicated. If I had to describe it with one word, it for sure would be ‘emotional’. So I encourage listeners to just try to feel it.”
If audiophiles are searching for something that is out-of-the-ordinary, catchy and devoid of the complications of artificial complexity, then they will find what they are looking for with Poorhouse’s XII.
Put a note in your calendar for January 22, 2024, when XII will be released world-wide.
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