Originally formed as a side project by Spirit Caravan bassist David Sherman in 1999, Maryland's Earthride (for whom he handles vocal duties) became a full-time concern after that band's dissolution two years later. Also featuring guitarist Kyle VanSteinburg, bassist Joe Ruthvin, and ex-Internal Void drummer Eric Little, Earthride vowed to perpetrate "pure Maryland doom for the brotherhood of music," and by the year 2000, had already recorded an eponymous, self-released debut EP. Characterized by the band's highly accomplished, but strictly blue-collar approach to doom metal, as well as Sherman's distinctive Lemmy-like hoarse croak, this in turn paved the way for the full-length Taming of the Demons album, which was produced by stoner scene veteran Chris Kozlowski and released by Southern Lord Records in summer 2002. Founder David Sherman died on September 7, 2022 at the age of 55. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi