Week 43 – Dark Messiah

My HeadBangers welcome Dark Messiah

“No Soul To Sell”

The thing I like best about this song, besides the music is Stephen makes such a convincing Soul Collector.

This band had its beginnings in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in the summer of 2015.  They are considered a Groove/Thrash Metal Band.  

Let’s meet these dark ones with good hair, and I mean that as a compliment.

– Stephen Chubaty: Vocals, Lyrics
– Jonathan Hayward: Guitar
– Lagg Walker: Bass
– Jamie Otto: Drums

Here’s some Bio on the band, some from the their site, and some from here and there:

The band was formed by guitarist Jonathan Hayward in the summer of 2015.  They came together to turn back the clocks and rediscover the roots of Heavy Metal.  Then came the drummer, a bassist and a rhythm guitarist, and they started to craft their sound that made them a band.  The drummer recommended Stephen Chubaty for vocalist and main lyricist.  He became the next member.

The band jumped onto the scene quickly. A very established bar that had been around about as long as rock n roll itself “The Zoo” announced it was closing. Jonathan and Stephen had never played the iconic venue before so the band set out to try and book a gig. Even though the group did not have a name yet and had barely been off the ground for a month, they decided to push forward.

With the gig fast approaching the need for a name was getting frustrating. In a conversation with a friend Jonathan was asked what kind of band he was trying to help put together. “A classic metal inspired band, but one different than anyone else. a band that would bring back what once was.” He said. His friend responded with “Kinda like a chosen band.” as a joke. “Yeah but an evil one. Like a….dark messiah.” the name was solidified and the gig was officially booked. 

In preparation for this goal the band worked hard together to make the show happen. Conflict and personality clashes led to the band’s first bassist to quit. They found a replacement to join the band a mere 12 days before the show. With original parts written and personalized by each member Dark Messiah took the stage.

In the end it was deemed a success. The band would go on to play more shows throughout the next couple of months but also had some more lineup changes. Lawrence Reimer was brought in to play rhythm guitar as the first member had to follow a different path. Lawrence’s drive helped push the band to it’s next level. Perfectly balancing the already established sound. The band was shook to the core when it was forced to use the services of a fill in drummer due to unforeseen circumstances.

Even with all these issues arising the band never cancelled a show and never missed a beat. They eventually recruited the naturally talented Robert Schau on drums. A few months later the band was forced to once again replace a bassist right in the midst of recording. Lagg Walker joined the band and helped finish the E.P. The release debuted at #4 on Reverbnation for metal in Winnipeg and the next day made it to #2 and eventually reached #1 holding that spot for 5 months and counting. In February of 2017 Robert left the band to pursue other styles of music and metal. The band recruited drummer Ole Larson who also played in a Winnipeg band called Dome.

Soon after Ole joined, the band released a music video for their song “No Soul To Sell” and announced Their Western Canadian “Converting The Masses” tour simultaneously.  A few weeks before the tour Lawrence Reimer left the band due to personal reasons. They continued on with the tour as a 4 piece.  In November, 2017, Ole quit the band to focus on his musicianship. They recruited Jamie Otto to jump in as their new full time drummer.

Well my HeadBangers as we all well know there are always the personal differences that tear bands apart, life sometimes gets in the way.  But in the end by keeping up the hard work it always comes together.  This band had been through everything and is still banging it out.  Stick to it guys.

“Eliminate The Enemy”

Well my HeadBangers that’s it for this week.  Join me next week for another band and another song.  Until then remember don’t stand to close to the fire if you can’t handle the burn……