Dead Hearts Saints bio (2008)

Dead Heart Saints bio
Bio written by Rei Nishimoto

Creating music from the soul and the gut is what most musicians strive for. Sometimes returning to the basics is where the inspiration lies. Dead Heart Saints is a band that fuses powerful rock melodies with driving punk rhythms, without losing any of the edge.

Drawing from a variety of musical influences, ranging from Led Zeppelin to Soundgarden to Radiohead, gives an idea of where the inspiration comes from. Songs like ‘When You Fall’ and ‘In The Light’ represent solid tunes filled with melody and a guitar driven sound, while ‘All I Said’ and ‘Saints of Nowhere’ are a guitar driven tune full of groove. Plus frontman Mark MacIntosh (aka Mac)’s lyrics touch upon a wide variety of subjects, from deep personal experiences to religious issues. But with his distinctive vocal style wrapped around the music, there is something special about to happen here. Some of their deepest, darkest music has yet to be written.

Inspired by bassist Marcelo D. Rapp (aka Cello D9), he began creating his own music after moving in a different direction than what he was doing with veteran metal band Soulfly. Finding his role within the band limiting, he eventually parted ways. Understanding how difficult it is to succeed in the music business, he felt the need to move forward and face this head on.

He was briefly in Abloom with former Soulfly bandmates, guitarist Mikey Doling (Snot, Invitro) and drummer Roy Mayorga (Stone Sour); along with vocalist Jasan Radford and guitarist Levon Sultanian (Onesidezero). They recorded 3 demos produced by Shavo Odajian (System of a Down), which became highly acclaimed by the music media. But internal conflicts prematurely ended the band, landing Cello to start over from scratch.

In January 2007, former bandmate and friend Jasan introduced Cello to MacIntosh and guitarist Jason Berkman (aka JB). They were also looking to start a new band following the end of their band, Dempsey. The three began writing music and discovered that there was chemistry between them. They later added drummer Trevor Statfford (aka T.Rex), formerly of Shuvel (Interscope Records) and played their debut show at the Malibu Inn in Malibu, CA, impressing the local viewers with their charismatic live performance.

Dead Heart Saints is current playing in all California regions and will be playing abroad soon. For all the latest updates, please visit http://www.myspace.com/deadheartsaints.

Enjoy the world of Dead Heart Saints and experience this phenomenon for yourself….

AGONY, Bio – 2008

The spirit of Latin American metal is felt across the globe, and each area has spawned its own identity within an already groundbreaking subgenre. But after two decades of existence, AGONY is ready to keep their death-thrash brand of metal assault alive.

AGONY burst out of the Columbian metal scene in 1992, when then-college students, Alfonzo Pinzon (drums), Andres Jaramillo (lead guitar), and Ernesto Robayo (rhythm guitar) started playing together. They later added Hector Lozano (bass) and Ernesto Velasco (vocals) to round out the original lineup.

They released a demo tape in 1994, with all of the songs controversially written in English. The response to their demo, along with their energetic live shows helped attract a solid fan base. They later landed support slots for international acts such as Testament (USA) and A.N.I.M.A.L. (Argentina), as well as headlining the Rock Al Parque festival numerous times.

One of their shows was turned into a live album, Live All The Time. This release became one of the first live recordings released by a Columbian metal act. This release also featured new members, vocalist Cesar Botero (ex-Sangre Picha) and guitarist Carlos ‘Belo’ Marin (ex-Kilcrops).

AGONY reached a milestone within the Latin metal scene through the release of Millenium in 1996. Fusing Latin percussion sounds and powerful death/thrash sounds, this release became an instant classic amongst the South American underground scene. New bassist Carlos Reyes helped the band take their sound to new heights and placed AGONY within the forefront of the Colombian metal scene.

In 1999, AGONY made a bold move and relocated to Los Angeles to record Reborn (Sum Records). Shortly after their move, Reyes left the band and Marin to follow shortly after. AGONY had utilized the bass services of Tony Campos (Static X) and Louiche Mayorga (Suicidal Tendencies, Horny Toad) for live and recording purposes.

