Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
D.O.M Destruction Of Mankind is created entirely by Dom. Self releasing an eight song EP entitled “Necktie for a Noose”. Dom wrote, recorded, played all instruments and performed all the vocals on the EP, which was mixed and mastered at Laughing Dog Studios. Dom began taking drum lessons at an early age, and in his teens a friend gave him “A ratty old drum set that had a hi hat and one cymbal."He began to teach himself drums learning songs from his favorite band Guns N Roses and later Metallica. “They made me want to take my drumming and musical style to a new level." He then learned as many Metallica songs on drums as he could. Dom then sought a band to play with. He jammed with everyone he could, including Grey Skies Fallen, then known as Eve of Mourning. Due to different music styles, he soon moved on after recording their first demo together. He turned to the local clubs and music stores in search of musicians, he ran into his childhood hero Twisted Sisters' AJ Pero. Dom realized it was time to hone his craft and take some lessons. Dom studied with Pero for a few months, it was "a dream come true" for Dom. He finally found a band to play with, Bias which introduced him to hardcore music. They cut a few demos, played some shows and got radio play until creative differences led Dom to leave. Dom turned all of his focus to studying drums “I got into the great jazz drummer Buddy Rich and realized I needed to learn jazz because it’s the hardest style of drumming to play." He took lessons at a local drum shop and met pro studio drummer Frank Bellucci who opened his eyes to what being a drummer was all about. Dom briefly hooked back up with Grey Skies Fallen during which he met drummer Rick Cash and got involved with jazz great Charlie Perry. Studying with them for the summer he got as much info as he could. He got a job in the city and built up his drum kit as well as more lessons from local jazz drummer John Soracco. The itch to play Metal and Hardcore came rushing back and Dom started the band Patience. They cut a four song demo and a seven song EP. They played shows and had radio play on WSOU 89.5 and opened for Biohazard. After Patience Dom kept to himself and played drums for two years. A friend took him to a Metallica show at Giants Stadium which made him realize he needed to get back to music. Rejuvenated, Dom looked to start something unique and solid that he could rely on. Dom decided to record an album and develop a band.
In January of 2004 Dom began to buy equipment, guitars, bass, a new drum kit, a mixing board, mics and everything else he would need to record an album, writing his first song, Preeminent, around that time. From January to May, Dom renovated his studio room. He spent a year teaching himself how to record and write songs and how to put an album together. Dom’s blue goatee can be attributed to the inspiration of Dimebag Darrell, who was murdered in December of 2004. In early 2005 Dom consulted with Bill Donnelly at Laughing Dog Studios then spent the next few years in his studio writing and recording the songs for his album. It took two years to finish the music and until he was comfortable with the eight songs he had. Dom recorded the vocals for the songs from January until March 2008 and got into Laughing Dog Studios in April of 2008 to mix the album. It took from April 2008 until January of 2009 to finish the mix and mastering. In January of 2009 Dom’s vision was nearly complete. “It was great to finally be done with the project. I know how hard it is for bands to put out quality music. I was not trying to be Metallica or Pantera. I was not trying to emulate anyone. I just wanted to be me. I am a self taught musician for the most part."
Due to financing issues it took Dom until July of 2009 to send the album to press. D.O.M Destruction Of Mankind “Necktie for a Noose” was released in August of 2009. Until it was pressed, Dom took to various social networking sites to promote his work. He sent out demo copies to prospective fans all over the world, in order to gain feedback on the music. Over the course of the project is where the entire concept of the album artwork, name, as well as the use of sampling throughout the EP comes from. “My interest in politics and world events is where the album art and title came from. It is vital that all government and world leaders are held to a high standard for doing what is right. Corruption and needless selfishness cannot be tolerated. Nor can the needless persecution of the innocents by considered elites be allowed. We must not be confused by conspiracy theories. But rather made whole by cracking a conspiracy and seeking the facts. The reason why I chose to use various samples is to bring a unique approach to the musical experience for the listener. As well as help the listeners understand the songs and complete the message on the album. With the assistance of a friend he finalized the artwork along with Bill Donnelly to find a place to press the album. It was in August of 2009 Dom’s vision was finally complete. Having brought together a Demo EP Album fully pressed and ready for self release. Family obligations kept Dom from devoting any more time to the project until the beginning of 2010 when along with Bill’s help, Dom sent press kits out to labels with no avail. Unwavering Dom continued to send out copies to reviewers, radio stations and labels throughout all of 2010, receiving mostly positive reviews, one of the major setbacks was record labels' reluctance to sign a solo artist. Dom used every possible internet outlet making his album available on all major digital distribution websites I tunes, Amazon, CdBaby.com to name a few. “It’s great to have built this the way I have. The general message I get from labels is get a band together. It’s too bad I can’t find a label that is interested in building the band with me as well as recording more music. I would like to find a label to build the band around me and work with me in the studio taking the music to an insane level.” In 2011 Dom finally launched his official website and continued to use social media to promote the EP as well as search for a label who believes in him to bring the music to the masses. In 2012 through the use of Reverbnation, Dom connected with Jason Zarnowski , the President, CEO & Owner of Turkey Vulture Records. After years of searching, Dom finally found a label that was interested in signing him. After a phone conversation in November of 2012, Dom and Jason worked out the deal. In May of 2013 Dom sent Jason the tracks to be mixed and mastered. Spending the next several months working on the project, Jason Zarnowski had finalized the album. Working out all the particulars, such as, album title, song arrangements and album cover. D.O.M “Reckoning” was set for release. On Febuary 25th 2014 Dom inked a record deal with Turkey Vulture Records. All parties are very excited for the future of the new album. The new album “Reckoning” (mixed and mastered by Jason Z.) will be available worldwide through digital outlets everywhere through Turkey Vulture Records/Bungalo Records/Universal Music Group Distribution with a release date set for April 8, 2014.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
Metal & Hardcore. Especially New York Hardcore. the bands that influenced me the most are, Metal- Pantera/Metallica/Twisted Sister Hardcore: Sick Of It All, Madball, Agnostic Front
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Why should a metalhead buy my album? (this is a great question) simply put, a metalhead should buy my music because of the message in the music!
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
I have released an independent EP entitled "Necktie for a Noose" and an Album released by Turkey Vulture Records entitled "Reckoning". the public received the music with a sense of shock and admiration for a one man band that was brutal with a some what new sound. fans are loyal diehards. the media gave some solid reviews with sometimes constructive criticism that has helped me grow as an artist.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
As a one man solo project. the band is being formed at the moment. shows, touring and the next album is the objective.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
They should know that i have been in music for 20 years. i live by discipline, dedication and determination. i never gave up. after years of being in bands i made the decision to do solo project to build a strong foundation for a band. as long as i'm in it there will be a band. they should be interested in it because given the chance i am out to prove that i am the real deal and focused on earning their respect.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
The plan is to finish up forming the band around me. Playing shows, touring and cutting another album. music is my life.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
It can be heard on Reverbnation, Jango Radio, www.destructionofmankind.com, Myspace, Facebook. It can be purchased and is available on all Digital outlets world wide. Itunes, Amazon etc.
September 2014