Jex Thoth

Jex Thoth

Jex Thoth is a psychedelic rock and doom metal band based in Madison, USA. It begins in 2007 under the name Totem, and after releasing an EP under that name the group changes to Jex Thoth, taking its name from frontwoman and vocalist Jessica Bowen.

Formation and membership

The project starts as a collaboration between Jessica Bowen and songwriter James Jackson Toth, who leads the experimental psych-folk act Wooden Wand. In its early period the band uses stage names, with Bowen as Jex Thoth, Toth as Grim Jim, Glenn Donaldson of The Skygreen Leopards as Silas Paine, Clay Ruby as Zodiac, and later Nick Johnson as Johnny Dee. Bowen and drummer Nick Johnson remain the only original members. Over time the band also includes a rotating cast of Madison musicians, among them Brandon Newhouse and Matt Jacobs.

Style and releases

Jex Thoth draws on the heavy sound of Black Sabbath and the more experimental psychedelic approach of Amon Düül II. The band debuts in 2008 with a self-titled album built around dense psychedelic acid rock, mythological lyrics and prominent riffs. Blood Moon Rise appears in 2013 and takes a dreamier, more polished direction, with a gentler, more wandering feel and a balance of pop and metal elements. Randall Dunn produces the album.

Sound and vocals

Jessica Bowen’s vocals are a defining part of the band’s sound and remain its central feature across its releases.