Heathen Apostles’ “Black Hawk” Video – Western Goth Influences
Filmed during their inaugural 2023 Summer UK Tour, the Heathen Apostles’ video for “Black Hawk” serves as a closing chapter of sorts for the band’s Bloodgrass Vol. 3&4 release in anticipation of their forthcoming album The In Between. Showing their Gothic Western influences by using the stark solitude of the thirteenth century St. Bartholomew’s Church in Shapwick, the video offers a visual complement to the moodiness of the introspective track with the Heathen men in their signature spectral mourning garb and Mather paying homage to the song’s transformational themes through the use of moth wings.
Speaking upon the song itself, singer Mather Louth states, “Black Hawk is by far one of the most personal songs I have written to date. While I prefer to leave specific interpretation up to the listener, I will say that the lyrics speak to offering yourself grace through the sometimes challenging process of growth and metamorphosis. The song is sort of an incantation and a personal hymn, and so, it seemed appropriate to perform it within the hushed calm of an ancient house of worship.”
Special thanks to Nathan Demsden for assistance with filming, and to Hawkeye Houlihan for location scouting and filming arrangements.
BLACK HAWK
(Mather Louth / Chopper Franklin)
I ran from the loss
I ran from the grief
I ran from the dark
That called from the deep
Leviathan beckoned
I fled from the shore
Spent all those years running
I can’t run no more
CHORUS
I do believe I’ll be taking my time
Already grieved for what’s no longer mine
Granted reprieve from what no longer aligns
Walking the line and trusting the signs for
The timing’s divine
The years I kept struggling
Inside of my head
My feet kept on running
Inside I was dead
I welcomed my shadow
Embraced with a kiss
My sister of midnight
No longer submiss
Peeling back layers
And honoring scars
Shining a light
On the depths of my heart
I tend to the fractures
And fill them with gold
Imperfect perfection
A new leaf unfolds
CHORUS
BRIDGE
How many days lost to anger and shame
How many nights holding myself to blame
How many links till I’m breaking the chain
Piece by piece and link by link
How many years did I make myself small
How many tears did I have to watch fall
How many swings til I’m breaking the wall
Brick by brick and swing by swing
Anniversary of Old West Music Video “Misery and Gin”
It’s been seven years to the day since the Heathen Apostles blew fans of Gothic Americana music away with their Old West music video of their unique cover of Merle Haggard’s classic song “Misery and Gin.” Their haunting, Gothic Western version of the classic track expertly uses haunting strings, a pounding rhythm, and the ethereal vocals of Mather Louth to create a brooding, melancholic soundscape. It’s a style that the band has become revered for, and it’s on full display in this unforgettable rendition. Louth’s voice, in particular, is a standout in the track- it’s powerful and emotive, yet restrained, perfectly capturing the raw emotions of the lyrics.
Seven years on from the release of the “Misery and Gin” cover, the Heathen Apostles remain at the forefront of Gothic Americana music. Their unique blend of genres and exceptional musicianship has garnered them a passionate fanbase around the world. And, of course, their talent for reimagining classic tracks like “Misery and Gin” ensures that their Gothic Western-style version will continue to captivate listeners for years to come.
Directed by the Heathen Apostles
Mather Louth as The Dead-Eye Gal
Chopper Franklin as The Howlin Gun
Mister Luz as Black Bart/Buffalo Bill Cody
Natasha Paulson as The Country Girl
Stevyn Grey as The Peacemaker
Timbo Gruse as The Bartender
Ayriel Hartman as The Flirt
Lauren Foulk and Damian Stellabott as The Couple
Special FX aging makeup: Jennifer Corona
Beauty makeup: Alexia Petre
Wardrobe: Cheri Wilson Chagollan, Chopper Franklin, Mather Louth
Shot at Wonderland Studios and Johnny’s Bar
Post Production at the Devil’s Doghouse, Echo Park, Ca.
© 2016 Ratchet Blade Records
“The Reckoning” Heavy Western Music Video Anniversary
10 years ago today the Heathen Apostles put out their first music video, The Reckoning. The band filmed the Heavy Western music video before they played their first show, when the Heathen Apostles were just the OG trio of Mather Louth, Chopper Franklin and Thomas Lorioux. It’s the first thing they put out so this is pretty much the 10th anniversary of the band, they’ve really been hard at it non-stop. Violinist Luis Mascaro joined just after this, they’ve put out 6 albums, several EPs and singles, toured Europe several times and are heading to the UK in July. While Corporate Music has been conglomerating (and cannibalizing) itself, they’ve managed to fly under the radar, doin’ their thing (which the band admits ain’t for everybody). Thanks to all past band members, and all that have supported us; whether it’s one download, or buying every release and piece of merch the Heathen Apostles have had for sale. Click HERE to watch The Reckoning video.
