photo by Chris Wozniak
Chicago, Illinois-based doom metal outfit ÇÖKÜŞ presents a new video for “Never Gone,” found on their debut record, An Hour Of Lies.
Influenced by the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Trouble, Dio, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, and Kyuss, ÇÖKÜŞ – pronounced cho-koosh, which is Turkish for “decline” or “collapse” – was formed by several members of Earthen Grave upon its demise, carrying that band’s sound forward with a refocused energy. Following nearly a decade of creating songs remotely, the band put everything into the creation of An Hour Of Lies, which saw release in 2024 through Qumran Records.
An Hour Of Lies was recorded in three different states, the drums and vocals recorded by John E. Bohmher, Jr. at Berwyn Recording, the bass recorded by Patrick Green, and the guitars recorded by Jason Muxlow. The tracks were mixed by Chris Wozniak and mastered by Chris Hanzsek (Melvins, Soundgarden, Helms Alee), and the cover art/visuals were handled by Tom Denney (Soilent Green, Weedeater, Rwake).
ÇÖKÜŞ’ new video for “Never Gone” comes alongside the announcement of a lineup shift, which sees new bassist Paul DiPego (Salt Of The Earth, Maiden ’81) and new lead guitarist Mick Stone (Scare Machine, Sunset Empire) joining drummer Chris Wozniak (Vanishment, Earthen Grave, Lair Of The Minotaur), guitarist Steve Ligeza (Torg, Makahiya), and vocalist Mark Weiner (Earthen Grave).
The band writes, “Losing someone special to you, that you never knew in person, could make you lose yourself.”
Watch ÇÖKÜŞ’ video for “Never Gone” at THIS LOCATION.
An Hour Of Lies is out now on CD and digital via the Qumran Records webshop HERE and Bandcamp HERE and through all streaming apps. Watch the visualizers for “Wolf Moon,” “Midnight Sun,” and “Hit The Mattresses” HERE.
Having performed several Chicago-area shows last year in support of the album, ÇÖKÜŞ will take the tunes out to a wider live audience this year. The band confirmed a hometown show in Chicago on March 22nd, which will be livestreamed on the Reggies YouTube channel. They’ve also just announced a short eastward run late this Spring leading with a livestream from Stone Studios in Chicago June 18th – to be broadcast on the band’s YouTube channel with a limited live audience – followed by a set at Maryland Doom Fest 2025 on June 20th and a show in Pittsburgh June 21st. Additional performances are expected to be announced for later in the year as well.
ÇÖKÜŞ Live:
3/22/2025 Reggies Music Joint – Chicago, IL w/ Pale Horseman, Deepspacepilots
6/18/2025 Livestream from Stone Studios – Chicago, IL
6/20/2025 Maryland Doom Fest 2025 @ Cafe 611 – Frederick, MD
6/21/2025 Gooski’s – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Argus, Apostle of Solitude
“…ÇÖKÜŞ bask in rock/metal glory-days in a way that nonetheless manages to be more about looking forward than back, and most of all about serving their songs.” – The Obelisk
“…they are able to strike a perfect balance between ‘doom enough’ and the injection of other influences – for once, Black Sabbath and Trouble can coexist happily with Alice In Chains or Soundgarden, for instance, and a couple of listens will easily reveal more stuff at work, like some warm Kyuss-like stomping rhythms that can be heard throughout.” – The Devil’s Mouth
“…they really know their way around a doom tune… guitarists Jason Muxlow and Steve Ligeza trade meaty, catchy riffs that would fit right into the Trouble or Pentagram libraries, while vocalist Mark Weiner pierces through the fray with his melodic, Wino-esque howl…” – Nine Circles
“…a heavy slab of discordant grooves and heavy riffs.” – Echoes And Dust
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