Clear Share All Channels

Show Queue

ReverbNation Channels

Select a Music Channel to Get Started

Global Chart Toppers Local Chart Toppers Trending Artists Alt/Rock/Indie Electro/Pop/Dance HipHop/Rap/R&B Featured Artists My Favorites Custom Channel

Show Queue

12:123

Not listening to anything?

Try one of the ReverbNation Channels

Wat Rabbit Hole Go deeper
What's This?

Birch Hill Dam

Rank #105 North Billerica, MA Rock / Metal / Stoner Rock

All Photos

About

Members: Mike Nygard - Vocals, Sam Barrett - Guitar, Matt Neely - Drums, Pete Gelles - Bass, Peter Rutcho - Keys/Guitar

Label: n/a

Manager: Nate Franklin (Revitalize the Scene)

Bio: Birch Hill Dam is a heavy rock n roll band, located in the dense forests of Massachusetts. Their first full length album, which is self titled, was released in early 2009. The band has recently released their 2nd full length album, titled "Colossus", and are currently playing out in support of ... See Full Bio

More Info

Status

: Next show!!!! Gonna rule!!!! http://t.co/MhnPeBpxV7

Press

“Massachusetts' Birch Hill Dam threw me for a loop when I heard their self-titled album. I absolutely fell in love with this band's music. I stand by the statement I made then that “Birch Hill Dam have monster grooves that will roll you over like that boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Much like on their debut album Birch Hill Dam make good use of their time. Less is so much more; just because you can fit 80 minutes worth of music onto an album- doesn’t mean you have to. Quality over quantity wins each and every time. Birch Hill Dam knocked it out of the park so to speak with Colossus which has proved to be an earth moving monstrosity of epic proportions.”

— Ruben Mosqueda, Rock & Rolla Zine

“This just in: Birch Hill Dam in Massachusetts is at its highest flood stage since 2008. The US Army Corps of Engineers has opened the floodgates once again and thick rock/metal is now overflowing into the surrounding area and across much of the world. All residents are advised to enjoy every bit of it. I know I am. I feel Colossus, the sophomore album by Birch Hill Dam, is just that - it's titanic. I love the chunky, southern-influenced metal riffs and heavy-duty drumming by Sam Barrett and Matt Neely. Mike Nygard is dynamic and he can sing any style he wants, but what really blows me away is the gnarly bass-playing by Pete Gelles. I think he's is such a standout on this album. I told you a while back about some rookie starters who I added to my rock/metal roster. Well, Birch Hill Dam have worked their asses off and they're my new starting forward right now. Listen to Colossus (June '11) for yourself at Bandcamp and then buy the album if you haven't already. And tell your friends.”

— Hedbuzz, The Ripple Effect

"Now check this out!" proclaims Birch Hill Dam's lead man Mike Nygard on Colossus' title track. Birch Hill Dam are a four piece from Gardner, Massachusetts, but generate a groovy sound suggestive of southern metaler's Corrosion of Conformity, Crowbar, and Pantera. Vocals are sung cleanly throughout Colossus, but Mike will release a Massachusetts hardcore scream sporadically [and perfectly timed]. Sam Barrett [guitars], Matt Neely [drums], and Pete Gelles [bass] accent each other and Mike's vocals, resulting in a colossal noise. A noise that can only lead to one, beer, two, head banging and three, driving ridiculously fast. If you are looking for some heavy southern inspired metal, a drag of stoner rock, and catchy hooks Birch Hill Dam will not disappoint.

— Zac, Heavy Planet

“How about some hard rocking southern metal for today? Well if that’s your cup of tea, then Fitchburg, Massachusetts’ own Birch Hill Dam is right up your alley. They have recently released their latest album Colossus for download through Bandcamp. Colossus is 50% part hard rock, 50% part southern metal and 100% kick ass. At times, it even feels a little bit sludgy with “Slavedriver” and gets groovy like with the track “Threatening Skies.” It’s a little bit heavier than a Devil to Pay album, on par with a Forged in Flame album and at times, a little like Down. The band isn’t afraid to let it all out and have a good time with it as it shows in the music. It was well written and mastered and the quality of the album is pretty damn good. This is an enjoyable album, especially if you like your music up and in your face the entire time. You can stream the entire album (below) and get your own copy from their Bandcamp page.”

— The Soda Shop, The Soda Shop

“Nomen est omen. This album is colossal. Birch Hill Dam is a heavy rock band from Massachusetts and they released their sophomore album Colossus. The music on Colossus takes the same line as Alabama Thunderpussy, House of Broken Promises and Down of course. Colossus comes straight from the heart with 100 percent groove, roaring growls, southern guitar solo for which Pepper Keenan hasn't to be ashamed of and now and then Birch Hill Dam embed a 70's hard rock organ into their sound. Birch Hill Dam flex their muscles. Stoner southern metal at full throttle kicks your ass with the sound of a V8 engine. Let’s burn rubber, baby!”