Botero left AGONY in 2001 before the release of Reborn to return to Bogota, Columbia. He is currently in Decode, with the former members of Pestilencia.

In 2002, AGONY headlined the Rock Al Parque festival, with vocalist Jeez (ex-Crux) and Tony Campos.

Unable to find a permanent vocalist, Pinzon and Jaramillo both started a new project called Dia De Los Muertos. This new project consisted of mutual friends playing uncompromised metal with a unique Latin flavor. They were invited to headline the 2006 Rock Al Parque festival, with Body Count bassist Vincent Price and Ruin vocalist Nick Reyes. The group surprised the crowd with a few AGONY songs within its setlist.

In 2006, the 10th Anniversary edition of Millenium was released, with a completely remaster and an enhanced CD with video clips from their Rock Al Parque Festival performances.

Since then, the classic Millenium-era AGONY lineup has reformed and is working on new music. With each member bringing in their experiences back into the band, AGONY is unleashing two decades worth of metallic brutality onto the world.

As Blood Runs Black – Mediaskare, 2007 - Bio

Within the glitter and glamour that makes up much of Los Angeles, an underground scene has taken on a life of its own and became an immediate counter reaction to its immediate surroundings. This is where As Blood Runs Black arose from to represent Southern California death metal.

As Blood Runs Black began in Summer 2005, when a group of youths started a band to write the most extreme music they could create. They settled on the band name As Blood Runs Black, because according to vocalist Chris Blair, “Everyone is created equal. All people bleed the same.”

Coming from various areas across Los Angeles, the band finally began playing local shows with the line up of Chris, guitarists Ernie Flores and Sal Roldan and bassist Nick Stewart.

Allegiance was recorded and produced by Zac Ohrin (All Shall Perish, Animosity) in Oakland, CA. With the watchful eye of Ohrin, As Blood Runs Black has captured the intensity of its live sound, without losing any of the technical aspects.

Taking the aggression and the technical aspects of death metal, the bottom heaviness of roots hardcore and metalcore, and adding in their love of the craziness of At The Gates-style death metal, As Blood Runs Black began planting the seeds of creating a new generation of underground metal.

“Influences come from a riff or a beat, and whether we could relate to it,” said Sal. “There is no set way we work. It’s a feeling that we work around.”

It was one of the band’s early shows where the band found itself and what made things work. “It was at Smart City Grind (in Azusa, CA) with A Dying Dream,” said Chris, about the show. “The show was awesome. Everything just clicked. The kids were reacting and really into it. It was nuts,” added Nick.

Live is where As Blood Runs Black has proven itself. They have already taken part on such tours as the Summer Slaughter Tour 2006 with Decapitated, the BrutaliTour with Animosity and Beneath the Massacre, and tours with Napalm Death and Walls of Jericho. Their workhorse mentality has shined through when talking about the band’s hard work ethics. Plus they have attracted fans through their non stop touring, and especially playing on some of the tours they have participated on.

“The Brutalitour show in Wisconsin was one of the most intense shows we played!,” said Nick. “There were kids pitting everywhere. Kids were jumping off the speakers. It was out of control!”

Despite touring non stop, the band has appreciated the support from long time fans. They have taken the time to show their appreciation for the support on every tour stop. The band also is in contact with fans through their Myspace page, which they operate themselves.

They are currently working on songs for the new album. Rough versions of songs are posted at www.myspace.com/asbloodrunsblack. Roldan says about the new material, “We’re not sure which way the musical direction may go. But so far, the music flows a lot better. Some of it is more melodic. There are songs for the hardcore kids, and songs for the death metal kids. It’s everything we know and can play.”

Mourning Magdalene, Bio - 2007

Finding inner peace through darkness is a journey that every individual has sought out throughout time. But very few have experienced a musical journey that Mourning Magdalene has ventured upon.

Mourning Magdalene is the musical vision of Dee Jay Nelson, a Chicago based musician who began creating songs that documents his life over the past decade.