Click HERE to purchase the CD, to purchase it on iTunes click HERE, for Amazon click HERE.
Directed by the Heathen Apostles
Featuring Edward Colver as the Demonic Preacher.
Production assistance by Monica Blair and Thai Knight. Special thanks to Karin Swinney.
The Reckoning written by Louth/Franklin
Produced & mixed by Chopper Franklin at the Devil’s Doghouse, Echo Park, Ca.
© 2013 Ratchet Blade Records
Heathen Apostles’ New Gothic Cowboy Music Video
The Heathen Apostles have released a new Gothic Cowboy music video; Roots Run Deep is the first single from their new album Bloodgrass Vol. 3 & 4 (produced by Chopper Franklin), out now on Ratchet Blade Records. The video was directed by noted Belgian filmmaker Caroline Poisson and filmed at Moulin Castral during the recent Heathen Apostles European tour in Spring of 2022 to promote the new album. You can check it out HERE.
Singer Mather Louth recently posted how important the song (and the Gothic Outlaw music video) and the lyrics are to her:
I wish I could take credit for these words. However, the truth of it is that the chorus of “Roots run deep” was channeled.
The words came to me in January as I had finished reading out on my sun porch, watching the movement of the wind through the trees. Simple words, but far too true to come from one person: “Branches may sway, but the roots run deep”. I had no idea what to do with them, but I wrote them down and carried on with my day.
Months later, when Chopper presented me with a batch of new song ideas that would become the second half of BLOODGRASS VOL. 3 & 4, it became clear: those words were meant for the chorus of one of the most personal and unfiltered songs I’ve written to date. I’ll admit- it’s been scary to strip away so much pretense and use honest, simple language. But in a way, it was freeing, and it allowed me to set the constant weight on my shoulders down, if just for a bit.
Those words are a reminder. Those words are a spell. Every time I sing them, it instantly grounds me and reminds me to stay present, to not be shaken by the day to day. Bad things happen. Sometimes, very bad things. But remember your roots. Ground down. Breathe. Carry on. You are an oak.
How lovely that we were able to pair the song with such a beautifully simple, elegant video thanks to the lovely @carolinepoisson. True, I may have been filming this on 3 hours of sleep and several weeks of living the fast pace of tour life, but that seems to be all the more appropriate for the honesty in the song. No more pretense. No more pressure to look perfect.
I hope you’ll take the time to go check out the video. The fact that the song is 3:33 minutes long only seems to offer more proof that its genesis came from the beyond. This song grounds me.
Anniversary of Gothic Country Music Video
On this day in 2013 the Heathen Apostles released their original gothic country music video “The Reckoning”. It was directed by the band, and features Edward Colver as the Demonic Preacher. The Reckoning was the first single from their first album Boot Hill Hymnal, out in 2013 on Ratchet Blade Records.
From the Heathen Apostles’ social media: We released “The Reckoning”, our first music video, on this day in 2013. We had yet to play a show (the band was just @matherlouth , Chopper and Thomas) but we wanted to come out swinging so we went ahead and directed it ourselves. Our good friend @edwardcolver played the Demon Preacher, thanks to all involved in the filming and to Mike Livingston for playing on the song.
From the Boot Hill Hymnal 1 sheet:
“No one sings as purely as those who are in the deepest hell. Theirs is the
song which is confused with that of the angels.” Franz Kafka
Born of the voices of past lives and baptized in the dust bowl dirt, the
dark roots music of the HEATHEN APOSTLES harkens back to a
bygone chapter of American history while firmly keeping one foot
planted in the present-day city of Los Angeles.
One Indian summer evening, femme fatale bellower Mather Louth
(Radio Noir) and punk rock veteran Chopper Franklin (The Cramps,
Charley Horse), quickly uncovered a mutual appreciation for murder
balladry, gothic roots music, and memento mori. Soon, the HEATHEN
APOSTLES surfaced. The landscape was further tilled with the
addition of Thomas Lorioux (The Kings of Nuthin’) on the upright bass.
