Heathen Apostles

Heathen Apostles

Heathen Apostles are a gothic Americana band from Los Angeles, California, active since 2013. Their sound draws on alt-country, southern gothic, gothic country and Americana, with a dark roots approach that combines older American vernacular styles with a contemporary Los Angeles setting.

The group forms around Mather Louth, who sings and performs with the project, and Chopper Franklin, a punk rock veteran who plays guitar and has links to The Cramps and Charley Horse. Thomas Lorioux of The Kings of Nuthin’ later joins the line-up on upright bass.

The band’s debut release, Boot Hill Hymnal, is shaped around murder ballads, Americana and themes of mortality. It is built from Southern gothic imagery and features minor-key banjo, mandolin and violin arrangements, alongside Louth’s vocal delivery. The record is presented as a cohesive statement of the group’s style and approach.

Heathen Apostles’ name and image are closely tied to dark, dust bowl-influenced Americana, with songs and presentation that look back to a bygone period of American history while remaining rooted in Los Angeles.