| IMMOLATION |
|
| INFO |
YEAR FORMED: 1988
HOMETOWN: Yonkers, NY
MEMBERS:
Ross Dolan-Bass/Vocals
Robert Vigna-Guitars
Bill Taylor-Guitars
Steve Shalaty-Drums
|
|
| BIOGRAPHY |
|
IMMOLATION have been assaulting God's black earth for the past 17 years. Along with bands like INCANTATION, MORTICIAN and SUFFOCATION, IMMOLATION are one of the all important forefathers of New York death metal. They have long been a thorn in Christ"s crown and have no intention of fading away. As one of the founders of the genre, they have always progressed and stayed vital. Now, with Harnessing Ruin, IMMOLATION once again delivers a record that is truly a necessary evil! Originally formed out of the ashes of Bob Vigna (guitars) and ex-guitarist Tom Wilkinson"s former band Rigor Mortis, the first IMMOLATION line-up was secured with the addition of Ross Dolan (bass/vocals) and Neal Boback (drums) in 1988. The band released two studio demos that included the songs "Immolation" and "Dawn of Possession" and quickly gained an immense following and label interest. Their die-hard fan base was to flourish even more once their classic debut album, Dawn of Possession, was released on Roadrunner Records in 1991. Prior to the recording, the band parted ways with Neal Boback and enlisted the help of new drummer Craig Smilowski. Shortly after touring in support of their debut in both the U.S. and Europe, IMMOLATION and Roadrunner Records mutually went their separate ways. Once again the band immediately set out to promote themselves throughout the underground, further establishing their presence as a powerful live band. A new deal was inked with Metal Blade Records and the devastating Here In After (1996) was released. Craig Smilowski left the band soon after and was replaced by ex-Fallen Christ drummer Alex Hernandez. IMMOLATION continued throughout the years with such releases as Failures For Gods (1999) and Close to a World Below (2000). Shortly after the release of Close to a World Below, Bill Taylor, former guitarist of Florida"s Angel Corpse, joined the ranks. In 2002, the release of Unholy Cult set a milestone in the band"s career. This was the beginning of a new era for IMMOLATION, as the band put more of an emphasis on atmosphere than ever before, incorporating somewhat of a black metal vibe. The album was hailed by fans and critics alike as their most unique and definitive to date, and was followed by successful tours with Vader, Origin, The Berzerker, Grave, Goatwhore, Crematorium and Cradle of Filth. With their now-infamous live show, IMMOLATION had shown the world they were here to stay! Over the years, IMMOLATION has always increased the stakes on each release and Harnessing Ruin is no exception. It encompasses all the band"s growth over the years and offers some of their catchiest material to date. All the best elements of Unholy Cult and the band"s classic debut Dawn of Possession are there: eerie minor chords, unearthly vocals, spastic solos and subtle dissonances that all help to reassure the listener that there is no God. Songs such as "Swarm of Terror," "Our Savior Sleeps," "Dead to Me" and "Son of Iniquity" are sure to soon be ranked among the bands classics. Not only has the band developed their musical capabilities over the years, but they've also become one of the most intense live acts in the industry. Powerful, yet emotional, IMMOLATION is a force to be reckoned with. Harnessing Ruin features the recording debut of drummer Steve Shalaty, and the band"s most crushing yet clear production to date, compliments of longtime producer Paul Orofino. Finished versions of the album will include a video track of the first single "Harnessing Ruin." Look for the band on a tour near you!
|
|
