Holy Fawn

Americas United States Blackgaze

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Band Timeline

2015

Formation and Debut EP Release

Holy Fawn was formed in Phoenix, Arizona by guitarist and vocalist Ryan Osterman, bassist Alexander Rieth, guitarist Evan Phelps, and drummer Austin Reinholz. Ryan Osterman moved away from his previous folk-oriented project Owl & Penny toward a more rock-focused endeavor, resulting in Holy Fawn's creation. Their early jam sessions at the home of Rieth and Reinholz produced demos that became the basis for their debut EP, Realms, released on December 18, 2015. This debut marked their entry into the music scene with a sound blending elements of black metal, shoegaze, and post-rock, establishing their unique style.

2018

Release of First Studio Album: Death Spells

Holy Fawn self-released their first full-length studio album, Death Spells, on September 14, 2018. This album showcased the band’s blackgaze and doomgaze style, interweaving heavy metal with ethereal atmospheric elements. The album solidified their reputation in the rock music community and expanded their fanbase. Death Spells’ themes often incorporated nature imagery and introspective lyrics, setting a thematic foundation for the band's music identity.

2019

Signing with Triple Crown Records and Re-release of Death Spells

In March 2019, Holy Fawn signed with the New York-based rock label Triple Crown Records, a significant milestone providing them with broader distribution and promotion. Under this label, they re-released their debut album Death Spells with possible re-recordings and improvements. To promote the re-release, the band issued an official music video for the track 'Dark Stone', helping to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

2020

Release of The Black Moon EP and North American Tour

On January 17, 2020, Holy Fawn surprised fans by releasing a three-song EP titled The Black Moon. The EP allowed the band to explore further sonic experimentation within their established style. Shortly after, they embarked on a North American tour supporting Thrice, with additional support from Drug Church and mewithoutYou. This tour promoted the 15th anniversary of Thrice's album Vheissu and was a critical opportunity for Holy Fawn to showcase their music to larger audiences and strengthen their live performance presence.

2022

Second Studio Album Dimensional Bleed and Continued Touring

In early 2022, Holy Fawn toured North America alongside Midwife, supporting the band Deafheaven. During this tour, on March 18, 2022, they released the single 'Death Is A Relief' through Wax Bodega, accompanied by a music video directed by P. J. Koelbel. This single served as the lead track from their forthcoming second studio album Dimensional Bleed, which was released on September 9, 2022. The album, while maintaining black metal and sludge metal roots, incorporated electronic elements, symbolizing the band's evolving sound. The follow-up single 'Dimensional Bleed' was released on July 12 to further herald the album's release.

Albums

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Ryan Osterman

N/A

Story of Holy Fawn

Holy Fawn: A Phoenix-Based Rock Band Carving Their Own Path

Holy Fawn, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, is an American rock band that's been making waves in the music scene. The current lineup features Ryan Osterman on guitar and vocals, Evan Phelps on guitar, and Austin Reinholz on drums. Bassist Alexander Rieth was also part of the band until 2023. They've released two full-length studio albums and two extended plays.

From Folk to Rock: A Journey of Musical Evolution

Holy Fawn's story begins with Ryan Osterman, who first gained experience as a musician with the "ghost folk" band, Owl & Penny. Osterman's departure from that group signaled a shift in his musical direction, leading him to form Holy Fawn alongside Alexander Rieth, Evan Phelps, and Austin Reinholz.

The band's origins can be traced back to a jam session at Rieth and Reinholz's shared home. Osterman recorded their practice, which eventually became the demos for their debut EP, Realms. Released in December 2015, Realms marked the beginning of Holy Fawn's journey.

Prior to forming Holy Fawn, Osterman had also contributed as a guitarist in the alternative rock band, The Maine, while Rieth had played with A Distant Calm.

A Sonic Identity: Death Spells and Beyond

In September 2018, Holy Fawn took a significant step forward by self-releasing their debut studio album, Death Spells. This album, along with their subsequent releases, showcase Holy Fawn's unique blend of rock, post-punk, and alternative influences. The band continues to build their catalog, offering a sound that is both familiar and distinctly their own.

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