Dead by Wednesday (DBW) is an American heavy metal band from New Haven, Connecticut, formed in 2006.[1] The band's current lineup includes founding members Christian "Opus" Lawrence (drums) and Michael Modeste (bass),[2] along with Dave Sharpe (guitar) and Steve Alvarez (vocals).
Dead by Wednesday | |
|---|---|
 Current Lineup | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Genres | Heavy metal |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | EMP Label Group, Combat Records |
| Members | Christian "Opus" Lawrence Michael Modeste Dave Sharpe Steve Alvarez |
| Past members | Rob Roy Kyle Leary Ross Ragusa Joe Morbidelli Joey Concepcion Marc Rizzo Patrick Garcia David Ramos Ceschi Ramos Marc Allan |
| Website | Dead by Wednesday on Facebook |
DBW has released five full-length albums: Democracy is Dead (2006, Stillborn Records); The Killing Project (2008, Eclipse Records);[3] and The Last Parade (2011, Fake Four Inc.) and The Darkest of Angels (2016, EMP Label Group). Additionally, the band released its Death of the Rockstar[4] EP in 2014 via Ear One Productions, and has been featured on Hatewear Inc.'s Brutal New Music Compilations Vol. 1, 2, and 3. The fourth full-length album, Darkest of Angels, released May 2016 featured a variety of well known metal singers.[5] In 2019 the band released the eponymous album Dead by Wednesday through Combat Records. Extensive touring in support of Flotsam and Jetsam ensued.
History
editDead by Wednesday was formed by drummer Opus and his cousins David and Ceschi Ramos, who were the original vocalists for the band. While the Ramos cousins still make guest appearances, Joe Morbidelli[6] was the singer for most of the band's tenure until leaving in 2014 due to personal issues.[7][8] Dead by Wednesday has toured across the United States multiple times, notably with Shadows Fall in 2014,[9][10] Flotsam and Jetsam in 2015, and A Killers Confession in 2017. The band also played several dates for Mayhem Festival in 2015.
Before beginning to record Darkest of Angels, DBW parted ways with longtime guitarist Ross Ragusa.[11] Joey Concepcion joined on guitar and the band invited a variety of guest vocalists to collaborate on the album. Brian Fair (Shadows Fall), AK (Flotsam and Jetsam), John Arch (Fates Warning), Rob Dukes (Generation Kill, ex-Exodus), Carley Coma (Candiria), Waylon Reavis (ex-Mushroomhead), Sean Danielsen (Smile Empty Soul), Paul Stoddard (Diecast), Kris Keyes (ex-Gargantua Soul), Antony Hamalainen (Armageddon) and Ceschi Ramos each have featured tracks, as well as now-permanent singer Rob Roy. Darkest of Angels was released on May 20, 2016 and was distributed through David Ellefson (of Megadeth)'s EMP Label Group.[12]
In June 2016 Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy guitarist Marc Rizzo joined Dead by Wednesday as a second guitar player for a very brief time.[citation needed]
In August 2018, the band introduced their new guitarist Dave Sharpe of End-Time Illusion and formally of Blood Has Been Shed after Kyle departed in April.[13] In 2020 after the departure of Rob Roy, the band recruited multi-lingual vocalist Steve Alvarez [14] who has toured and recorded with the band ever since. In 2021 DBW toured with Puya in Florida[15] and is close to completing a follow-up 6th full length.
DBW has released several music videos; their video for "Pawns"[16] was featured on MTV2's Headbangers Ball, Havok TV, Music Choice, and Sirius Satellite's Liquid Metal. They also have videos for "When in Rome", "Will to Fight", "Godlike Feeling", and "All the World is Waiting", which were released on the heavy metal news site Metal Injection.[17][18][19][20] In 2020 the bands new lineup released the single S.O.S. featuring their new frontman.[21]
European tour
editIn 2023, Dead by Wednesday embarked on a highly anticipated European tour, spanning 15 days and visiting eight countries. The tour kicked off in Frankfurt, Germany, and took the band to various notable venues across Europe, including KVO in Neuchatel, Switzerland, Castelnuovo and Fucecchio in Italy, Hildburghausen and Cham in Germany, Vienna in Austria, Doetinchen in the Netherlands, Wroclaw in Poland, Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, and concluded in Hamburg, Germany.
