Revenant Dead + Band in Birmingham, EN

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ABOUT

01.Jan.08 Live For The Metal Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Ever since Black Sabbath invented heavy metal back in the late 1960's, Birmingham has continued to produce a string of good, solid metal bands, from the likes of Judas Priest through to Anaal Nathrakh. One of the latest bands in this long line is Revenant Dead, who's debut album Imperial Rape March does more than enough to keep their Brummy pedigree intact.

In the three years since they formed, the quartet (Comprising of West - Vocals, Aydin - Guitars, Dahmer - Bass, and Theo - Drums) have diligently honed their sound on the live circuit to the point of technical precision whilst maintaining an organic feel that mixes genres like Deathrock and Thrash seamlessly throughout the albums ten tracks.

The tracks on the album progress fluidly without any feeling like a 'radio-friendly' space filler put in for the sake of satisfying label bosses. That said some tracks standout head and shoulders above the others: The Deathrock groove plunging into head-banging thrash of the album's first single 'Jailhouse', The vitriolic and mosh friendly title track 'Imperial Rape March', The sombre and melodic 'Tantamount', and the pounding and melodic album opener 'Torment'. All in all, this is a good foundation to lay by a band with a lot of crossover potential, and one that if they capitalise on, could see them become major players in the European metal scene.

[Website]
Review by: Sean Palfrey
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20.Dec.07 Metal Discovery Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Rating: 6.5/10

"...'Imperial Rape March' is a promising debut from a band that clearly have massive potential..."

“Revenant Dead, who are relatively new on the scene, are from Birmingham in the UK, under a 2 hour drive from Metal Discovery HQ. It was, therefore, kind of surreal when their CD arrived for review all the way from a PR company based in West Hollywood, California! Formed back in 2004, and playing shows mainly around the Midlands area since 2005, the Brummie band's debut album, 'Imperial Rape March', was released in September this year.”

“...'Decay Dance' commences with a basic guitar riff, almost glam rock in style, which, through its simplicity, acts as an effectual contraposition to the wide array of metal influences present on the album from traditional Maiden-esque passages (with 'Fear of the Dark' style melodies three quarters into 'Bloodtide'); goth rock ('Jailhouse'); death ('Bloodtide'); occasional progressive flourishes (notably 'Torment' with its System of a Down inspired compositional diversity); and intermittent thrash riffing throughout. The likes of 'Decay Dance' and 'Jailhouse' will no doubt appeal to fans of bands such as Deathstars and The 69 Eyes, though where 'Imperial Rape March' really shines is the inconsonance within songs such as 'Vertigo' where its blast-beat infused opening bars and cacophonic riffing together with effective death growls lead into a melancholic mid tempo passage with clean vocals and then an up-tempo thrash section with more clean singing that gradually builds into a growled delivery as the blast-beats return.”

[Website]
Review by: Mark Holmes
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17.Dec.07 Corazine Interview
Interview with west and aydin

1. OK, so why the album title "Imperial Rape March"?

Aydin: It's definitely more of a metaphor rather than a literal meaning. It signifies strength, dignity, passion. It's definitely not about 'rape' - it's more about instilling totalitarianism into people's self-esteem.

2. What about your name? Where did you get the idea for that?

West: We wanted a name that was representative of who we are as people and the music we make.

3. Your music reflects a fairly diverse set of metal influences. Was that deliberate or did it just sort of happen?

West: It just sort of happened; we all have a wide range of musical tastes and interests. When we jam, It all just comes together. I think it shows in our music as well, there's a lot going on in there. "Imperial Rape March" as an album is quite diverse.

4. If you had to say one style was dominant, which one would it be?

Aydin: It's metal, but it's got different vibes going on. It's hard to categorize it; we don't consciously decide on one thing, one style or one genre.

5. Do different members of the band have different genre preferences in metal?

West: I think we're open-minded enough to accept all genres, not just focus on one particular type. I suppose it would depend on what mood or how we were feeling at the time of writing the song. That's usually the deciding factor.

6. Would you say there are metal influences that definitely do NOT factor in to your sound?

Aydin: I don't think so; there's elements of all types of metal on the album - from shred black metal to rock type stuff. We cover a lot of bases I think.

7. How would you describe your music to someone who's never heard you?

West: Loud and Honest.

8. What sort of lyrical themes would you say permeate your music?

West: All the songs are about us or people we know; things that have happened and the consequences that came from those experiences.

9. If you could play in a metal line-up of your choice, what bands would be in the show with you?

Aydin: Good Question. I'd love to give Rammstein a slot. Marilyn Manson and maybe Lamb of God as well.

