THE DRONES
Havilah (2LP) | New | Order
Bang! Records is proud to present the double vinyl reissue of Havilah, the fourth studio album by The Drones, originally released in 2008. A cult classic in Australian alternative rock, now returning in a limited analog edition, perfect for experiencing the raw intensity and unique energy of this essential band.
An album born from isolation and introspection. Recorded in a remote sub-alpine forest cabin in Victoria, Australia, Havilah was created in total seclusion from the outside world. Without conventional electricity—only diesel generators and sheer determination—The Drones crafted an album deeply connected to the rugged landscape surrounding them. That untamed energy seeps into every note, giving the record an unfiltered, visceral quality that few albums can match.
In Havilah, the band, led by Gareth Liddiard, expands its sonic scope, blending punk blues, noise rock, dark folk, and garage rock with raw emotional intensity. Liddiard’s exceptional lyrical craft shines throughout the album, exploring mystery, doom, and existential struggles in songs that weave between allegory and stark reality.
A powerful, dark, and majestic record. From the ferocious opener “Nail It Down” and the hypnotic “The Minotaur” to the melancholic and devastating “Careful as You Go”, Havilah offers an immersive, intense, and uncompromising musical journey. The Guardian called it “an outstanding record, full of endless pleasures and pains to be uncovered,” while AllMusic recognized it as one of the most significant works in modern Australian rock.
Produced by the band themselves along with Burke Reid, the album delivers an organic, atmospheric, and unpolished sound, reinforcing its haunting nature. With influences ranging from The Birthday Party and Sonic Youth to Neil Young, The Drones crafted a timeless masterpiece, where harsh sonic textures coexist with melodic, narrative-driven moments.
A must-have vinyl reissue. Celebrated both in Australia and internationally, Havilah was nominated for the 2008 J Award for Album of the Year and later recognized in 2011 as one of the 100 greatest Australian albums of all time.
Now, Bang! Records is bringing this landmark album back in a high-quality double vinyl edition, offering fans and collectors the chance to experience Havilah in its purest and most authentic form. A sonic testament to a band at its peak—an album that remains as urgent and emotionally gripping as the day it was released.
Don’t miss your chance to own this limited edition. A record that, much like the place where it was created, is a wild and enigmatic territory filled with gold.