While Heaven Wept

While Heaven Wept (often abbreviated as WHW) is an epic doom metal band based in Dale City, Virginia, USA. The primary writer and overall engine of the band is mainman Tom Phillips. Their melodic, classically influenced style could be compared to bands such as Solitude Aeturnus and Solstice (the latter of which Tom Phillips is a former member); however, 2003's acclaimed Of Empires Forlorn saw the band branching out into a variety of metal and progressive styles. This trend is to continue on their forthcoming album, Vast Oceans Lachrymose. Some early material by the band even featured vocals in the growling, death metal style (despite employing melodic vocals from the onset), but Phillips's clean delivery has since become one of the defining characteristics of the group. However, he turns over the role of lead singer to new vocalist Rain Irving for the forthcoming album to focus on the guitar.

While Heaven Wept's lyrics have traditionally dealt with sorrowful matters, namely, personal loss and despondency.

Members

Current

Tom Phillips (ex-Solstice, ex-Twisted Tower Dire, ex-Brave) - vocals, guitars, keyboards
Jim Hunter (Twisted Tower Dire, October 31, Revelation) - bass
Scott Loose (Brave, Human Theory) - guitars
Trevor Schrotz (Brave) - drums
Michelle Schrotz (Brave) - keyboards
Rain Irving (Altura) - vocals

Former

Jason Gray (ex-Forty Days Longing) - drums
Jon Paquin - drums
Danny Ingerson - bass
Gabe Funston - bass
Phil bloxam - (ex-Hellion - DC underground metal band) - drums
Jake Bodnar - Keyboards

WHW has had numerous line-up changes over the years

. Interviewers to this day continue to ask Phillips for the history of said changes, which is somewhat comical.

Discography

Cover for 2002's Chapter One: 1989-1999 Retrospective

Into the Wells of Sorrow 7" - Open Eye Records (1994)
Lovesongs of the Forsaken - Promo (1994)
Lovesongs of the Forsaken EP - Sinistrari Records (1995)
The Mourning split 7" with Cold Mourning, Game Two Records 1997
Sorrow of the Angels - Eibon Records (1998)
Chapter One: 1989-1999 2x LP Retrospective - Metal Supremacy Records (2002)
The Drowning Years 7" Single - Maniacal Records (2002)
Of Empires Forlorn - Eibon Records (2003 Limited Edition), Rage of Achilles Records (2003), Rock Machine Records (2003 South American Pressing)
Vast Oceans Lachrymose - Cruz Del Sur Music (2009)

Compilation Appearances

At the Mountains of Madness (features "Into the Wells of Sorrow") - Miskatonic Foundation (1999)
Knuckletracks XLV (features "The Drowning Years") - Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles Magazine (2002)
Obskure Sombre Records Doom Fuzz Compilation 2003 (features "The Drowning Years" single version) - Obskure Sombre Records (2003)

Signed Music Artists