Dying Fetus
Encyclopedia
Dying Fetus is an American death metal
band from Upper Marlboro
, Maryland
. Formed in 1991, the group is known for their outspoken political views, and for being one of the few death metal bands who follow a political nature. Earlier lyrics showcased the common death metal trait of explicit violence
as its main theme. Constant line-up changes throughout the years have left John Gallagher the only remaining original member.
, by John Gallagher (guitar, vocals) and Jason Netherton (bass, vocals). The band began in earnest when the pair met up with guitarist/vocalist Nick Speleos in 1992. During a year of practicing it was decided that Gallagher would fill in on drums until a proper drummer was found. The writing of this period resulted in the 1993 demo Bathe In Entrails In late 1993, the band found drummer Rob Belton, as well as guitarist Brian Latta, who replaced the departed Nick Speleos, which also thrust John Gallagher back into the role of guitarist and vocalist. Together the new four-piece lineup recorded the Infatuation with Malevolence
demo in early 1994, later released together with the first demo in 1995 as a compilation on California Indie label Wild Rags
Records. Songs included all tracks from both demos as one CD.
In 1996, the band released their first album, Purification through Violence
, on short lived Illinois label Pulverizer Records. The album marked a further refinement of the band's developing sound of Death metal
riffing, combined with heavy slams, over seven original songs, and one Napalm Death
cover, "Scum". Drummer Rob Belton left and the band was joined briefly in 1995 for a year by drummer Casey Buckler, with whom they performed live, yet never recorded with.
and Monstrosity
, with the first appearance of future drummer Erik Sayenga as drummer replacing Casey Buckler. However by 1997, Erik Sayenga had left the band, and after a short Texas tour in May 1997, drummer Kevin Talley joined full-time in the summer of 1997. At this point, the band had caught the attention of German indie label Morbid Records, who signed them early in 1998 for a one-album deal. Almost immediately afterwards, the band released their 2nd album, Killing on Adrenaline
.
Morbid Records supplied the band with promotion in the death metal underground, and the band subsequently rose to slightly higher prominence, yet the band's live performances still gained them the most attention. However, guitarist Brian Latta left the band in late 1998, ushering in new guitarist John “Sparky” Voyles, and in 1999 the band embarked on their first headlining tour of the US, over three weeks dubbed the "Underground Terrorism" tour. The tour was followed shortly thereafter by the Grotesque Impalement EP, which the band released on their Blunt Force Records label imprint.
, who subsequently signed the band. To date, all Dying Fetus albums have been on Relapse Records
.
Once more returning to Steve Carr's Hit and Run Studios in Maryland (where each previous Dying Fetus album was recorded), Dying Fetus recorded in the spring of 2000 their Relapse debut, Destroy the Opposition
. This album featured even stronger political themes, and songwriting that was to highly influence the "deathcore
" scene in subsequent years. The album was included in Decibel
s Top 100 Albums of the decade list for the 2000s (Decibel Magazine Special Edition, December 2009).
However, following the release of Destroy the Opposition, original member Jason Netherton left the band for personal reasons, and thereafter guitarist John "Sparky" Voyles and drummer Kevin Talley left the band only months after the album's release (they since went on to form the band Misery Index
). Gallagher recruited guitarist Mike Kimball, singer Vincent Matthews, bassist/backup vocalist Sean Beasley, and the returning Eric Sayenga on drums.
With the new lineup, the band released their 4th album, Stop at Nothing
, in 2003, another album featuring Steve Carr's production and strong political themes. A promotional video was shot for the track “One Shot, One Kill”.
(with acts such as Mastodon
gaining popularity), as well as a full North American tour with GWAR
in 2005. However, the Stop at Nothing lineup dissolved slightly in the years that followed as drummer Erik Sayenga parted yet again, and singer Vincent Matthews went on to form Criminal Element. However, Dying Fetus came back yet again, bassist Sean Beasley took over on vocals, and drummer Duane Timlin (ex-Divine Empire/ex-Broken Hope
) joined the ranks in 2006.