Most recently, he played in Spyder Baby (Blind Illusion Records), as a recording and touring guitarist, as well as earning song writing credits on the track, ‘Let Us Prey.’ Despite gaining invaluable experience within his brief time in the band, Nelson quit Spyder Baby to focus his energy entirely onto Mourning Magdalene.

His debut EP, Six Songs of Self Loathing, takes listeners through a wild ride through his inner darkness. Musically, Mourning Magdalene steers like a wild ride through a funeral, wrestling with his insanity along the way. The CD opener ‘Bite’ bursts with walls of explosive guitar riffing and shouting metallic vocals slithering along for the ride. The slower tunes, like ‘Sunday’s Best,’ explore the darker sides of the band, fusing melodies with his cryptic overtones.

“The darkness that guides my writing comes from an overwhelming lack of self worth accompanied by an eternal broken heart. I find it very difficult to get over even the slightest betrayal,” said Nelson, about his songwriting inspiration.

Nelson began studying music under George Bellas (Shrapnel Records), learning guitar and music theory under him at age (?). He graduated in 1998 from DePaul University’s School of Music in Chicago. Some of his post-graduate ensemble and solo pieces was performed at universities around the Midwest, including Northwestern University, Harper College and Skokie Liberal Arts Center.

His other credits include writing and performing music for such people as actress/icon Pamela Anderson’s Barb Wire pinball game and the television version of the movie (Gryphon Designs, Ltd); and the Oakland Raiders’ theme song ‘The Autumn Wind’ for HR Clicks, Inc. His music was also heard at a Chicago appearance by Howard Stern Show producer Gary Dell’Abate (aka Baba-Booey).

Mourning Magdalene is currently assembling a touring lineup to begin playing shows across the Midwest. Six Songs of Self Loathing is currently available through ITunes.

Index Case, Mortal Music, 2006 - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Index Case Releases Self-Titled Debut on Mortal Music/Platform Group on September 27nd. Tour Dates To Follow

Index Case’s self-titled debut will be released on September 27, 2005, through Mortal Music/Platform Group, distributed through Fontana/Universal. This is the debut release for the newly formed Mortal Music label started by Tim King (Soil) and Rob Such (Twelve Gate).
“We are very excited to get to work on the Index Case release,” states King. “Not only is it our label’s first release, but I have seen this band really develop themselves over the last year I have known them.”

“As with any release, it is going to take a great deal of hard work from all avenues” adds Such. “But at the end of the day, the music does the talking, and I feel this release speaks volumes.”
On Index Case, these Indianola, IA natives create a sound that captures absolute rage, darkness, deception, melody and depression with the burning desire to deliver a message. Their first single and video “Deserver” conveys every aspect of what Index Case strives to express to listeners.

"After releasing three indie CD's on our website, appearing on two nationally released soundtracks and touring the country five times in the past three years, I can't stress how awesome it feels to finally be able to say that on September 27th, 2005, our incredible family of fans will be able to find our new full length CD in stores across the country. Without their undying loyalty and never ending support, none of this would be possible. And coinciding with the release, we're equally excited to take our show on the road for the next year. The stage is where Index Case was born. That's where the sickness began. That how it will continue to spread,” said lead vocalist Joe Ansley.

Index Case will be on tour supporting Bobaflex throughout September, with more dates to come as they are confirmed. The ‘Deserver’ video is available for viewing at http://www.trueplayer.net/ftp/winmediadeserver.wmv.

Veer, bio - unsigned/Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2006

"Every song we write about is about hope, whether it's about hoping to get the girl back, being in a better place, or not being spiteful or cynical. Veering away from the dark and into the light."

VEER was formed in late 2004 by Crispin and guitarist Eric Schraeder. Originally from Port Alberni, BC, the two longtime friends surprisingly found themselves living as neighbors: "we knew each other previously because we had played in bands together. We were both living out of our rehearsal studios in downtown East Vancouver," recalls Crispin.

At the time Crispin was the front man of Everything After, where creative differences led to his departure. While the remaining members of Everything After regrouped under the name Hedley, Crispin was gaining attention as a songwriter with credits on Motley Crue's drummer Tommy Lee's solo CD Tommyland: The Ride. Eric, who had recently relocated back to Vancouver after a stint in Los Angeles with 40 Foot Echo (Hollywood Records), was working on projects of his own. Next drummer Beni was brought into the fold who has established himself as one of the top drummers in the city. Finally Roots, and Fid who play bass and guitars respectively came on board to round out VEER's lineup.

