Dead to Fall finished their 10 year career on May 24th 2009 at the Metro Chicago with 10 members throughout their history performing. Matt Matera, Justin Jakimiak, Antone Jones, Timothy Java, Logan Kelly, Chad Fjerstad, Phil Merriman, Bryan Lear, Dan Craig and Jonathan Hunt played to a crowd of over 1,000 fans one last time that night. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of.

La Armada’s focus is to leave their mark on heavy music. A punk band at heart, they utilize elements of Afro-Caribbean rhythms and metal to create a style as unique as their story. Formed in the Dominican Republic in 2001 from where they dominated the Caribbean scene for years, the band opted to take a leap and relocate to Chicago in 2008, where they still reside.

Influenced by bands ranging from the Bad Brains to Death, they take elements from their native Island’s music to conjure a unique recipe; explosive live energy, and a clear cut narrative that highlights the effects of neo-colonialism on vulnerable communities.

Whether headlining tours throughout the world or supporting the likes of Sick of it All, Propaghandi, Strung Out, Death by stereo, and more, La Armada has come to bring a vibrant spin to the scene.

There must be something in the water out there in Chicago, because they’re churning out ridiculously tight, brutal deathcore bands so fast it makes the American Apparel sweatshop look like it’s in slow motion. Fans of moshing are surely already familiar with Demolisher, Monsters, and Oceano, who are producing some of the best metalcore this side of VOD, Bloodlet or A Life Once Lost. The newest addition to the Chicago moshcore cartel is ROOKS, featuring ex-members of all three bands.

Ugly dudes playing ugly music to other ugly dudes.