ICYMI – Bitume Records, an Indie Label out of France, released a massive compilation in tribute to the legendary band Failure recently. “Planète Magnifiée,” as the tribute is titled, is a 33-track, two-volume series. I highly recommend the albums, they feature thirty-three incredible independent artists/bands and timeless songs. That being said and turning attention to volume two – the “Homage to Fantastic Planet,” one particular stand-out artist/band is who I’m writing about today. The track “Leo” by new comers Dead Storm Rising (DSR) has not only had me, but just about everyone I’ve shared the compilation with or that has heard it spinning on AMS Radio turning their heads and perking up their ears. If you’re familiar with the original from 1996’s “Fantastic Planet,” you would be but mere seconds into hearing Dead Storm Rising’s Gothic Doom Metal rendition of the song before thinking, “ooohh… okay … interesting…”

DSR’s adaptation is a tuned down, guitar chugging, detailed production. Being familiar with the original, I think the cover does right by the song, it’s recognizable with the song’s catchy hook. At the very same time, if the listener were none the wiser, DSR does a great job of making this cover their own with a signature sound. Lyrically, it’s a dark song about one’s struggle with social anxiety. When thinking about look, feel and sound of the band, the song they chose to cover makes a lot of sense and is a solid choice (check out the lyrics at the end of the article). They fit remarkably well with the down tuned 7-string guitar “Doom” style of playing. With AMS being involved in contributing to the compilation as well, I received a message from Bitume recently who actually had the opportunity to show it to and get feedback from Ken Andrews and Greg Edwards about the tribute. Pretty awesome stuff. I wasn’t privy to all the “juicy” internal parts of the dialogue, I am but a meek and humble blogger, but the message conveyed was that it was well received by Ken and Greg who were positive in their feedback and found a number of the covers very interesting. No doubt in my mind that I think “Leo” by Dead Storm Rising was one of them. That being said, and one more plug for the compilation, it seems as though the blessing from the guys in the band will result in a CD coming out in the near future.

I can only imagine how challenging it was from a production standpoint to take a somewhat upbeat Grunge song and phrasing it in the style that DSR conveys. And doing it well for that matter. This is what I mean by a detailed production. Lyric for lyric and in terms of structure, the piece follows suit to the original. Yet, within the bookends of that compositional structure, DSR still maneuvers freely within those boundaries in terms of creativity and performance. Can’t say enough about how much I like this track off the compilation.

The band cites inspiration from bands such as Lacuna Coil, Tool, and in particular Paradise Lost. By my ear, I definitely hear that Paradise Lost influence in their approach, the harmonies also call to reference that Lacuna Coil vibe, but the lead vocals are the ultimate game changer, leaving the band with a unique sound all of it’s own. I can’t think of a better comparison than of those three bands to describe the concoction of the their overall sound. The best I could probably come up with, without the cheat sheet of having the interview in front of me to reference with the band listing their influences would be Sisters of Mercy meets Candlemass.

So who are Dead Storm Rising? “Leo” is the first of what the band has teased as more to come this upcoming year, with an EP currently in production, and a new single titled “Lullaby” coming soon. However, “who” they actually are individually is a bit of an enigma. Artistically, the band members remove themselves personally from the project and go by the personas:

Wraith – on Guitar, Bass, and Drums

Kitsune – at Piano, Keyboards, and on backup vocals

And Raze (short for Hræsvelgr) – on lead vocals

In an interview with Lalahel Metal, further insight into the mystery behind DSR is revealed. Speaking with Wraith, it was established that the band is based out of Seattle, WA – a place where Wraith is an experienced, currently gigging musician, and has been for many years. The nucleus of DSR is comprised of Wraith’s wife (Kitsune) and Kitsune’s brother (Raze) at lead vocalist. Alas, that is essentially where the trail goes cold, the band adhering to the ethos of an “anonymous trio.”

The rationale for the anonymity of the band is partly due to what Wraith describes as a “clear separation” from any current or past projects. More so, however, the underlying basis for the anonymity is to add a layer of mystique to the overall artistic expression. Or as stated in the interview, it serves the Gothic “aesthetic” better than also being known as “Bob from Accounting by daylight.” Wait a minute, was that a clue?? Maybe I’m reading into it too much, but that dang Bob has some explaining to do at our next budget meeting. I’m leaving no stones unturned on this one.

One recurring theme with the band in all I’ve read is “darkness.” An infatuation for it, let’s say. The intent to provoke an audience into some introspection, it seems. To clarify, not invoking darkness, but observing it in a way calls upon pause and reflection. A somber realization of certain aspects of humanity, and the profoundness of it. To quote from the interview:

“I hope they will appreciate it for what it is, and that maybe it will encourage people to think. Again, it’s finding that beauty in the darkness, in the way one might enjoy a piece of fine art in a museum.”

Wraith, Dead Storm Rising

The upcoming single, “Lullaby” which the band is referring to as technically the “debut” release (I’m assuming since “Leo” was a cover), doubles down on this projection. It’s a song about finding solace in nightmares because that’s still better than facing the horrors of the real world. Whoa. Freddy ain’t got nothing on my doom scrolling lately, that is for damn sure now that I think about it. Jeesh! I’ll quote Wraith one more time, he’s perhaps a bit more eloquent about it:

“Despite civilization’s best efforts there’s always a faction that devolves into the cruelest of human nature, and we turn a blind eye to this; murder, rape, human trafficking, egregious war crimes, and the suffering the indirect victims of all of the above must endure. We see it on the news but turn it off, citing it as “depressing.” We choose to accept this lullaby with which the pain and suffering of the world sings us to sleep.”

Wraith, Dead Storm Rising

The upcoming “Lullaby” will have a musical swing between a powerful intensity and calm melancholy, the band hints. To keep up with the latest on the new single, sign up for their newsletter via the band’s official website for pre-save and pre-order information.

I’m SO looking forward to following this band and hearing more music throughout the year! To be able to find a band you really connect with, and watch them grow right from first release or near inception is such an exciting thing. I invite you to do the same! Check out the side by side comparison of the track “Leo” below and let me know what you think.

Save “Leo” to your Spotify library HERE

Follow Dead Storm Rising Online:

Official Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp

“Leo” written by Greg Edwards and Ken Andrews

[Intro]
Leo woke up in his bed again
Startled by all his familiar friends
Burnt out stubs, confectionary, wrappers, bottles spent and empty
Leo felt a terror in the world

[Pre-Chorus]
He sighs, it’s not so bad
And goes about his day
As if nothing changed

[Chorus]
He finds it so hard to explain the way he can’t communicate
The feeling’s there but he can’t say why it’s so hard to relate to anyone

[Verse 1]
Leo quickened his step toward his car
He broke into a sprint at twenty yards
As he guessed the dogs had come ripping into his arm for fun
Leo got away in his blue car

[Pre-Chorus]
He sighs, it’s not so bad
And goes about his day
As if nothing changed

[Chorus]
He finds it so hard to explain the way he can’t communicate
The feeling’s there but he can’t say why it’s so hard to relate to you or anyone

[Guitar Solo]

[Outro]
He finds it so hard to explain the way he can’t communicate
The feeling’s there but he can’t say why it’s so hard to relate
He finds it so hard to explain the way he can’t communicate
The feeling’s there but he can’t say why it’s so hard to relate

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This coverage was created via Musosoup #sustainablecurator

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