The Denver-based band Flahoola is set to release their debut album on Halloween, October 31, 2023, followed by a live performance at the Oriental Theater on Saturday, November 1. The group, consisting of bassist-vocalist John Napier, guitarist Cole Helman, and drummer Jaydon Kershner, is blending heavy metal influences with an engaging Halloween theme for their release event.
Napier shared a haunting memory that inspired the band’s high-energy sound. He described a recurring nightmare from his youth in which he was pursued by a Formula 1 driver wearing a white helmet adorned with an Italian flag. This dream plagued him for several years, only subsiding when he experienced his first lucid dream and turned the tables on his imaginary predator. “I had to turn it back on him. It was crazy,” he recalled.
The release party aims to be a vibrant celebration, encouraging fans to come in costume for a chance to win a contest. Kershner emphasized the interactive nature of the event, promising a lively atmosphere without crossing into anything overly theatrical. “We’re trying to make it a big Halloween party,” he said, assuring attendees that it would be more fun than frightening.
Flahoola, whose name derives from an old Irish term referring to a “vulgar woman,” has been gaining traction in the local music scene for nearly a decade. The band began as a collaboration between Napier and Kershner, with Helman joining in 2022. Since then, they have crafted a distinctive style that melds traditional metal, classic rock, and stoner-doom influences.
Kershner explained the band’s motivation to release their music, noting the frequent inquiries from fans after live shows. “People would ask, ‘You guys have so much energy, where can I find your music?’ and we’d have to be like, ‘Nowhere yet,’” he laughed.
In anticipation of the album, Flahoola has been releasing singles since June, with several tracks now available. Among them is the Stephen King-inspired piece “TommyKnocker,” which showcases the band’s ability to capture the raw energy of their live performances. Kershner described the recording process, stating that most songs were tracked live to maintain authenticity. The band pushed themselves to explore new tempos, resulting in a track that is both energetic and unique.
Reflecting on their creative direction, Helman remarked, “It’s a more trippy, transcendental thing,” referring to the thematic elements of their music. The upcoming album also features “Frankenstein’s Hell,” a rock opera told from the perspective of the iconic monster.
Looking ahead, the band has plans to return to the studio to record more material. For now, however, the best way to experience Flahoola is live. “It’s not intentional,” Helman concluded, “but it’s rock and roll.”
Fans can catch Flahoola live with supporting acts Tongue Hammer, Nova Nights, and Shwarma at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, at the Oriental Theater, located at 4335 West 44th Ave, Denver. The band invites everyone to join in the celebration as they formally introduce their music to the world.