The Heathen’s debut release, Boot Hill Hymnal, seeks to answer a
question posed long ago by Blind Willie Johnson- just what is the soul of
a man? (…Or, as the case may be here, a woman with a thousand-yard
stare.) The resulting collection of songs is complex, catchy, and wholly
cohesive to the Apostles’ ghost town.
“Death’s Head” Video – Still a Gothic Country Favorite
This week is the 7 year anniversary of the Heathen Apostles‘ Death’s Head video, the first from their second album Fire to the Fuse. The cast and crew wasn’t quite as large as their previous video (2014’s Dark Was The Night), but everyone did a great job, it’s definitely a Gothic Country favorite. Here are the credits from the video’s original posting:
“Death’s Head” is the new single by the Heathen Apostles, Mather Louth (Radio Noir), Chopper Franklin (The Cramps, Nick Curran & the Lowlifes), Thomas Lorioux (Kings of Nuthin), Stevyn Grey (Christian Death) and Luis Mascaro, w/ Timbo Gruse (Speedbuggy). Support the band and their art by purchasing the single at iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dea… or at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Deaths-Head-Hea… You can visit their website here: http://heathenapostles.com
Directed by The Heathen Apostles and Lawrence Drayton.
Director of Photography, Still Photography: Lawrence Drayton (Raven’s Laughter)
Makeup: Alexia Petre
Wardrobe: Cheri Wilson Chagollan, Mather Louth
Snake Handler: Peggy Rivera
Death’s Head written by Louth/Franklin
Produced, mixed & mastered by Chopper Franklin at the Devil’s Doghouse, Echo Park, Ca.
© 2015 Ratchet Blade Records
#heathenapostles #southerngothic #gothicwestern # gothic country favorite #bloodgrass #darkcountry #murderfolk #gothiccountry #rootsmusic #americana #goth #musicvideo #autinveniamviamautfaciam
Eight Year Anniversary of Goth Western Video “Dark Was The Night”
Eight years ago today the Heathen Apostles came out with the goth western video Dark Was The Night, the second one from their debut album “Boot Hill Hymnal” on Ratchet Blade Records. The band had a lot of help with this one, here is the original listing and a partial list of credits:
‘Dark Was The Night’ is the second western goth video from the Heathen Apostles debut album ‘Boot Hill Hymnal’ on Ratchet Blade Records. The Heathen Apostles are Mather Louth (Radio Noir), Chopper Franklin (The Cramps, Mau Maus), Thomas Lorioux (King of Nuthin’),
and Luis Mascaro.
Heathen Apostles – Dark Was The Night from Heathen Apostles on Vimeo.
Get Boot Hill Hymnal now from the Heathen Apostles store and iTunes: http://tiny.cc/boothillhymnal
Director: Victoria Vengeance
Editor: Laura Creecy
Director of Photography: Brian Davis
Second Unit Camera: Jim Kunz
Makeup: Shanna Cistulli, Jennifer Corona, Alta DeKoven, Denise Hart Larsen, Austin Mark
Special FX Body Paint: Lisa Berczel
Hair: Danielle June, Corinne Renee, Lia Lavaggi, Michelle Pena
Costuming: Cheri Wilson Chagollan, Joany Hernandez, Christy Kane, Mather Louth, Jenn Odd, Heathen Apostles
Props: Huy Vu
Location: Star Ranch, Corona, CA
Cast: David Backhaus, Kelly DeVoto, D.W. Frydendall, Timbo Gruse, Nickie Jean, Mike Odd, Georges-Robert, Frankie Sin, Jamie Watkins
Doom Country Lyric Videos “Rising Son” & “Buck Knife”
Ratchet Blade Records
has released two doom country lyric videos from the new Phantom of the Black Hills album That Witch. Here are the videos for Rising Son and Buck Knife, along with some brief descriptions:
The Massacre at Wounded Knee was initially referred to as the “Battle of Wounded Knee”. A metal plate was added to the signage at the site to correct this, and remains to this day.
By the time the massacre was over, more than 250 men, women and children of the Lakota had been killed and 51 were wounded (4 men and 47 women and children, some of whom died later); some estimates placed the number of dead as high as 300.
Twenty US soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their participation in the slaughter. By contrast, only three Medals of Honor were awarded among the 64,000 South Dakotans who fought for four years of World War II:
The lyric video for the song Buck Knife tells the tale of a Civil War veteran suffering from PTSD and the reception he receives when he returns home:
Heathen Apostles – Gothic Western music video
The Heathen Apostles have debuted the second Gothic Western music video from their live EP Prayers Before The Plague, out on Ratchet Blade Records. It was recorded live at their headquarters The Devil’s Doghouse in Echo Park, Ca. during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic, and shortly after announcing the postponement of their 2020 European and West Coast tours. The European tour is being rebooked, click HERE to contact Rootstown Bookings for booking info and tour dates.
