20 Buck Spin first heard Samothrace at a party in Austin during SXSW 2007. It was a crude rehearsal recording, but the label instantly recognized how amazing these songs were and was soon in touch with the Lawrence, Kansas band to release their debut record.  Samothrace plays ultra-heavy doom with harsh, alcohol-soaked vocals. A somber melodic sense also permeates the four long tracks on the record--not in the overused, weepy Euro-doom tradition, but distinctly Midwestern, soulful, and blues-inflected. The songs shimmer with desperation, hopelessness, and pain. The melodic interplay of guitarist Bryan Spinks and Renata Castagna is distinct for such a heavy doom band, and each song is meticulously crafted for maximum emotional impact.  With several US tours under their belts, Samothrace have already familiarized themselves to their audience and won over doom fanatics across the country. With an upcoming 70-date Fall tour, the band will be out in heavy support of Life's Trade during 2008, with more US and Europe touring planned for early 2009. Recorded and mixed by Sanford Parker (Buried At Sea, Pelican, Nachtmystium), Life's Trade rates as a stunning debut by a band soon to be on top of the doom genre.