REVOCATION
David Davidson – guitar, lead vocals
Ash Pearson – drums, percussion
Dan Gargiulo – guitar, backing vocals
Brett Bamberger – bass guitar, backing vocals
Revocation have spent the last eight years converting fans to their cause with four full length albums, an EP with Scion AV, and a charismatic live show led by guitarist/vocalist Dave Davidson. The Boston-based band also features the staggeringly talented lineup of: Dan Gargiulo on guitar, Brett Bamberger on bass, and Phil Dubois on drums. Revocation has firmly been established as one of the genre’s finest and will continue their campaign as part of the Metal Blade Records roster. Their fifth album, “Deathless,” is a fitting debut for the label, and a definitive statement of intent from the band.
“Deathless” was recorded with acclaimed producer Zeuss at Planet Z studios in Massachusetts. The album is ten tracks of ambitious, catchy, and undeniably heavy material. Musically, cuts like “Madness Opus” showcase a more deliberate Revocation – restrained, if even moderately so, to deliver a slow, near-dirge like track. Alternatively, the title track highlights the diversity of Davidson’s vocals with a catchy chorus. It’s an ear worm the likes of which the band had only previously hinted. The rest of the album offers a refreshing variety of music and truly feels like an “album”, rather than a collection of similar tracks. This is a refinement, achieved only through years of focusing on their craft.
Davidson adds, “Collectively, we feel that “Deathless” is our finest offering yet. The songs are incredibly varied and each one showcases a different element of the band. Technically, everyone is in top form on this record, as well, and we really pushed ourselves to deliver the best performances possible on all fronts. This is a new chapter and a new beginning for the band; we can’t wait for this record to be unleashed in October!”
Lyrically, “Deathless” addresses life on the road and the band’s commitment to touring, followed by even more touring. “Madness Opus” made its live debut when Revocation toured with DevilDriver and Whitechapel during the summer of 2014. Davidson discusses the track: “The crowd response for that tune has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s one of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written, hands down, and has been a blast to play live. Lyrically, it’s about one of my favorite HP Lovecraft stories, “The Music Of Erich Zann”. Fans of unnamable cosmic horror and punishing death metal will not be disappointed!”
Revocation begins touring in support of “Deathless” in September with Crowbar in North America, followed by a full European tour with new label mates Cannibal Corpse and Aeon. Much is more is set to come – this is the beginning of a new era for Revocation. “Deathless” will be available worldwide on Metal Blade Records
Revocation history:
In 2006, lifelong friends Dave Davidson, Anthony Buda, and Phil Dubois-Coyne formed the core of what would become Revocation. The trio gigged throughout New England, and recorded a three song demo, “Summon the Spawn.” The guys would spend the next few years writing and performing new songs as often as possible, before finally tracking their debut album in 2008.
“Empire of the Obscene” was recorded with Pete Rutcho at Damage Studios in 2008, and made a huge splash upon release. Their brand of technically-minded thrash offered a new take on thrash, and a much more energetic and vital approach to the technical death metal. The debut lead to the band signing with Relapse Records. By early 2009, the band had already re-entered Damage Studios to record “Existence is Futile.”
The release of their label debut was met with critical acclaim and truly began to spread their name throughout metal on a global scale. Magazines including SPIN and Decibel heaped praise on the band, and Dave Davidson became an official Jackson Guitars endorser. In 2010, guitarist Dan Gargiuolo joined the ranks as a touring second guitarist, just in time for the band to perform in Europe, Japan, the US and Canada. In total they would play in 13 countries and over 150 shows.
During the fall and winter of 2010, the band recorded “Chaos of Forms” with Rutcho at Damage Studios. The album vaulted the band to new heights, and afforded them even greater touring opportunities. Revocation also appeared on the Relapse Records label showcase, presented by Scion A/V in February 2012. The year also saw the addition of bassist Brett Bamberger, along with the recording of the “Teratogenesis” EP for Scion A/V.
In February of 2013, Revocation recorded their fourth album with producer Pete Rutcho. Their self-titled album was released in August 2013, and was followed by a slot on the Summer Slaughter Tour 2013.
EXHUMED
Excreting their malignant essence onto an unsuspecting Metal scene in 1998 with their confrontational debut full-length, “Gore Metal”, Exhumed have since become synonymous with the genre they helped brand. Their signature sound, a savage blend of snarling, grinding down-tuned guitars, alternately abrasively screeched and grotesquely gurgled vocals, and pummeling, straightforward drumming, have become universally recognized as the hallmarks of the style now called Gore Metal. Taking these elements several steps beyond their previous works, including the barbarically stripped-down, in-your-face approach of their sophomore effort, “Slaughtercult”, Exhumed have returned with their third full-length album, “Anatomy is Destiny”.
RIVERS OF NIHIL
RIVERS OF NIHIL began their musical journey in 2009, and recorded their first EP, “Hierarchy“, with Carson Slovak. Six years and multiple tours later, the band returned to Slovak and Atrium Audio in Pennsylvania, after having recorded their previous effort “The Conscious Seed of Light” in 2012 with Erik Rutan at Mana Studios in Florida. Since the release of that album and signing with Metal Blade Records, RIVERS OF NIHIL found themselves quickly climbing the global metal ranks on the strength of overwhelmingly positive reviews and tours with Death (DTA Tours), Obituary, Whitechapel, Dying Fetus, Black Crown Initiate, plus an appearance at the storied New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.
During the album campaign, the band was joined by new drummer Alan Balamut and guitarist Jon Topore. Balamut and Topore join guitarist Brody Uttley, bassist Adam Biggs, and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach to form the up-and-coming force of modern death metal that is RIVERS OF NIHIL.
Topping their full-length debut is no elementary task; Terrorizer Magazine declared that RIVERS OF NIHIL “manage to do something unashamedly modern, and yet make death metal sound twisted and malevolent,” whileHeavyBlogisHeavy.com simple noted that it was “Definitely one of the best debuts to come out this year.“
Guitarist Brody Uttley cites recent personal hardships as a major factor in the creative process for “Monarchy“. Uttley divulges that “I lost a few close friends. The loss of these people had a profound influence on the creation of the music for this record. I was having strong feelings of rage, sadness, hope, and frustration as a result. The songs turned out heavier, darker, sadder, and more frightening than I had ever hoped that they would.” The mood of this album, and the song sequence, reflect these emotions. “Monarchy” begins with the most heavy and darkest tracks, and continues to develop more progressive leanings until the end when Uttley says “the emotional tension completely falls apart.“
The seasonal concept that began with spring on “The Conscious Seed of Light” continues, of course, with “Monarchy“, as it welcomes the oppressive heat of summer. The story takes place millions of years after the events in “The Conscious Seed of Light“. Adam Biggs, who also serves as the band’s primary lyricist, explains: “The Earth has been transformed into a vast desert wasteland, where after aeons of lifelessness, new beings begin to take shape and begin their journey as shepherds of the planet. But after a while, a class system forms from a sun-worshiping religious dictatorship, and these beings start to lose their way. Only the guidance of an ancient earthly force can help them save themselves as well the planet.“
YAUTJA
MISANTHROPY
“Staying away from the traditional constraints of a single genre label, Misanthropy fuses mind dissolving dissonant melodies, twisting hyper speed technicality, foundation-shattering low brutality, and hooks that will worm their way into your brain and take up permanent residence “