An announcement about the Death’s Head video straight from the band:
“Today is the debut of our live video for “Death’s Head”, the perfect soundtrack for your Devil’s Night! It is from our upcoming EP “Prayers Before The Plague” out Halloween (tomorrow!) on Ratchet Blade Records. Today is the last day for the $4 pre sale, and a sincere thank you to all that have pre ordered this release so far, your support in these trying times means the world to us. Check it out by clicking HERE.”
Heathen Apostles “Death Bell Blues” Heavy Blues Music Video
The Heathen Apostles have released a lyric video for Death Bell Blues, the first song on their new dark blues Born By Lightning EP, available now on Ratchet Blade Records. The band went in a heavy blues direction for this release, casting the same dark spells they use on bluegrass and country onto the blues.
The video features footage shot long time collaborator Jorge Jaramillo, who in the past has worked with the Heathen Apostles by directing their Paint The Stars and Deadly Nightshade music videos. You can preview the Born By Lightning EP HERE.
“Whereas DUST TO DUST put the bluegrass of Bill Monroe into the woodshed with the gothic tendencies of Siouxsie & the Banshees, BORN BY LIGHTNING slinks and slithers to the beat of the blues, with plenty of shouts, hollers, and heavy slide guitar.”
Heathen Apostles – “Deadly Nightshade” Swamp Witch Music Video
The Heathen Apostles are proud to announce Deadly Nightshade, their new swamp witch tale in the guise of a music video, directed by good friend Jorge Jaramillo. It is the third video from their Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, out on Ratchet Blade Records. Here is the press release for the video:
Deadly Nightshade, the new music video from the Heathen Apostles, takes the band back into familiar dark territory; this time, the atmosphere is that of the quintessential Universal horror films of the 1930’s and 40’s.
Those familiar with the iconic genre will thrill to the sights of a mortician-like banjo player piloting an angelic victim down river to her doom and corpses floating up from their graves, while burlap-masked musicians provide the soundtrack to a feral witch stealing the soul from our helpless heroine.
‘Inspired by classic horror movies and German expressionism, the main goal was to not romanticize an old style, but rather to bring it to something that could still be dark, creepy and beautiful,’ states director Jorge Jaramillo (who also directed the Heathen Apostles’ Paint the Stars video). Watch the new video HERE.
Lead vocalist Mather Louth: ‘When the Heathens sat down for the initial pre-production meetings with Jorge, we all agreed that reinventing and modernizing the classic black and white horror genre would be the perfect visual direction for “Deadly Nightshade”. I’ve always felt very strongly about “Deadly Nightshade” being incredibly cinematic in nature, and it was always clear to me that Jorge would be the perfect director for the song. His work is thought-provoking, filled with symbolism and horrifically disturbing creatures, and he is a true visionary and original.
The video also served as a fun exploration for me to portray both predator and prey, and I particularly enjoyed finding the physicality and mannerisms of the witch’s character. There is something quite freeing about playing a character that is so wholly repulsive and ugly, especially in today’s overly filtered and appearance-obsessed culture.’
Deadly Nightshade is the third music video from the band’s Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, check it out HERE. The Heathen Apostles fifth album, Dust to Dust, is out June 7th on Ratchet Blade Records.”
Heathen Apostles’ “Through The Forest” Dark Music Video Begins
The Heathen Apostles and director Jorge Jaramillo are collaborating again on what promises to be another dark music video. The video is for Deadly Nightshade, the lead song from their latest album Bloodgrass Vol. I & II, out now on Ratchet Blade Records. They have collaborated previously on the Paint the Stars video, released this past summer, and this video looks to be even grimmer than that effort. The project is currently in pre-production, with production assistance from Ana Sanchez, and will begin shooting in January of 2019. Check back for more details and BTS photos.
Felipe Orozco, Esteban Orozco, Jorge Jaramillo and Mather Louth on the “Paint the Stars” video set.
Heathen Apostles Death Came a Ridin’ Music Video Wrapped
Principal photography on the upcoming Heathen Apostles Death Came a Ridin’ music video has wrapped, the Heathen Apostles would like to thank the many cast and crew members that participated in this epic production. The Death Came a Ridin’ music video is the first from the forthcoming Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, out July 20th on LP & CD on Ratchet Blade Records.
The Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album will consist of the two digital-only EPs released in 2017 and 2018, and will be available on the band’s European tour, starting August 3rd in Essen, Germany. Check back for more info and links.
Heathen Apostles’ Death Came a Ridin’ Video Shoot Under Way
The shoot for Death Came a Ridin’ video has begun, it is the first video and single from the upcoming Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album, out on LP & CD on July 20th on Ratchet Blade Records. The Death Came a Ridin’ video is being directed by Ashley Joncas and will be debuted to coincide with the release of the Bloodgrass Vol. I & II album. Check back for more info and BTS pics as they are posted.
BTS pic by Ashley Joncas
Paint the Stars Video and Bloodgrass Vol. II Pre Sale Launched
Today the Heathen Apostles Paint the Stars video launches, along with the pre-sale for the Bloodgrass Vol. II EP (out 3/25/18 on Ratchet Blade Records). The video was directed by Jorge Jaramillo, and is the first from the upcoming EP. You can preview and order the BGVII EP for a low $3 HERE.
Heathen Apostles Paint the Stars Music Video is a Wrap
The Heathen Apostles Paint the Stars music video has wrapped, it is the first video from the upcoming Bloodgrass Vol. II EP, out May 25th on Ratchet Blade Records. The video was directed by Colombian Filmmaker Jorge Jaramillo, and will debut on Monday, May 21st. Check back for more info and links, in the meantime enjoy these great BTS shots taken on the set by Ana Sanchez.
Gothic Western Website (GothicWestern.com) Promo Video
The promo video for the Gothic Western website has debuted, watch it below and check out GothicWestern.com !
Heathen Apostles Record “Never Leave Harlan Alive” For Upcoming “Bloodgrass” Release
From the Heathen Apostles Facebook page:
“‘You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive’ from our upcoming @ratchetbladerecords release, “Bloodgrass”. Mather and Chopper of the Heathen Apostles recorded Darrell Scott’s classic tale of Appalachia in recognition of those folks who are dealing with extreme poverty, a brutal opioid crisis (their #1 cause of accidental death), along with a vanishing coal industry. It’s going to take alot more than lip service to make America great again.”
POTBH “Wild Witch of the West” Video is Live
The new Phantom of the Black Hills video for Wild Witch of the West is live, it is the first music video from the new Phantom of the Black Hills album Scalped, out 8/25/17 on Ratchet Blade Records. It was directed by Chopper Franklin and features Mather Louth from the Heathen Apostles. Wild Witch of the West is an unofficial sequel to the Heathen Apostles video for Fist City, and contains footage from that video shot by Harmony Gerber.
Check out the Pre Sale for Scalped by clicking HERE.
Phantom of the Black Hills Pre-Sale & Promo Trailer
Both the Scalped pre-sale and promo trailer have launched today, the trailer has snippets of some of the new songs and the pre-sale has two great deals, including a free album and early delivery of Scalped. You can check them out HERE.
Shooting Wrapped on New Phantom of the Black Hills Video
Shooting has wrapped on the shooting of the new Phantom of the Black Hills video Wild Witch of the West, the first single off of the new album Scalped, out August 25th, 2017 on Ratchet Blade Records. The video was directed by Chopper Franklin and features Mather Louth of the Heathen Apostles (who also contributed vocals to the song), check back for the release date.
Heathen Apostles’ “Strange Flowers” Single & Video Debuts Today
The new Heathen Apostles’ single Strange Flowers is available today, along with the music video for the song. If you buy through the band’s digital webstore you will receive and free copy of the Strange Flowers remix (by Almighty Watching) and a bonus track of the Heathen’s Apostles’ cover of Echo and the Bunnymen’s The Killing Moon. You preview the songs by clicking HERE, and be sure watch and comment on the video too!
Pre-Production Begins For Heathen Apostles’ “Strange Flowers” Video
Pre-production has begun for the new video for the upcoming Heathen Apostles single Strange Flowers, on Ratchet Blade Records. The video will be directed by the band and will be shot over two weeks in April, check back for a release date for both the video and single.
“Doghouse Lords” Rare Live Appearance
Chopper Franklin sat in with the Blue Shadows (Javier Matos, John Bazz and Bill Bateman) at their record release show at Viva Cantina Saturday (effectively making it the Doghouse Lords for three songs). They played .44 Gun, Georgia Chain Gang and HUD, watch a fan video of Georgia Chain Gang below.