10. Would you say there are non-metal influences in your music? If so, what?

Aydin: Yeah, well, some of the songs like "Decay Dance" and "Compulsion" have a rock edge to them but it's still all in the same vein. "Tantamount" is a mellow song with a huge chorus; that's kind of different but I wouldn't say it's a different genre.

11. What about non-musical influences?

West: I like films like "Requiem for a Dream" and "American History X". I like it when people are able to take something controversial and present it to you in a way which you hadn't considered before.

12. If there was going to be a Tribute to Revenant Dead CD, in which bands of a different genre played covers of your music, what genre would the CD be?

West: METAL

13. What do you hate?

West: I don't let anything go so unchallenged long enough for me to hate it.

14. What do you love?

West: Love is too inadequate a word to describe the things I allow into my life.

15. Tell me briefly how the band formed.

West: We've been playing with different names for a few years, but decided about 7 months ago to change our name and stick with Revenant Dead. The line-up has been myself, Aydin, Theo and Dahmer since that day.

16. Have you been getting good fan response?

West: Really overwhelming, people seem to be really supportive, it's really cool. It's crazy to think people we don't know, know who we are and like what we do.

17. Any style changes you plan to make for the next album?

West: We're concentrating on touring and promoting "Imperial Rape March" at the moment, but what I can say is, the second album will definitely show how we are growing as a band, both musically and as a group.

18. Which do you like better, live or studio? Why?

West: Live every time; it is cool to be in the studio and to get everything sounding perfect but playing live is such a rush that can't be matched by sex, drugs or alcohol.

19. If you could tell everybody only one thing about your band, what would it be?

Aydin: That's a tough question. We could play the psychology game and undermine ourselves by saying we're just four normal guys who create music and like having a good time. Or we could go down the pretentious marketing route and say we like to eat babies and bleed over our instruments in a sinister caldron of gore, rage and utterly uncompromising violence.

20. Final thoughts?

West: Only a dying man has final thoughts.

[Website]
Corazine
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13.Dec.07 Stranger Aeons Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Revenant Dead is the next powerhouse out of the U.K. Their 2007 opus, “Imperial Rape March” [Orchard Records], is an intense hybrid style with elements of Progressive, Gothic, Swedish Melodic Death, and Deathrock. Ferocious at times, somber at others, Revenant Dead has an agility that balances both dynamics well.

Shrill growls slam against deep, Gothic vocals as catchy guitars thunder and lilt. Revenant Dead is very diverse, but skilled. Thrash figures in heavily with their sound, as speed and mood interplay. Best cuts include the frenzied assault of 'Vertigo', the gloom drenched ballad 'Tantamount', 'Decay Dance' 'Torment', and the Bluesy groove of 'Jailhouse'. Revenant Dead is pretty damn cool.

In summary, Revenant Dead is a solid band with an interesting and diverse sound. Stay savage. Farewell. Related Bands: Sentenced, Pyogenesis, Carcass, Cemetary, Arch Enemy, Bullet For My Valentine, Memfis, Rising Moon, Evemaster, Entombed, Konkhra, All That Remains, Light This City, At The Gates, Darkseed, Shadows Fall, Manntiss, In Flames, etc.

[Website]
Written by: William B. Vogel III © 2007
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12.Dec.07 Soundsheavy.net Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Hailing from the the same home town (Birmingham, England), as Metal pioneers Black Sabbath and Judas Priest must at be a daunting task. Revenant Dead pull it off very well...must be something in the water over there. While listening to this cd I was not only reminded of Sabbath and Priest, but bands like Testament and Exodus, and newer Thrash like Fueled By Fire. Revenant Dead are heavy, sludgy thrash to the highest degree. Having said all that they can be quite intricate if not almost melodic a bit like early Megadeth. But enough of the comparisons. Now the question must be asked. Can Revenant Dead stand up on their own? The answer is not just yes, but HELL YES! From the opening onslaught of 'Torment', right on through such bashers as 'Jailhouse', 'Bloodtide', 'Cordilly Numb', 'Decay Dance', as well as the stellar title track, Revenant Dead are one of the best thrash style bands I have heard in some time. Sometimes I would even call this Groove Thrash, meaning that this band has a lot to offer. I'm very impressed with the musicianship on this album. The vocals are very aggressive yet understandable, something severely lacking w/ some bands of the same ilk. I would highly recommend this one to anyone, especially labels like Century Media, Metal Blade, or Prosthetic. This band holds up to anything going on in the States at the moment.

[Website]
Written by: Curt Mason
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31.Oct.07 - Rock City News Review
LA's number 1 metal magazine reviews Imperial Rape March!

