Photo by Matt Meiller
Canadian doom outfit returns with a four-year-in-the-making album exploring cycles of trauma and addiction
Canadian doom metal band Yeti on Horseback have confirmed the release of their upcoming full-length album, Traditional Addictions, arriving July 24. Alongside the announcement, the London, Ontario-based group has unveiled the record’s lead single, “Erotic Goth Dad,” offering an early look at the band’s evolving sound and thematic direction.
Known for their dense, riff-driven approach to doom, Yeti on Horseback have built a reputation within underground heavy music circles for blending sludge-laden instrumentation with stark, often unsettling subject matter. Their sound draws from the lineage of genre staples like Sleep, Electric Wizard, Yob, and Melvins, while maintaining a distinct identity shaped by layered vocals and a focus on emotional weight.
Traditional Addictions marks the band’s first full-length release since their 2016 debut, The Great Dying, which earned recognition from outlets including Metal Injection, who previously described the group as “doom’s hope for the future.” The new album was recorded over a four-year period with producer Greg Dawson at BWC Studios, a collaboration the band credits with pushing their creative boundaries.
In a collective statement, Yeti on Horseback describe the album as a natural progression from their earlier material, emphasizing a more refined and cohesive sonic approach. They note that working with Dawson helped elevate the recording process, allowing the band to develop a thicker, more focused sound while maintaining the crushing heaviness that defines their style.
Thematically, Traditional Addictions centers on the interconnected cycles of trauma and addiction, examining how each perpetuates the other across generations. The band structured the album to reflect these ideas, with each side contributing to an overarching narrative that moves between cause and consequence.
The newly released track “Erotic Goth Dad” serves as the album’s closing piece and a key thematic statement. According to vocalist S.S., the song addresses abuse within religious institutions, particularly focusing on generational trauma tied to authority and faith. He explains that the track was intentionally placed at the end of the record to bring the album’s narrative full circle while also hinting at the band’s future musical direction.
Founding member R.P. describes the song as one of the band’s most ambitious compositions to date, noting its density and emotional intensity. Despite its weight, he adds that the track contains memorable melodic elements, positioning it as a standout moment within the album.
Visually, Traditional Addictions is complemented by artwork created in collaboration with Jes Dunn of Ad Astra Tattoo. The presentation takes on a field journal-inspired aesthetic designed to reinforce the album’s themes. The vinyl edition will be pressed on 180-gram wax at 45 RPM and includes an art insert intended to expand the listener’s experience beyond the music itself.
The album will be available in both digital and vinyl formats, with preorders currently open through the band’s Bandcamp page.
Yeti on Horseback are also scheduled to appear at select live dates in Ontario this year, including a performance alongside Napalm Death and Primitive Man at London Music Hall on June 4. Another hometown appearance is set for August 20 as part of the London City of Music Concerts series.
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Looking Ahead
With Traditional Addictions, Yeti on Horseback appear to be building on the foundation established by their debut while refining both their sound and thematic focus. The extended recording process and collaboration with Greg Dawson suggest a deliberate step forward for the band, positioning this release as a significant moment in their ongoing development within the doom metal landscape.
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Tour Dates
6/04/2026 – London Music Hall – London, ON w/ Napalm Death, Primitive Man
8/20/2026 – London City of Music Concerts – London, ON w/ Kapitur
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Track Listing
Drug Addict
Mariner’s Lament
Through With This Flesh
Erotic Goth Dad
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Release Information
Traditional Addictions – Out July 24
Formats: Vinyl (180g, 45 RPM) and Digital
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Band Lineup
S.M. – bass, vocals
E.T. – drums
S.S. – vocals, soundscapes
R.P. – vocals, guitar
M.S. – lead guitar
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