Biography

A long-running epic doom-metal group with a propensity toward ornate, classical-influenced arrangements, Virginia's While Heaven Wept was founded in 1989 by vocalist, guitarist, and sole constant member Tom Phillips. The band elicited acclaim in the metal underground for 2003's Of Empires Forlorn and 2009's Vast Oceans Lachrymose, the latter of which adopted a more muscular and progressive style. Subsequent efforts Fear of Infinity (2011) and Suspended at Aphelion (2014) continued to explore metal sub-genres, weaving elements of thrash and darkwave into the group's mournful and expansive Baroque-doom sound. The concept for While Heaven Wept started brewing in late 1989. It wasn't until five years later, though, that Tom Phillips (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Gabe Funston (bass), and Jon Paquin (drums) recorded Lovesongs of the Forsaken -- the group's first EP of despondent, classic doom. Unable to complete a follow-up album to his satisfaction, Phillips briefly worked with British doomsters Solstice before revitalizing While Heaven Wept and finalizing 1998's Sorrow of the Angels LP. Chapter One: 1989-1999 -- a career retrospective on double vinyl -- was issued in 2002, setting the stage for 2003's well-received Of Empires Forlorn, which achieved a new low in melancholy with its orchestrated take on doom metal. While Heaven Wept's sophomore long-player, 2009's acclaimed Vast Oceans Lachrymose, took a bolder, more progressive approach to the genre, an attitude the band explored further on their first outing for Nuclear Blast, 2011's potent and complex Fear of Infinity. 2014's ambitious Suspended at Aphelion saw the band deliver a concept album composed of one song with 11 movements. In 2019 the band celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a series of European festival appearances and a seasoned lineup comprised of past and present members of Altura, Solstice, Twisted Tower Dire, Revelation, October 31, and Brave, among others. ~ James Christopher Monger, Rovi