Weedeater

Weedeater is a sludge and stoner metal group from Wilmington, North Carolina, United States. Formed in 1998, it is led by bassist and vocalist Dave “Dixie” Collins, who originally intends it as a side project while he is involved with Buzzov•en before making Weedeater his main focus.

Line-up and history

The band’s early line-up includes Collins with guitarist Dave “Shep” Shepherd and drummer Keith “Keko” Kirkum. Over time, the group’s membership includes Keith Kirkum, Dave Collins, Travis Owen, Ramzi Ateyeh and Dave Shepherd. Weedeater remains active from 1998 to the present.

The group releases its debut album ...And Justice for Y'all in 2001, followed by Sixteen Tons in 2003. Both albums appear on Berserker Records. After that release, the band moves to Southern Lord Records for God Luck and Good Speed, which later receives a deluxe double LP edition.

Recordings and style

Weedeater records its fourth album, Jason...The Dragon, with producer Steve Albini after a number of delays caused by injuries within the band. The album is released in 2011. Its later album Goliathan appears in 2015. The band also works with artist Arik Roper on album covers.

The group is generally described as sludge metal, stoner metal and doom metal, and it is also associated with the label “weed metal” because of its lyrical themes. Its sound includes acoustic elements in songs such as “Woe’s Me” and “Kira May” from Sixteen Tons.

Labels and live activity

Weedeater later joins Season of Mist, which reissues the band’s earlier albums digitally. The group also appears on tour and at festivals, including a slot at Hellfest in 2010, and it supports Down on the road.