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Those Damn Crows
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Those Damn Crows are a Welsh rock band formed in 2014 in Bridgend, Wales.[1] They comprise vocalist Shane Greenhall, guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas, bassist Lloyd Wood and drummer Ronnie Huxford, with second guitarist David Winchurch joining the band soon after. The band's name came from Huxford's father who was feeding the birds in his garden one day when he shouted "Those damn crows!" Ronnie took the idea to the other members and they quickly settled on it as their band name.[citation needed]
Key Information
The band were declared "Ones to Watch" by the UK's Planet Rock radio station in November 2017[2] and "New Band of the Week" in Metal Hammer magazine in 2018.[3] The band signed a worldwide, multi-album deal with Nottingham-based independent record label Earache Records[1] on 14 May 2018 and released their debut album Murder and the Motive on 5 October 2018. The album landed at number 5 on the Official UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart[4] and number 5 on the Independent Album Breakers Chart.[5] They subsequently released Point of No Return, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 14 in 2020,[6] and then God Shaped Hole, which charted at number one. The latter was the first chart topper for Earache Records[7].
Discography
[edit]Albums
- Murder and the Motive (2018)
- Point of No Return (2020) No. 14 UK[6]
- Inhale/Exhale (2023) No. 3 UK
- God Shaped Hole (2025) No.1 UK
Singles
- "Blink of an Eye" (piano version; 2018)
- "Wake Up (Sleepwalker)" (2022)
- "Man on Fire" (2022)
- "This Time I'm Ready" (2022)
- "See You Again" (2023)
- "Takedown" (2023)
- "Let's Go Psycho!" (2024)
- "Glass Heart" (2024)
- "Still" (2024)
- "No Surrender" (2025)
- "Dreaming" (2025)
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Those Damn Crows". Earache. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
- ^ "Ones To Watch: Those Damn Crows". Planet Rock. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ Cooper, Ali (5 November 2018). "New Band Of The Week: Those Damn Crows". Metal Hammer Magazine. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ "Official Independent Album Breakers Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
- ^ a b "Green Day score fourth UK Number 1 album". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 February 2020.
- ^ "Charts analysis: Those Damn Crows triumph to secure first UK No.1 album | Analysis | Music Week".
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Those Damn Crows
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History
Formation and early years
Those Damn Crows formed in Bridgend, South Wales, in 2014, when childhood friends Shane Greenhall (vocals), Ronnie Huxford (drums), and Ian "Shiner" Thomas (guitar) reunited to start a new project after previous band experiences.[8][9] The trio, who had known each other since school and jammed at local pub nights as teenagers across Bridgend, Porthcawl, and nearby valleys, were later joined full-time by bassist Lloyd Wood.[10] Huxford and Thomas had initially worked on demos without rushing into a band, drawing from Huxford's earlier group Miss Conduct, which toured and signed a deal before disbanding.[8][9] The band's name originated from a personal anecdote shared by Huxford: during a visit to his father, who was frustratedly shooing away crows in the garden, Huxford was inspired to write a song titled "Those Damn Crows," which became the group's moniker.[8] Greenhall, who had pursued solo work with a publishing deal after earlier splits, rejoined as frontman following an unexpected reconnection with his old friends.[9] The core lineup focused on jamming and refining material at studios like Rockfield and Longwave, building a repertoire rooted in their shared rock influences amid the challenges of local life in Bridgend, including personal grief and community tragedies like a series of suicides.[8][10] In their early years, the band self-released their debut album, Murder and the Motive, in 2016, recording it independently to capture their raw energy.[11] Guitarist David Winchurch soon joined to expand the live sound, enabling performances at small venues and initial festival appearances, such as Planet Rock's Winter's End and Steelhouse Festival, where they honed their high-energy stage presence despite modest crowds.[9][12] These grassroots efforts, often to audiences of around 20 people at spots like London's Camden Barfly, laid the foundation for their growing reputation in the UK hard rock scene.[13]Rise to prominence and label signing
Those Damn Crows formed in Bridgend, Wales, in 2014, with vocalist Shane Greenhall, guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas, bassist Lloyd Wood, and drummer Ronnie Huxford as the core lineup, later joined by guitarist David Winchurch.[1] The band quickly established a presence in the Welsh rock scene through relentless live performances, starting with small club shows that often drew modest crowds of around 20 people, such as an early gig at London's Camden Barfly in 2015.[13] Their raw energy and anthemic hard rock sound began attracting attention from local fans and industry insiders, building a grassroots following via social media and independent tours across the UK.[14] In 2016, the band self-released their debut album, Murder and the Motive, independently through their own efforts, which showcased their blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks.[11] Following the release, Those Damn Crows hit the road extensively, supporting established acts and performing at major European festivals including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, and Sonisphere, which helped solidify their reputation as a dynamic live act. Media exposure accelerated their momentum; their single "Fear of the Broken" premiered exclusively on Kerrang.com, garnering critical praise for its gritty intensity and exposing the band to a broader rock audience.