Much of VEER's music is a reflection of their life experiences. "Wish You Well" and "Sold Me Out" clearly demonstrate a positive message while showcasing their skills as songwriters. "Wish You Well" is about the area we're living in," explains Crispin, "looking at people who can't turn their lives around. No matter how rough a time we're facing, our life isn't that bad. The only thing we can do for them is to wish them well."

VEER is currently putting the final touches on their debut full length CD with producer Dean Maher (Trapt, Atreyu, Rise Against) at Green House Studios in Vancouver, BC.

Ozzfest: Second Stage Live CD Press Release – Divine/Priority 2001 (Press Release)

The bands of today will be the first to admit they have soaked up the Ozzy influence and are now releasing it back to the public in their own distinct way. Bands like 'Queens of the Stone Age' and Disturbed who are not just chomping at the bit but positively swallowing it whole! Ozzy gives them a chance to show the world what they can do with this double Ozzfest live release that not only gives us up and coming bands on the second stage but the full frontal assault from the big boys on the First Stage (Slayer, Sepultura, you know the score...)

Out on March 12th the live double CD celebrates the diverse talents to have performed at the now legendary Ozzfest rock festival. The brainchild of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, the touring rock festival reached it's fifth birthday in the summer of 2000, drawing 20,000+ capacity crowds across the USA, affirming that modern metal is truly enjoying a phenomenal omnipotence.

The Second Stage provides a coveted platform for up and coming rock and metal bands, (in tandem with the main stage playing host to the more established bands, headlined by Ozzy Osbourne) and Disc 1 boasts live recordings by rich new talent, who sealed their futures performing explosive sets in front of ecstatic crowds. Nu-metal and rap/metal cross-breeds injected a telling flavour to the line-up, and it is an indication of Ozzy's vision that these bands are already threatening to take over the world - the multi-platinum selling Disturbed recently enjoyed main support to Marilyn Manson, Queens of the Stone Age have become the darlings of crossover, and Kittie-mania has taken hold...

"The festival has become almost as much about the undiscovered new acts as the established bands on the main stage," says tour organizer Sharon Osbourne. "The kids want to be the first to discover what's new and the second stage is the perfect forum for that. We are even adding another side stage for this year's Ozzfest so that we can feature even more new bands."

Disc 2 is a re-issue of the original OZZFEST LIVE!, which was released in 1997 and has been long out of print. It includes exclusive live recordings from the inaugural Ozzfest of 1996, with highly desirable tracks from an array of metal luminaries from Slayer to Biohazard to Fear Factory, and most notably Sepultura's last ever recording with Max Cavalera. This bonus disc also includes two Sega Dreamcast games: a playable demo version of Battle of the Sexes and the full Sega Swirl game.

Disc 1

01.Soulfly - EYE FOR AN EYE

02.Disturbed - VOICES

03.Slaves On Dope - PUSHING ME

04.Kittie - SUCK

05.Primer 55 - THE BIG FUCK YOU

06.Queens Of The Stone Age - ODE TO CLARISSA

07.Pitchshifter - KEEP IT CLEAN

08.Taproot - MIRRORS REFLECTION

09.Soulfly - PAIN

10.Ozzy Osbourne - I DON'T KNOW

All songs recorded at The Ozzfest 2000,

Desert Sky Pavilion, Phoenix, Az., 30/08/00

Produced and mixed by Thom Panunzio

Disc 2

01.Coal Chamber - LOCO

02.Earth Crisis - BROKEN FOUNDATION

03.Powerman 5000 - ORGANIZED

04.Neurosis - LOCUST STAR

05.Fear Factory - REPLICA

06.Biohazard - THESE EYES

07.Sepultura - ATTITUDE (final recording with Max Cavalera)

08.Slayer - ANGEL OF DEATH

09.Ozzy Osbourne - PERRY MASON