ARTISTS

Lamniformes

Ian Cory & Friends

Genre: Indie Rock Sludge / Post-Hardcore / Post-Rock
Home: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Associated Acts: Bellows, Humeysha, Gabby’s World (Eskimeaux), Small Wonder
For Fans Of: Old Man Gloom, Mount Eerie, Neurosis, A Silver Mt. Zion

Press Photos at bottom of page

Biography

Lamniformes (pronounced "Lam-neh-forms"), the songwriting project of multi-instrumentalist Ian Cory, has its feet in two worlds. Informed as much by Cory’s experience in the Brooklyn indie rock circuit as by his love for the sounds of sludge and post-metal, Lamniformes is a band that defies easy categorization. Picture Old Man Gloom writing bedroom pop, or Mount Eerie on a Neurosis binge. Lamniformes’ 2019 release, ‘Sisyphean’ is both heartbreaking and head-banging, an achingly beautiful collection that combines melody with soul-crushing distortion.

To bring these six songs to life, Cory recruited a crack team of musicians from Chicago’s art rock scene and the world of Brooklyn indie pop. Recorded at Chicago’s Pallet Sound studio by Seth Engel (Options, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya) and featuring performances from members of Gabby’s World, Bellows, and Small Wonder, ‘Sisyphean’ is the product of a multi-regional musical community. The record’s sonic landscape reflects this communal effort. Cellos, organs, and electric piano share space with booming electric guitars and Cory’s own drumming. Above it all are layered vocals and midi programming that give the album a distinct melancholy tone.

Despite taking its name from Albert Camus’ absurdist essay ‘The Myth Of Sisyphus,’ ‘Sisyphean’ isn’t an academic affair. Cory’s lyrics are rooted in the issues of modern life, including physical and mental health, addiction, toxic relationships, and the struggle to find hope in hopeless situations. The combination of these human themes with Lamniformes’ cathartic music makes ‘Sisyphean’ an album for both the head and the heart. It was released March 15th 2019 on limited edition cassette via Furious Hooves, and digitally worldwide.

Ian Cory broke down each track from ‘Sisyphean’ for New Noise Magazine and a “director’s commentary” for Scene Point Blank which are definitely both worth the read.

Ian Cory always employs an “it takes a village” approach to bring his evocative blend of post-metal and indie rock to life, and has said he would be nothing without collaboration. His 2021 record ‘You Can’t Do This Alone’ takes that impulse to its logical extreme, bringing in six musicians to transform his songs (many taken from ‘Sisyphean’) into entirely new compositions.

Ian Kory also has his own podcast entitled Lamniformes Radio where he interviews other musicians, as well as another podcast that he co-hosts with Joseph Schafer entitled The Human Instrumentality Podcast where they discuss the anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Press & Accolades

“[‘Sisyphean’] finds Ian exploring the atmospheric side of his musical instincts, whether that's something reminiscent of the crushing post-metal of Neurosis or the slow-burning instrumentals of This Will Destroy You, Lamniformes is all about riding a vibe out to its full conclusion.”
- No Echo, from “Lamniformes Create a Headphone Dreamscape” for premiere of ‘Sisyphean’ LP.

"Equal parts post-metal soundscape exploration and emotional, striving indie rock."
– Scene Point Blank, from “Director’s Commentary” on ‘Sisyphean’ LP.

"The gorgeous Noumenah remix of Lamniformes‘ track “Deep Despair In Covington, KY” feels like it’s lifting me out of today so I can see the full timeline of my life.... It’s dreamy and disorienting in a way that makes me think of that light we all walk into when we exit the physical realm."
– Cvlt Nation, premiere of “Deep Despair In Covington, KY (Noumenah Mix)” from self-released ‘You Can’t Do This Alone’ LP.