[2] This combination of touring, festival slots, and online buzz marked their steady ascent from local obscurity to national recognition in the hard rock circuit.[8] By early 2018, the band's growing profile led to a significant milestone when they signed a worldwide, multi-album deal with Nottingham-based independent label Earache Records.[1] The agreement, announced in June 2018, provided the resources for a polished re-release of Murder and the Motive later that year, produced by renowned engineer Mike Exeter (known for work with Judas Priest and Black Sabbath).[14] This partnership elevated their production quality and distribution, positioning Earache's highest-profile signing at the time as a cornerstone of the label's modern rock roster.[15] The deal not only validated their independent grind but also launched them toward mainstream festival circuits and international tours.[12]Mainstream breakthrough
Those Damn Crows achieved their mainstream breakthrough with the release of their second studio album, Point of No Return, on 7 February 2020 via Earache Records. The record debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, representing the band's first entry into the top 20 and a substantial leap from their self-released debut Murder and the Motive in 2016.[1][16] This success was driven by strong first-week sales and critical acclaim, with the album also reaching number 5 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. The 2018 Earache re-release of Murder and the Motive had previously charted at number 5 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. Critics praised Point of No Return for its high-energy hard rock anthems and polished production, positioning the band as a rising force in the UK scene. Louder described the album as the point where Those Damn Crows "hit escape velocity," highlighting tracks like "Wings of Salvation" and "Point of No Return" for their infectious riffs and anthemic choruses that captured the band's raw, valley-rooted intensity. The PRS Foundation recognized the album's impact by awarding the band a PPL Momentum Music Fund grant, citing its chart performance as evidence of growing momentum and enabling further touring investments.[16][17] The album's release propelled Those Damn Crows into larger venues and festival slots, despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, they performed at the Download Pilot festival—a limited-capacity, socially distanced event at Donington Park—delivering a set that included new material and solidified their live reputation among rock enthusiasts. This exposure, combined with virtual promotions and radio play, expanded their audience beyond niche metal circles, setting the stage for sold-out headline tours in 2022 and appearances on the main stage at Download Festival that year.[18]Recent success and God Shaped Hole
Following the release of their 2023 album Inhale/Exhale, which peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, Those Damn Crows embarked on an extensive touring schedule that solidified their growing international presence, including support slots for major acts like Hollywood Vampires and a headline UK club tour in March 2025.[19][20][1] This period marked a surge in their live performances, culminating in their first arena headline show in the UK on December 14, 2024, and a high-profile European tour with German rock band Böhse Onkelz, where they performed to 65,000 fans in Germany alone.[21][22] These tours not only expanded their fanbase but also built anticipation for their fourth studio album, demonstrating the band's evolution from south Wales club venues to major European stages.[23] God Shaped Hole, released on April 11, 2025, via Earache Records, represents a pivotal achievement in the band's decade-long career, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and marking their first chart-topping release.[24][6] The album outperformed entries from artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Sam Fender to secure the top spot, a milestone frontman Shane Greenhall described as "absolutely insane" after 10 years of persistence, emphasizing the deep connection with fans who propelled its success.[24][25] Produced with a focus on raw emotion and broad appeal, the record features 10 tracks blending hard rock anthems with introspective ballads, such as the lead single "The Night Train" and the dreamlike "Dreaming," which highlight the band's taut, punchy sound.[26][22] Thematically, God Shaped Hole delves into existential searches for meaning amid personal and global uncertainties, drawing from influences like relationships, religion, science, and technology, while addressing the "god-shaped holes" in modern life.[22] The title originated from an unreleased song written early in the band's history by Greenhall, revived during sessions that incorporated old demos and voice notes to capture authentic vulnerability—exemplified by the track "Still," recorded on a modest £120 Fender guitar.[22] Critically acclaimed for its emotional depth and sonic variety, the album earned a perfect 5/5 rating from reviewers, who praised it as a bold progression that broadens the band's appeal without compromising their rock roots.[27] Earache Records' head Tim Bailey noted the chart campaign's success as evidence of a sustainably built fanbase poised for long-term impact.[23] In the months following its release, God Shaped Hole fueled the band's most ambitious touring yet, including a UK headline tour in late 2025 with sold-out shows like the October 31 performance at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire, further cementing their status as a rising force in rock music.[28][29] This era of chart dominance and live momentum underscores Those Damn Crows' transition to mainstream prominence after years of grassroots effort.[24]Musical style and influences
