On Dry Wedding‘s third full length The Back of Beyond, released back in July, the band have landed on their penultimate sound for what they’ve worked so hard for since their debut. Post-punk, Gothic doom, noise rock, and the expanse of the Wild West all congeal into a fantastic yet very visceral and hard hitting album. And even then, genre tags don’t do it complete justice. If this is not a first foray, several spins peel back just how far they’ve come and just how much of an absolute underrated record this truly is (Liz, you are 100% correct). I can’t say I’ve heard anything as engrossing as this in all of 2026, it’s heavy and intense in its soul yet restrained and inviting in its heart of hearts. Indeed, we are way behind getting this Profile out but THIS is a cannot miss album that deserves a late push so head below to see what vocalist and guitarist Davey Ferchow had to say about the band and album then hit those links to add The Back of Beyond to your collection.
How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?
As a teenager, I was very moved by the DIY ethics of punk and how accessible it felt as an inexperienced musician. My parents were not fans of my punk bands, but they believed in my abilities as a performer. At that time, any pushback I received from extended family or neighbors only made me want to push my music further.
Over the years, I continued to explore darker and heavier forms of music. In 2017, I relocated to Portland and began to put a new band together. After many Craigslist posts and much trial and error, the first lineup of Dry Wedding was solidified in the summer of 2018.
How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?
Our band blends the dense gloom of post-punk with the spectral twang of gothic country, the fervent rhythms of noise rock, and the visceral intensity of black metal and doom.
Is there one (or more) thing about your latest / upcoming album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?
One review mentioned a female vocalist in the main bridge of “Shifting Wilderness.” That is actually me singing in a higher octave.
Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?
When we played in Missoula in 2024, Jarrod became lost in the moment and fell off the edge of the stage. Even though his guitar suffered some cosmetic damage and his ankle instantly swelled up, he never missed a single note.
What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?
The Portland metal scene is full of open-minded people who are interested in a wide variety of dark and challenging music. The metalheads here attend all types of shows and are willing to curate a carefully crafted mixed bill, which is the way it should be. In general, I think any metal purists who only want to listen to color-by-numbers bands are missing the entire point — genres like metal and punk are meant to foster total creative freedom.
Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?
Our lyrics and overall aesthetic reflect universal human truths, trials, and tribulations. Whether they stem from personal issues or sociopolitical factors, we strive to capture the staggering breadth of the human experience.
Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?
I am a writer, Jarrod is a woodworker, Tom is a seasoned vegan cook, and Chadwick owns and operates a bookstore called Word Virus.
What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?
Busy schedules and deadlines can make it difficult for some critics and outlets to spend enough time with an album. If you’re not able to do your homework, practice active listening, and really immerse yourself in what the artist has painstakingly created, it may be best to pass on the review or interview altogether.
Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?
We’re looking forward to playing more festivals and touring more extensively in the future.
When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently? (Feel free to include non-metal)
Lately, I’ve been enjoying:
Desiccation – Legatum Mortuorum
Doombringer – Ad Compita!
Funebrarum – Beckoning the Void of Eternal Silence
What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?
We’re in the very early stages of planning a European tour for Fall 2027.
Summarize your band in one word. (Disclosure: If you use more than one word, we’ll probably just pick our favorite.)
Serpentine
Many thanks to Davey Ferchow and Dry Wedding for their time!
The Back of Beyond is available now on Vesperian / Metal Blade. For more information on Dry Wedding, visit their Instagram and Facebook pages.
*Band image courtesy of Kevin Brown*
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