— Captain Beyond Zen, Captain Beyond - Blogspot

“Holy shit, are these guys brutal. It’s the first thing I thought when I heard them at the Middle East in Cambridge and it’s only reinforced listening to their album. And this is coming from a guy who’s got plenty of metal in his veins. The album starts with a punch to the teeth and a kick to the spine, and keeps going from there. You can’t keep this on anything less than 11 if you want to really appreciate it. Vocalist Mike Nygard’s somewhat gravelly voice runs right alongside the pulsing drum work of Matt Neely, the ripping bass of Pete Gelles, and Sam Barrett’s shredding guitar. Big props go to Damage Studios for the crystal clear sound of Colossus. This album doesn’t lose a step throughout all nine floor-punching tracks. While not all the songs are fast-paced, every one bleeds raw sound and gives the audience some musical gristle to chew on. This one’s pure power, and if you ever have the pleasure of catching Birch Hill Dam live, I dare you to try and stand still. Ca”

— Max Bowen, The Noise - Boston

“Birch Hill Dam is a stoner/doom/southern metal band from the north (North Billerica, MA) and apparently they are currently unsigned. After giving a listen to “Colossus” I cannot imagine they will stay unsigned long. This has got to be one of the best independent releases I’ve heard in awhile. If you told me this album came out on a label I wouldn’t think twice about it; “Colossus” sounds a lot better than albums I’ve heard from good sized labels, so congrats to them on a job well done. I highly recommend this album (which you can pick up on iTunes BTW). Somebody please sign these guys!”

— Rock Music Critic, Rock Music Critic

".....stand out tracks “Thunderbuns Malone” and “Searching for Mercy” feature the strongest songwriting and barroom brawl-inducing riffs. Fuzzed out guitar shredding chicanery, jackhammer drums… you get the picture."

— HeavyThisAxe, StonerRock.com

"You’ll smell the burning asphalt on the also revisited, “Gasoline Fiend”; a lightning quick stoner burst packing a helluva groove and mighty chorus. If Fu Manchu hasn’t had you in the mood to get on the road recently then this will be your new soundtrack."

— Jay Snyder, Hellride Music

"I find Birch Hill Dam to be a breath of fresh air and a change of pace from the generic, predictable post nu-metal core that has become the current trend. Birch Hill Dam is an impressive band and they delivered one hell of an impressive record that I think you should all check out."

— Ruben Mosqueda, Pivitol Alliance

".....The name was the first thing that caught me on this one. I like it: different, geographical, can stand the test of time, not getting dated. And the music deserves it."

— Ray Dorsey, Ray's Realm

".....The only flaw i found in this release is that it made me leave my house and go out to buy more beers! Excellent stuff guys!"

— Andrew, Harm Magazine

".....Keeping your head too close to the speakers while "Bed of Nails," plays is akin to holding one ear next to a howitzer cannon. "Seedling," erupts out next, nary a missed beat, disintegrating any grey matter that happens to be left behind."

— Racer, The Ripple Effect

".....the best way to describe their sound is that they are very organic rock n roll that's heavily distorted, gritty, dirty, rough around the edges, & the music on this cd is pure, simple, honest to god rock n roll...no polished pop, no hit singles, no bs., just good hard rock music!"

— Bob Suehs, Rock N Roll Experience

All Press

Songs

Play All | Queue All | Share All

Fathoms Below

Share Buy
Boozehound

Share Download Buy
Searching for Mercy

Share Download Buy

All Songs

Videos

All Videos

Shows

Full-Screen View »

Sat
Jun 1

Ralphs Diner
Worcester, MA, US | 8:00pm
Ralphs Diner
Worcester, MA, US
Sat Jun 01 8:00pm
- Show Details
- Tickets
Details

https://www.facebook.com/WhitcombMaine?ref=hl#!/events/470649519667221/

All Shows

Store

All Store Items

No Store Items (hidden to fans).

Comments

Add Comment

Bobby McIntyre
very cool music you guys have
Sound Stage Development
Fathoms Below = epic
Gunpowder Temple
Hey there! We dig your stuff. Very cool. We are a rock band as well from Orlando, Florida. Trying to connect with other cool bands in our genre. Check us out if you have the...
SKULLDRON
Great show last night!!! David-SKULLDRON
Ichabod
Birch Hill Dam & Ichabod on 1/14/2012 is going to be a great Rock N' Roll kick off for 2012!!!
Dimentianon
Looking forward to tearing it up next weekend!!!