Genre and sound
Those Damn Crows are a Welsh hard rock band known for their genre-bending sound that fuses heavy metal, grunge, and alternative rock elements.[30][14] Their music features pounding, ultra-melodic riffs with thick chugging guitars and anthemic choruses designed for arena-sized impact, drawing from the raw energy of 1970s and 1980s classic rock while incorporating modern post-grunge and progressive touches.[30][31] Frontman Shane Greenhall's versatile vocals often carry a southern-tinged grit reminiscent of American rock influences, blending soulful solos with high-energy delivery that evokes comparisons to Chris Cornell's intensity fused with Judas Priest's metallic edge.[14][31] The band's style emphasizes diversity, mixing mid-tempo rock grooves with fast-paced, riff-driven tracks that blur the lines between rock and metal.[14] Influences from acts like Iron Maiden, Nirvana, and Shinedown contribute to their eclectic approach, resulting in songs that alternate between fist-pumping hooks and brooding introspection.[14][31] On their debut album Murder and the Motive (2018), this manifests in cranking riffs and powerful bass lines that channel 1980s hard rock with 1990s punk edges, creating a contagious, sing-along vibe.[31] Evolving over subsequent releases, their sound has grown more polished and expansive, as seen in God Shaped Hole (2025), where buzz-saw heaviness meets cascading melodies, massive drums, and grunge squalls alongside acoustic interludes and Eddie Vedder-esque brooding.[32] This progression highlights their ability to balance light and dark dynamics, maintaining a core of raw emotion and stadium-ready anthems that solidify their place in contemporary British rock.[32]Key influences
Those Damn Crows draw from a diverse array of rock influences, blending classic heavy metal, grunge, and punk elements to shape their anthemic sound. Guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas has cited the "light and dark" dynamics of Nirvana as a core inspiration, particularly Kurt Cobain's songwriting approach that builds tension in verses before explosive choruses, which informs the band's dynamic structures.[33] Similarly, Greenhall's vocal style reflects the emotive phrasing of Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam and the soaring melodies of Chris Cornell from Soundgarden, adding raw intensity to tracks like those on Inhale/Exhale.[33] The band's rhythmic foundation owes much to punk and alternative rock pioneers. Drummer Ronnie Huxford highlights his upbringing with Nirvana and the Seattle grunge scene, alongside Dave Grohl's energetic style in Foo Fighters, which influences the band's high-energy, sing-along choruses reminiscent of tracks like "Everlong."[34] Punk acts such as The Offspring, Pennywise, and NoFX also play a role, contributing to the rebellious drive in songs like "Spit & Choke," while Huxford draws drumming techniques from Roger Taylor of Queen and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters.[20][14] Classic and modern hard rock further enrich their palette, with references to Iron Maiden and Judas Priest for heavy riffs, Metallica's James Hetfield for guitar tone, and contemporary bands like Alter Bridge, Black Stone Cherry, and Shinedown for their arena-ready hooks.[14] Guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas admires the rhythmic pulse of The Clash and Biffy Clyro's chord voicings, emphasizing space over flashy solos to prioritize vocals, a philosophy echoed in producer Dan Weller's modern twists on 1980s and 1990s shades.[33][34] This eclectic mix, including nods to Queen via Freddie Mercury and even Phil Collins' double-kick patterns, underscores the band's "American vibe" rooted in broad rock heritage.[35][20]Band members
Current lineup
The current lineup of Those Damn Crows, stable since soon after the band's formation in 2014, features five core members who contribute to their hard rock sound through vocals, guitars, bass, and drums.[1][30]- Shane Greenhall – lead vocals, providing the band's charismatic frontman presence and lyrical delivery central to their anthemic style.[36][22]
- Ian "Shiner" Thomas – guitar, one half of the band's guitar duo responsible for riff-driven melodies and harmonies.[37][38]
- David Winchurch – guitar, complementing Thomas with dual guitar work that emphasizes the group's '70s and '80s hard rock influences.[38][30]
- Lloyd Wood – bass guitar, anchoring the rhythm section with solid low-end support for live and recorded performances.[37][1]
- Ronnie Huxford – drums, driving the band's energetic tempo and contributing to their reputation as a powerhouse live act.[20][39]
Former members
Those Damn Crows have maintained a stable lineup since their formation in 2014, with no recorded departures or former members. The band originally formed as a quartet consisting of vocalist Shane Greenhall, guitarist Ian "Shiner" Thomas, bassist Lloyd Wood, and drummer Ronnie Huxford, with guitarist David Winchurch joining soon after to complete the quintet, which has remained consistent throughout the band's career, contributing to their cohesive sound and rise in the rock scene.[1][30]Discography
Studio albums
Those Damn Crows have released four studio albums through Earache Records, each showcasing their evolution from raw hard rock roots to polished anthemic sounds, with progressively stronger commercial performance in the UK charts.| Title | Released | UK Albums Chart peak | UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murder and the Motive | 5 October 2018 | 63 | 5 |
| Point of No Return | 7 February 2020 | 14 | 2 |
| Inhale / Exhale | 17 February 2023 | 3 | 1 |
| God Shaped Hole | 11 April 2025 | 1 | 1 |