Thou Merciless Graves is a three-woman band:Growler Graves [lead vocals, tenor resonator guitar, songwriting], Mizzen Graves [synths, backing vocals, keytar, production] and Shearwater Graves [viola, backing vocals, mandolin]. Drawing inspiration from classic maritime folk by the likes of Stan Rogers and Gordon Bok, gothic folk doom artists like Chelsea Wolfe and Emma Ruth Rundle, and Growler’s childhood growing up on a small sailboat in the North Atlantic, Thou Merciless Graves seeks to tell stories of the horrors and wonders of the ocean with doomy synths, resonant string drones, unconventional guitar stylings and emotional, powerful vocals meant to be heard over the waves.

We’re also a performance art collective, working with a fluctuating cast of burlesque, dance and circus artists to create surreal, immersive performances alongside our live music. From flesh-eating mermaids to mysterious sea beasts to giant eels and glowing jellyfish, our performers create compelling characters to embody the stories we tell onstage.

Depending on the venue and the bill, we may play a music-only set, undertake a full production with video art, puppetry, and full costumes and stage performances, or something in between. Regardless of what you’re looking to see on stage, Thou Merciless Graves promises to make it memorable.