Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Dead Asylum formed in Vancouver, Canada in 2011. Mike Lister (vocals/guitar) and Samantha Landa (drums) are original members, along with Roger Mowat (bass/vocals) and Eric Morrison (lead guitar).
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
We're kind of a melodic death/thrash crossover band. Dead Asylum plays kind of 'unexpected metal'. We have a lot of thrashy rhythms and riffs, but then over top of them you get really melodic leads with changes that might catch you off guard. We often do the dual vocal thing. We're all influenced by different artists. Sometimes it's Kreator and Exodus, sometimes it's Kalmah and Amon Amarth. We've been compared to old Arch Enemy, or a grittier At The Gates.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
We like to think we aren't just recycling the exact same formulas some bands might rely on to get that initial attention (although there's nothing wrong with playing in one genre). But most of the songs still have good hooks to them so you'll want to blast it in the car. Give it a listen!
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
We released our debut full-length, General Carnage back in 2013. It was well-received, but we didn't push it very hard. We're now releasing our second full-length, Death Always Wins, and so far the reception has been even greater than our debut. People are noticing that we've grown and improved in songwriting and even technical skills.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Playing live is the best! We've toured around the western US and Canada and have a full US tour coming up. We're hoping to bring it to Europe next year.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
The same reason the average metalhead should check us out. We don't sound exactly like any other band--or that's what we've been told. We're a little less predictable and we layer some interesting chords and melodies with headbangworthy grooves and brutal vocals. Songs have good hooks and seem to appeal to people who are into different genres.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
We're touring around the US and we hope to get to Europe in the near future.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Get the new album at https://deadasylum.bandcamp.com/album/death-always-wins
If you like it, let us know on Facebook www.facebook.com/deadasylum and Twitter https://twitter.com/DeadAsylummetal!
Watch our lyric video for the title track, Death Always Wins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCQeUqu6ET4
Check out the brutal music video for Forgotten Sacrifice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSFDiYB0d_Y
May 2017