The tour proved to be a resounding success for Dead by Wednesday, as they received an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences in each country. Their high-energy performances, combined with their powerful stage presence, helped them gain new fans and establish a solid fanbase in Europe. The band's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level and their dedication to delivering a memorable live experience contributed to the tour's success.
Documentary
editThe European tour by Dead by Wednesday was documented by filmmaker Piettro Garibaldi, capturing the band's journey, performances, and behind-the-scenes moments. The documentary provides an intimate look into the band's experiences on the road, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs they encountered during their European tour. It offers fans and music enthusiasts a unique perspective into the band's music and touring adventures.
The documentary not only serves as a memento for Dead by Wednesday but also as a means to further engage their existing fanbase and attract new listeners. With the release of the documentary, the band aims to broaden their reach and enhance their visibility in the music industry.
Legacy
editDead by Wednesday's European tour marked a significant milestone in their career. The success and positive reception they received during the tour helped solidify their presence in the European metal scene. The new fans gained and the consolidation of their fanbase in Europe further propelled their growth as a band.
The impact of the tour and the subsequent documentary continue to resonate with fans and music enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing Dead by Wednesday's dedication to their craft and their commitment to delivering a captivating live experience.
Endorsements
editAfter several years with Washburn Guitars,[22] guitarist Dave Sharpe signed with Solar Guitars[23] in 2021. Dave has been a long time Randall Amplifier endorsee.[24] Opus Lawrence plays Trinity Cymbals exclusively.[25]
Discography
edit- Democracy Is Dead (2006, Recorded and mixed by Joetown)
- The Killing Project (2008)
- The Last Parade (2011)
- Death of the Rockstar (2014)
- Darkest of Angels (2016)
- Dead by Wednesday (2019)
- Capital Conspiracy (2022)
Awards
edit- Connecticut Music Awards 'Best Metal' 2012 & 2013[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ "Lexicon: Dead by Wednesday" retrieved March 7, 2016
- ^ "Player Spotlight: Michael Modeste" retrieved March 7, 2016
- ^ "Dead By Wednesday". Eclipse Records. 17 July 2008.
- ^ bravewords.com. "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Drummer Opus Talks New EP Death Of The Rockstar - "The Title Of Our EP Is A Metaphor For The Dying Music Industry Of Today And More"". bravewords.com.
- ^ "Dead By Wednesday Recruit Shadows Fall, Candiria, Fates Warning, Etc. Singers For New Album". Theprp.com. 8 February 2016.
- ^ "Nomadic Frontman Soon to be 'Dead by Wednesday'". May 2011.
- ^ ""Hamden Police Make Arrest in Pharmacy Burglary"".
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Vocalist Arrested For Robbing A Pharmacy; Booted From The Band". Metal Injection. 11 November 2014.
- ^ "Touring with a friend: Dead by Wednesday joins Shadows Fall on tour". 20 June 2014.
- ^ "Dead By Wednesday Hits the Road with Shadows Fall". 20 June 2014.
- ^ "Dead By Wednesday Guitarist Leaves + National Open Auditions, Free Song, New EP, New Label, CT Music Awards Win!". FlashWounds. 23 September 2013.
- ^ "EMP Label Group Artists">
- ^ bravewords.com. "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Announces US Tour Dates, New Guitarist, Upcoming Album Details". bravewords.com.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Premiere First Single with New Vocalist".
- ^ "PUYA - Puerto Rico's Latin Metal Pioneers Return".
- ^ "Dead By Wednesday - "Pawns"". Metal Injection. 8 February 2013.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY "When In Rome" music video". Metal Injection. 16 July 2014.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Will To Fight video". Metal Injection. 6 February 2013.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY God Like Feeling video". Metal Injection. 6 February 2013.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY All The World is Waiting video". Metal Injection.
- ^ "DEAD BY WEDNESDAY Reveals First Single, "S.O.S." Featuring New Vocalist".
- ^ "Dave Sharpe".
- ^ "Dave Sharpe - DEAD BY WEDNESDAY / END-TIME ILLUSION / DAVE SHARP AND THE SOLAR POWER".
- ^ "Randall Amplifiers on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-27.[user-generated source]
- ^ "Search results". www.google.com. [better source needed]