Defile the crown
If you are a performer, it’s like riding a bike and reuniting with an old friend, dropping straight back into it like you have never been away. This is something founder member Frankie Gomez discovered when he decided to get back in the saddle to escape heartache, enrolling the help and dedication of past band mates. After a few lineup changes the nucleus of the band was formed, and by the of August of 2018, Defile The Crown was born.
Based in Pink Hill, Duplin County, North Carolina, USA the line-up now consists of John Plisko – Vocals, Brian Davenport – Guitar, Dustin Moody – Bass and Frankie Gomez on Drums.
Soon after, Eric stepped down due to family commitments, and now, one man down, they soon enrolled the talents of
Sujit Kumar who was already highly regarded in the Washington DC music scene, and fast making his name known globally. After a few demo’s, Sujit agreed to meet and record a few demo tracks, and was soon apparent that they had found their new vocalist, with a line-up that now consists of Aaron Holt-Guitar/Bass, Sujit Kumar – Vocals and TJ Maistros on Drums.
Aaron started playing guitar and trumpet in 6th grade, learning both simultaneously getting his formal music education through his college years. Self-taught on guitar, Aaron did partake in a few lessons from time to time from the guitarist of a
US Army Band, to clean up his style inspired by Dream Theater, Tremonti, Alterbridge, RED, Ayreon, Haken, Periphery,
Devin Townsend, Ellie Goulding and Astrid S.
Sujit has performed in various bands for the last 20 years, which later turned into a professional career for the best part of 10 years, touring regularly between North America and India, fronting various acts, from Punk to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.
His diverse inspiration range from, Guns N Roses, Soundgarden, Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin to 60s Bollywood and sounds from Afghanistan, including one of India’s finest rock vocalists, Suraj Jagan.
TJ first started to pound the skins at 9 years old, cutting his teeth with inspirations such as Dream Theater, Animals and
Van Halen. Since that time he has played with many Jazz and Classical groups all throughout high school and college, along with two years with GMU Green Machine, all racking up a vast portfolio of experience that would later set him in good stead with this band.
Brian, spent the past 5 years cutting his teeth with Modern Metalcore, Trivium, Killswitch Engage, and Lorna Shore, first picking up his axe aged fifteen. Now at 20, his style reflects his idols as he strikes the air with some killer riffs taking his own unique style into a league of its own.
Dustin, found his instrument of choice aged 13, making good use of the past 7 years on Bass, with Motorhead, Misfits, Metallica and old school Punk by his side. His dedication over the years has certainly paid off, creating a fat solid flow as he walks his way through the fret board, dominating the airwaves with compadre Frankie in the rhythm section.
Frankie, first started pounding the skins aged 11, spending the following 9 years developing a style of his own from his throne, with mentors Bullet For My Valentine and Motley Crue helping him create his thunder from the riser with partner in crime Dustin, as they stoke the fire and rev the engine within the band.
Collectively, Slipknot fuel their fury, pushing them harder and faster within their genre, and their multifaceted collection of inspiration, and most certainly don’t hold back in incorporating every element of their individual influences into their sound, with their own unique style. Not backward in coming forward in sharing their thoughts and opinions within their music, they display a heavy raw attitude both LIVE and in the studio, showcasing the emotion of the moment and how they truly feel. Since their formation, the boys have shared stages with Nova Omega, Fifty Flies, and Obvious Liars with John hitting the stage with Charmed City Devils, Janus, Shallow Side and SuperBob in previous projects.
“It stands for freedom, even if it’s not the popular opinion, and stands up for what you believe in”.
So I went on to ask what they have learnt so far on their journey, and what drives them as a band, they added;
“Family and brotherhood truly drives us. So far, we have learnt that not everyone is behind you, and to be prepared to lose a lot of people along the way”
I followed this up by asking about their song writing process, and how they would overcome any creative blocks, they went on to tell me;
“It’s as simple as coming up with a musical idea and build the rest of the song based on that. Listening to new music and drawing influence from the things that are going on in our everyday lives, always helps keep creative blocks at bay”.
Finally, I asked the lads what they enjoy most about being in the band, and if there was anything they wished they had known before they started their career in music, they told me;
“The best part is being able to have a functional unit, and being able to have a friendship and brotherhood outside of the band as well. The journey has taught us that not everyone is going to be as committed to the same dreams and aspirations as yours when it comes to music”.
Presented with a sinister overture, this track leaps into action and doesn’t waste time taking care of business.
Laced with layers of light and shade, the whole composition treats us to a tight, syncopated display of dynamics, demonic screams and dulcet tones through its melodic undercurrent, as if powered by Satan’s hollow itself.
Perfectly structured, this single would please any rock fan, no matter their sub-genre, equipped with the right amount of dominance and attitude to split the atom. If placed correctly in the set list, this track would stir up the perfect storm at any LIVE performance, leaving even the band themselves in awe at the sea of heads that stand before them, all punching the air in gratitude, as they drive their machine like a runaway train through the back wall of the arena.
Star Rating – 10/10
“We hope you enjoy what we have done so far and what we have coming in the near future”.
So why not clear a space in your collection and give Defile The Crown a try for 2021.
© Stargazer Music Magazine 2020
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