It is 2014, and on August 19th, two years on from the release of their seminal debut LP Sorrow and Extinction, Pallbearer will unleash the most powerful and engaging chapter in their story thus far; Foundations of Burden – an auditory exploration that is sure to command even more acclaim for these Arkansas natives. Each song carries a weight of melancholic devastation that sees Pallbearer forging it's own brilliantly desolate path through the realm of heavy metal, crafting music that seeks to balance itself at the very threshold of an unforgiving void. Produced and mixed by Billy Anderson (Sleep, etc) in Portland, OR in the late winter of this year, the album evokes a sonic consciousness of melody coiled tightly around the surge of doom metal at its most relentlessly formidable

Initially formed in 2008, by Joseph D. Rowland (bass) and Brett Campbell (vocals/guitars), Pallbearer grew from the fertile underground metal scene of Little Rock, Arkansas. A year later, joined by guitarist Devin Holt and (since departed) drummer Zach Stine, the four members quickly recorded the band's first demo. These three tracks garnered well-deserved attention, with critics and fans taking notice of what could only be described as a wholly singular sound from the promising band.

Pallbearer's debut full-length Sorrow and Extinction was released in early 2012. At just under fifty minutes, the album's five tracks capitalized on the primal clout of the band's demo, but here the songs were freed from reliance on volume as the music wavered beautifully between subdued introspection and towering aural force. Released by the well-respected Canadian underground label, Profound Lore, Sorrow and Extinction instantly made waves among listeners and critics who found Pallbearer's compositional paradox of vulnerability and might unparalleled in a metal world replete with imitators.

Hailed by Rolling Stone as the #1 metal album of 2012, the album also received the coveted "Best New Music" stamp of approval from Pitchfork as well as being cited as one of the year's best albums by outlets such as Spin and NPR. Sorrow and Extinction proved to be an unequivocal masterpiece in any genre of music and, most importantly, compelled Pallbearer to reach even further creatively for what would come next. 2012 would also see the addition of drummer Mark Lierly, adding further depth to the already immense and mercurial sound the band had pioneered.

Rather than settle themselves in the convenient safety of listener expectation, Pallbearer delve even deeper into melodic contexts for Foundations of Burden, with Rowland now adding his own impressive vocalizations to the sonic texture. This new vocal dynamic brings an authentically visceral component to Pallbearer's music that, while giving credence to their metal foundations, adds a new and compelling dimension to music which has long since proved itself to be inexorably captivating.

In the winter of 2009, four musicians who had played in the same circles for many years decided to make a record. The combination of their eclectic influences, writing styles, and tastes, came together to produce a sound that moves and motivates them to explore new territory within their collected creative consciousness. The band works to create music that expresses the range of the human condition and experience by combining crushing, down-tuned riff assaults with intricate vocal and guitar melodies, and stunning leads. The music seems to play the band as they surrender to its will. Their sound spans many genres, while they intend to break themselves with their mix of progressive guitar work, doom, and all out metal energy.

Norska released their self-titled EP in the winter of 2011 to much acclaim. The band has been seen playing the stages of the Pacific Northwest, and has managed to reach out world-wide through word of mouth, the online community, and self-directed promotion.

The band's members have deep roots in many musical traditions. The Rieseberg brothers, Dustin (lead guitar) and Aaron (bass), have written and performed music together since they were able to pick up their instruments. Their collaboration and chemistry anchors the band. Jason Oswald (drums) is an accomplished life-long vocalist and guitarist (playing guitar for the band in an early line-up), who's decision to try his hand at the playing drums a few years ago has proved to be a driving force for the band. Jim Lowder (vocals, rhythm guitar) has grown to develop an up-front voice that laces the band's melodies and punch together, while maintaining that his vocals are simply the fifth instrument.

Their most recent release, 'Equinoctical' (a Fister/Norska split) came out in Feb. 2014.