This is the transcript taken from Novembers Edition of Rock City News:

“This album is packed with blast beats, double bass, speed and groove, and some shredding guitar work. The vocals have a vibe that remind me of Megadeth meets System Of A Down. With tracks like Torment, Perfect Hate, and Bloodtide, I can see that we have ourselves a ripping new metal band that for sure will rip the life out of all of our ears.”

Rock City News
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18.Sep.07 Rock N' Roll Experience Interview
Interview With Aydin

Revenant Dead is an amazing new band from England, & I recently had the opportunity to do an inerview with Aydin, the bands guitarist...the band is really good & I think they could be huge with the right exposure & push, which is why I jumped on the opportunity to expose this great up & coming band before the mainstream media does!

Rock N Roll Experience: Was the name Revenant Dead influenced at all by the Resident Evil Movie?

Aydin: It wasn't no, we came up with the name while walking through town one day, we wanted to come up with something that symbolised rising up. I think it's a cool sounding name.

Rock N Roll Experience: Are you a fan of horror movies & if so, do they influence your writing at all?

Aydin: Absolutely, yeah, I'm a fan of serial killer horror movies, like American Psycho and Halloween. I'm not sure if it influences our music in any way, It's not a conscious decision. Perhaps the different genres and elements in our sound represent the bipolar schizophrenic personality of a serial killer? Haha I'm not sure.

Rock N Roll Experience: There's a very interesting energy in Revenant Dead's music...where does it come from?

Aydin: Just, we're all into different things and we like to throw it all in. Our goal is to be really loud, that's our only rule, otherwise, anything goes.

Rock N Roll Experience: What is that writing on the hand that is on the front of your cd?

Aydin: It's just a symbol that represents our band, like a scar of sorts. It means nothing other than it's the symbol of Revenant Dead.

Rock N Roll Experience: What bands would you like to tour with?

Aydin: Oh wow, loads, there's too many to mention. Slayer would be cool.

Rock N Roll Experience: Are you excited about possibly touring the USA?

Aydin: Definitely, I can't wait!

Rock N Roll Experience: Does Revenant Dead play any cover songs in their live show?

Aydin: No not really, we jam covers in rehearsal for fun but never on stage.

Rock N Roll Experience: Having never seen Revenant Dead in concert, can you describe what your live show is like?

Aydin: I know this is going to sound really cliche and pretentious, but it's just really loud, hectic and destructive. Usually lots of broken glass, blood, water, sweat & it's just crazy.

Rock N Roll Experience: What has been the largest concert Revenant Dead has played so far?

Aydin: We played a bike rally once to 8,000 people.

Rock N Roll Experience: What bands or musicians have influenced your playing as a musician?

Aydin: What really inspires me is listening to great bands with really great hooks in their songs. I love metal, but, I want to be able to hear a hook in there, a distinctive riff. That really inspires me. Writing a good song, I admire great song writers. Mark Tremonti, John 5, Zakk Wylde, even Richard and Paul from Rammstein, they are all great musicians with the ability to write really catchy songs.

Rock N Roll Experience: What is the music scene like in Birmingham?

Aydin: It's good, it's good. There's a lot of bands around here and a lot of venues do live shows. The alternative scene in Birmingham is much more vivid than in other areas - there's a lot of support for metal and alternative music here, so it's really great to be a part of it.

Rock N Roll Experience: Do you have any side projects or is Revenant Dead your main musical focus?

Aydin: No, no side projects. I always write music and I'm always recording - but nothing for commercial purposes. It's all about Revenant Dead now.

Rock N Roll Experience: What is something that you listen to (music wise) that might surprise your fans?

Aydin: Oh no, I can't possibility say that.

Rock N Roll Experience: How long has Revenant been together & is this the original line-up of the band?

Aydin: We formed about three years ago but were going under a different name - we changed to Revenant Dead about seven months ago. It's pretty much the same lineup - we used to have a rhythm guitarist, but after recording the album we decided we didn't need one.

Rock N Roll Experience: Has Revenant Dead shot a video yet for anything off the new cd? If so, for which song, & can you tell me a little about the video?

Aydin: We're releasing Jailhouse first, and have done a few promo videos for that. But we have yet to shoot a full video. Our opinions on that is, if it's not going to be really awesome and high production, it's not worth doing. I've seen so many poor self made videos that kill the vibe of the song. Hopefully we can set up a huge production for Jailhouse soon.

Rock N Roll Experiene: Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Aydin: Just want to say thanks to everyone for the support, and see you all soon!

