Confessor, a technical doom metal band from the United States of America, was formed in 1986 by high school friends Cary Rowells, Scott Jeffreys, Graham Fry, Brian, and Jim Shoaf. The initial lineup featured Carl Rowells on bass, Graham Fry and Brian Shoaf on guitars, Jim Shoaf on drums, and Scott Jeffreys as the vocalist. Shortly after formation, Jim Shoaf was replaced by Steve Shelton, who brought diverse influences from doom metal and progressive rock to the band's sound. Between 1986 and 1990, Confessor released three demos while attempting to secure a record deal. In 1991, they signed with Earache Records and released their debut album Condemned, which received mixed reviews but is now considered a visionary work in the doom metal genre. The band embarked on the Gods-of-Grind Tour with Cathedral, Entombed, and Carcass. Following internal changes and a hiatus, Confessor reunited in 2005, released Unraveled and several EPs.
