Hashishian are a new America Doom Metal band emerging from an undisclosed desert location.

Their work is laced with references to Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ – from the giant Sandworms ‘Shai Hulud’ to the sacramental spice, ‘Melange’, and its similarity to Hashish and its use throughout the Middle East and beyond. The band’s self-titled debut LP is a 40 minute journey through the riff filled land from treacherous sandpits to the peaks of smoky mountaintops.

The album was released in a super limited run of 25 records on black vinyl and available for through Herby Records (Austin, Texas) on their Bandcamp.

“Drop out of life with the bong in hand”

Who are the members of the band and their roles?

Kush – Guitar and Vocals
Paul – Bass and Vocals
Abdul – Drums

When and where did the band form? Is this a relatively new project?

In 2021, the Hashishian clan emerged from the smoky deserts of the Riff-Filled Land to carry on the work of our forefathers: to drop heavy riffs and spread the seed of Eden far and wide.

What are some of your main influences? (music, literature, etc.)

At the top of the list is Sleep’s ‘Dopesmoker’. That was the album that inspired us to form the band. We’re also big fans of sci-fi and fantasy books and movies, especially ‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert and the works of Tolkien.

The Dune theme comes across pretty strongly with the album artwork and some song titles such as ‘Shai Hulud’, any other references to explain or elaborate upon?

The album is full of references to Frank Herbert’s Dune (both the book and the 1984 film) and Sleep’s ‘Dopesmoker’. We have found those pieces of art to be a deep well of inspiration for our musical and lyrical content. It’s all about ripping the bong, riding a skyscraper-sized sandworm into battle, and destroying all who would dare oppose us.

Could you walk us through the tracks on the album and tell us a little bit about each one?

‘Onward’ – This is our introduction to the world as weed priests and warriors. A slow, meditative build into the heavy. Prepare a new bong.
‘Let us Reason’ – This track features an intro featuring the oud, a traditional Arabic lute. The track also takes inspiration from Om, one of our favorite bands.
‘Mountain of Smoke’ – A slow burner, with heavy shreds that build into a thundering Hashishian battle march.
‘High Chief’ – A salute to our brothers of the creed, Lungsmen of the bong and blade.
‘Shai Halud’ – This track features a slow build into a song dedicated to the sandworms, great beasts of the desert drawn to slow and low patterns of rhythm.
‘Nazareth’ – A psychedelic instrumental trip into the belly of a sandworm.

When and where can our readers get a hold of this debut LP?

The LP was available through Herby Records as of 4/20/2022 and is Sold Out but possibly available second-hand through Discogs or other sources. A repress may be imminent.

Do you have any new music in the works?

We are finishing up our second LP. We hope to have it ready to release by 2023.

Any plans for shows/tours etc.?

As of right now, we are more focused on writing and recording songs, but if the right opportunity to tour presented itself we would consider it.

Any final words for readers of It’s Psychedelic Baby! Magazine?

Drop out of life with the bong in hand. Follow the smoke toward the riff-filled land. Many thanks to Herby Records for helping us get our music out there and thanks to Justin Jackley for the bad ass cover art.

Neal Kyger

All artwork by Justin Jackley

Hashishian Instagram
Herby Records Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp / YouTube