Providence’s Howl are Howling for Environmental Justice

Providence, R.I.'s Howl -- not to be confused with Oslo, Norway's Howl -- are about to decimate the East Coast. Then, perhaps the world. Why? This fiery quartet recently secured a deal with Relapse Records, and any time a good band hits the Relapse roster, you know good things are in store. Of course, a relationship with a premier label like Relapse won't get you anywhere if your riffs aren't solid. And Howl's are. Thick, meaty riffs supported by aggressive, bashy drumming, all presented with excellent production that maintains the rawness of the band's live performance give the Howl's debut self-titled EP a sense of urgency perhaps not heard since Mastodon's 'Remission' -- though on a lesser scale.

So, what exactly is it that these headbangers are 'howling for? Mother nature, it turns out. "The three songs on the EP are about what will happen if we continue treating this Earth the way we do," guitarist/vocalist Vincent Hausman explained to Noisecreep. "The first song -- 'Oma,' which is Dutch for 'Grandma' and here is used as a metaphor for our aging planet -- is about showing some respect for nature or, put otherwise, 'Don't s--- where you eat.'

"Song two is 'And the Gnawing ...' and describes a post-apocalyptic world where a rich lady wakes up to find her material possessions meaningless, her sense of security in ruins and can only hear the gnawing of rats as they slowly tear apart her house. Her toes are next. Song three is 'Kings That Steal,' and [the song] drives home the point that our leaders will lie, steal and rape the planet, all for that holy dollar."

One listen to 'Howl' and you'll have no doubt that this band has no trouble communicating its message. But the question is, what's next for Howl? "[Our debut] full-length is being written as we speak," says Hausman. "It is going to be insane." We certainly hope so.