The Denver-based band Flahoola is set to release their highly anticipated album on Halloween, October 31, 2023. Following this release, the group will host a performance at the Oriental Theater on Saturday, November 1, where fans can celebrate with a costume contest and live music.
Bassist and vocalist John Napier shared a chilling memory that inspired the album’s creative process. Reflecting on a recurring nightmare from his youth, he recalled a terrifying experience: “I was being hunted by a Formula 1 racecar driver,” he said. “I remember seeing a white helmet with an Italian flag chasing me, and at the end, he’d kill me.” Napier described how the dream persisted for several years until he finally confronted and overcame his fear.
Flahoola is making a concerted effort to make their release show an immersive Halloween event. Drummer Jaydon Kershner mentioned their aim for a festive atmosphere, stating, “We’re trying to make it a big Halloween party.” Attendees can expect engaging audience interaction, though Kershner assured that it will not resemble the chaos of a Gwar concert.
The band, completed by guitarist Cole Helman, has been active in the local music scene for nearly a decade. They describe their style as a blend of traditional metal, classic rock, and stoner doom. Despite their extensive performance history, this marks their first formal album release. Kershner expressed their eagerness to finally share their music, noting, “We’d play live shows and people would ask, ‘Where can I find your music?’ and we’d have to say, ‘Nowhere yet.’”
Since June, Flahoola has been releasing singles from the album, including tracks inspired by the works of Stephen King. To capture the raw energy of their live performances, much of the album was recorded in a single room. Kershner described the recording of “TommyKnocker,” noting that the band was eager to play at a faster tempo, saying, “We were all pushing it, so Chris was like, ‘It sounds like you guys just want to do that faster.’”
Looking ahead, the band is excited about the upcoming track “Frankenstein’s Hell,” which presents a rock opera from the monster’s perspective. Flahoola has plans to return to the studio soon to record even more unreleased material, ensuring that their creative momentum continues.
The release show is scheduled for 18:00 on November 1, 2023, at the Oriental Theater, located at 4335 West 44th Ave. Flahoola will be joined by local acts Tongue Hammer, Nova Nights, and Shwarma. As the band prepares for their debut, Helman summed up their ethos, stating, “It’s not intentional, but it’s rock and roll.”
With their unique sound and engaging live performances, Flahoola is poised to make a significant impact on the Denver music scene.
