.::SCRATCHtheSurface Webzine::.: The Red Death

US Death-Thrash metallers THE RED DEATH have called it a day.
The following message was posted on the band’s Myspace page.
"So we're calling it a day and hanging up THE RED DEATH. It's been a fun ride and our thanks go out to Metal Blade Records for giving us the first opportunity to bring our music to a larger audience, Siege Of Amida and Ferret Music for doing all the leg work on the release of 'Godmakers', the past members of this entity for their contributions, and everyone out there across the U.S. that put us up, fed us drinks or joints, put on a show, put a tour together, or bought some merch. The past six years have been incredibly memorable. We're all onto different projects and pursuits with Aaron [Conti, guitar] being involved with recording at Moresound Studios in Syracuse, NY and totally ripping at the controls, Paul's [Hamblin, vocals] doing vocals for the next DEVIL HIS DUE record, Graham's [Mitchell] jamming with FREYA, Mark's [Kelley, guitar] involved with his video editing and recording projects and looking for a band to jam with, and Jordan's [Rathbun, bass] gonna be chillin like a dude for a while and looking to jam as well. Stay fuckin vital and live your damn life"

THE RED DEATH will play the following final shows (possible stops in Auburn, NY and Syracuse, NY):

Sep. 13 - Binghamton, NY (with THE ADEPT, PRODUCT OF HOSTILITY)
Sep. 27 - Watertown, NY (Supergnarly Fest)
Oct. 31 - Bath, NY - The Little Pickle (Costume Party)

Read the review of THE RED DEATH's second full-length album, "Godmakers" released by Siege of Amida here.

The Red Death call New York City home, but their second full-length work “Godmakers” could easily mistake them for Swedes as it displays an obvious affection for the Swedish-styled Death Metal, more precisely At the Gates.
As soon as opening theme “Eternal Now” erupts from the speakers there are recognisable traits that place them among the countless North-American bands venturing towards the trail blazed by the Swedish veterans. It bears an abrasive and irascible ferocity similar to “Blinded by Fear” from “Slaughter of the Soul” with guitarists Aaron Conti and Mark Kelley churning out razor-sharp riffs that Martin Larsson and Anders Björler could have written themselves. Not to mention the strong resemblance between Paul Hamblin’s screeching vocals and Tomas Lindberg corrosive style.
Despite their obvious debt to At the Gates, The Red Death had also made some gestures forward individuality by incorporating a well-measured Death Metal crunch akin to Malevolent Creation and Dying Fetus and songs such as “Godless” and “We Were Ghosts” are good examples of such thrilling collision between U.S. Death Metal’s brutal immediacy and Swedish twisting harmonies. “Godless” for instance starts with a rabid, vicious riffing imbued with a Gothenburg intricacy and midway towards its conclusion meanders into a catchy chug that brings to mind Dying Fetus most immediate moments.
Elsewhere, The Red Death continues to regurgitate the corrosive, memorable and highly influential work of At the Gates with such skill and devotion that is impossible to remain indifferent. Sure it’s derivative, but “Godmakers” in terms of song writing quality and musicianship could also rival with anything The Crown and Darkest Hour have produced so far. (7/10)

Band info: www.myspace.com/thereddeath
Label info: www.siegeofamida.net