Upon exiting the ranks of Megadeth, the world eagerly awaited news as to what was next for Chris Broderick (guitars) and Shawn Drover (drums). The duo are now excited to announce their worldwide signing to Metal Blade Records for their new group Act Of Defiance, which is rounded out by Henry Derek (ex-Scar The Martyr) on vocals and Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall) on bass. They are currently recording their debut offering with world renowned producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed, Shadows Fall). Look for this album to be released sometime this summer. However, in the meantime, Listen below to a sneak peek into a rough demo snippet of the track Throwback.
Broderick states, “I am so excited to finally be able to announce Act Of Defiance to the world. Shawn just finished tracking drums the first week of February and his performance and tones are simply incredible. I have started tracking rhythms and leads, as well as working with Henry to get final vocal takes while Matt will record bass at his studio. The final mix and mastering will also be handled by Zeuss.
“I am also very honored to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records. There is not a better label to be on than one where the employees (and owner) still understand and listen to METAL! They have shown a loyalty, backing and drive for their artists that few other labels have. As for our music, I am really enjoying the ability to create what is a killer mix of thrash and modern metal. It has a unique combination ranging from thrash to classical influences. I am very proud of what we have written and hope that you all dig it.”
Drover adds, “Having our new band, Act Of Defiance, sign with Metal Blade Records is a real thrill for me. I started my musical career with Brian Slagel and the Metal Blade family many years ago, so to come full circle at this point is a real musical home-coming, of sorts. I couldn’t be happier about that.
What thrills me the most is the fact that myself, Chris Broderick, Henry Derek and Matt Bachand all have in common is that from the get-go, we wanted this band to be 100% PURE Heavy Metal! No compromises, no ulterior motives other than making the best HEAVY METAL music we can. Metal Blade shares this vision, which really puts us all on the same page, musically.”
Bachand states, “I couldn’t be more excited to begin this new adventure with Act Of Defiance. The positive energy that has collected between the four of us in such a little amount of time has been nothing short of incredible. Writing bass lines is something new for me as well, and I am looking forward to the challenge. All the songs are coming together great and I can’t wait for the world to hear this.”
Derek comments, “I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of AOD. Everyone has been super cool and supportive, which is always a huge plus. I know this is going to be an awesome musical experience and the fact that I’m embarking on this journey with good people means everything. Cheers.”
Brian Slagel further comments, “I am super excited to welcome Act Of Defiance to the Metal Blade family. I have known Chris and Shawn over the years and really admired their work. I am honored to be able to work with these two legendary musicians. Really excited to work with all the guys on this exciting new band.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/actofdefiancemusic.
10 Responses
I enjoy Chris’ playing but the rest is just generic metal core growling crap. I expected something more technical rythym wise. There are so many good players out there but very few good singers and they just become growlers which is just a turn off.
I don’t mind some of the growl vocals, then again I can tolerate bands like Napalm Death.
Oh man, awesome guitar playing but like many say above, the vocals are a real turn off. Too bad!
I’m not ready to condemn this project, I’ll give it a chance. Some of what I heard in this track suggests it won’t be all screaming, and I’d like to think Chris Broderick has enough musical sense and integrity not to let something like that “ruin” the songs. I’ll use the band Opeth as an example. When I first heard them, I was turned off by the growly vocals and almost didn’t give them a chance – but there’s a lot of clean singing mixed in and a ton of musicianship to be found if you just let it all play out. I grew to really like them, but it took some time and patience. The growling (not so much screaming for those guys) still isn’t my favorite, but it’s balanced by the rest of it (there’s no growling on their last couple of albums, but I’d argue the music isn’t as good either). If Act of Defiance can also strike a balance, there’s plenty of talent there to make it very good.