I'd like to thank Aydin for taking the time to answer these questions & Rhonda for all of her help coordinating everything..thanks! =)

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Rock N' Roll Experience
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09.Sep.07 Corazine Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Revenant Dead, while at times a band in the rough, is a cornucopia of metal stylings with a taste for the heavy side of heavy metal. Fitting firmly into none of the genres from which it draws, the band's "Imperial Rape March," despite its rough-around-the-edges moments, delivers an overall impressive slab of indie blast. Hailing from England, Revenant Dead shows that metal has certainly evolved much since Sabbath, Maiden, Priest and the rest of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The group's music is dynamic and smart enough not to linger too long on one particular direction; at the same time, it avoids excess prog obscurity and its style-shiftings don't come across as scattershot. Rather, the various subgenres of metal Revenant Dead infuses into its ballbreaking sound come together cooperatively under the overall umbrella of the band's audio personality. The listener will find himself whisked through a smorgasborg of thrash, death and black metal flavors, with clean vocals manifesting from time to time, further expanding the band's performance scope. For every moment that the music seems in need of polishing there are two other sections of song that are tight and fiercely executed. Revenant Dead could certainly find itself rising in the ranks of the metal realm.

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Corazine
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28.Aug.07 Rock N' Roll Experience - Full Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Rating: 6 stars!

Hailing from Birmingham, England, I'd like to introduce you to one of the more interesting hard rock/metal acts that I've heard lately...they are called Revenant Dead, & musically, they have this frantic energy that is kinda like Cradle of Filth, Bauhaus, System of a Down & the band balances gothy overtones with thrash style metal really well! The bands new cd opens with "Torment" which is a grinding metallic knock out of screaming & clean vocals, mixed with progg-ish guitar riffs, & pounding beats that demand attention & command your ears to listen with awe, because the pace of the song changes often, & I might be crazy, but in this song, I am vaguely reminded of Fred Snyder from the B-52's, just simply in the way West sings & changes his vocals so much..it's like hearing Serj from System of a Down & Fred Snyder teaming up, & I realize that might sound weird as hell, but it's actually a really good thing & super cool! The opening guitar lick on "Vertigo" is superb, & the only other artist that I have ever really seen that gets close to the energy Revenant Dead has is Devin Townsend...there's just this really crazy vibe to each song & it's what makes the band such a force to recon with! "Perfekt Hate" is a thrash metal epic that would make Testament & the forefather's of thrash proud, but the thing that is really unique is the changes in each song..the vocals never stay the same..there's manic screaming, then clean vocals, then there's moments where it's almost like spoken word! The guitar tone on "Blood Tide" might be some of the fattest & thickest tone I've ever heard, & "Tantamount" is beautiful in it's almost brooding like essence & mood. "Decay Dance" closes the cd & it's a great closer because it rocks with power & passion, & to be honest with you, this is definitley one of the better cd's I've heard all year...Revenant Dead are definitley a band you need to check out..their songs are not only amazingly well written, but they are talented as musicians & artists and that's what makes this band truly amazing..they simply ooze brilliance!

[Website]
Rock N' Roll Experience

Screen name:

West

Member since:

Jan 22 2008

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Touring

Years together:

4

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Age:

37 years

Influences

13.Dec.07 Stranger Aeons Review
Revenant Dead - Imperial Rape March

Revenant Dead is the next powerhouse out of the U.K. Their 2007 opus, “Imperial Rape March” [Orchard Records], is an intense hybrid style with elements of Progressive, Gothic, Swedish Melodic Death, and Deathrock. Ferocious at times, somber at others, Revenant Dead has an agility that balances both dynamics well.

Shrill growls slam against deep, Gothic vocals as catchy guitars thunder and lilt. Revenant Dead is very diverse, but skilled. Thrash figures in heavily with their sound, as speed and mood interplay. Best cuts include the frenzied assault of 'Vertigo', the gloom drenched ballad 'Tantamount', 'Decay Dance' 'Torment', and the Bluesy groove of 'Jailhouse'. Revenant Dead is pretty damn cool.

In summary, Revenant Dead is a solid band with an interesting and diverse sound. Stay savage. Farewell. Related Bands: Sentenced, Pyogenesis, Carcass, Cemetary, Arch Enemy, Bullet For My Valentine, Memfis, Rising Moon, Evemaster, Entombed, Konkhra, All That Remains, Light This City, At The Gates, Darkseed, Shadows Fall, Manntiss, In Flames, etc.

[Website]
Written by: William B. Vogel III © 2007

Members Of Band

West - Vocals
Aydin - Guitar
Dahmer - Bass
Theo - Drums

EQUIPMENT

Vocals
Lead Guitar (Fender Tele)
Drums (Pearl)
Bass (Fender)