That lineup then recorded War of Attrition
, which was released in March 2007. Themes include attacking reality TV, the war on terrorism, racial ignorance, and the flaws in the criminal justice system. Songs include “Homicidal Retribution,” “Raping the System” and “Parasites of Catastrophe.” Dying Fetus’ second music video was made for “Homicidal Retribution.”
Yet another lineup change occurred on the Dying Fetus front in July 2007: drummer Duane Timlin was fired due to incompatibilities. The newest drummer for the band is Trey Williams, from the local Baltimore band Severed Head. Mike Kimball has also left the band, and they have remained a trio since.
On June 4, 2009 Dying Fetus announced the title of their seventh album, Descend into Depravity, which was released September 15, 2009; it was released via Relapse Records
.
Former members
Compilations
EPs
Demos
Death metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
band from Upper Marlboro
Greater Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Greater Upper Marlboro is a census-designated place in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States that completely surrounds Upper Marlboro, the county seat...
, Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
. Formed in 1991, the group is known for their outspoken political views, and for being one of the few death metal bands who follow a political nature. Earlier lyrics showcased the common death metal trait of explicit violence
Graphic violence
Graphic violence is the depiction of especially vivid, brutal and realistic acts of violence in visual media such as literature, film, television, and video games...
as its main theme. Constant line-up changes throughout the years have left John Gallagher the only remaining original member.
Beginnings (1991–1996)
Dying Fetus was founded during late 1991 in Upper Marlboro, MarylandUpper Marlboro, Maryland
Upper Marlboro is a town in and the county seat of Prince George's County, Maryland, United States. The live-in population of the town core proper was only 648 at the 2000 census, although Greater Upper Marlboro is many times larger....
, by John Gallagher (guitar, vocals) and Jason Netherton (bass, vocals). The band began in earnest when the pair met up with guitarist/vocalist Nick Speleos in 1992. During a year of practicing it was decided that Gallagher would fill in on drums until a proper drummer was found. The writing of this period resulted in the 1993 demo Bathe In Entrails In late 1993, the band found drummer Rob Belton, as well as guitarist Brian Latta, who replaced the departed Nick Speleos, which also thrust John Gallagher back into the role of guitarist and vocalist. Together the new four-piece lineup recorded the Infatuation with Malevolence
Infatuation with Malevolence
Infatuation with Malevolence is a 1995 album containing reissues of Dying Fetus' early demo material.On the album, tracks 6-11 were originally released as "Bathe In Entrails" . These songs were originally written in 1992 and represent the band at its earlier stages, both lyrically and musically...
demo in early 1994, later released together with the first demo in 1995 as a compilation on California Indie label Wild Rags
Wild Rags
Wild Rags Records was a record label and store in Montebello, California. It was founded in the 1980s by Ricardo Campos. Though Wild Rags started out releasing music from bands such as Cherry Street, the label would go on to put out influential releases by the likes of Nuclear Death, Impetigo,...
Records. Songs included all tracks from both demos as one CD.
In 1996, the band released their first album, Purification through Violence
Purification through Violence
Purification Through Violence is the first full-length album by the death metal band Dying Fetus, following Infatuation with Malevolence, a collection of early demos...
, on short lived Illinois label Pulverizer Records. The album marked a further refinement of the band's developing sound of Death metal
Death metal
Death metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal. It typically employs heavily distorted guitars, tremolo picking, deep growling vocals, blast beat drumming, minor keys or atonality, and complex song structures with multiple tempo changes....
riffing, combined with heavy slams, over seven original songs, and one Napalm Death
Napalm Death
Napalm Death are a death metal band formed in Birmingham, England in 1981. While none of its original members remain in the group, the lineup of vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway, bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mitch Harris and drummer Danny Herrera has remained consistent for most of the band's ...
cover, "Scum". Drummer Rob Belton left and the band was joined briefly in 1995 for a year by drummer Casey Buckler, with whom they performed live, yet never recorded with.
Rise to underground prominence (1996–2000)
With no promotion and no label, Dying Fetus toured off and on, sporadically, for 4 years straight starting in summer 1996 with their first full US tour alongside KataklysmKataklysm
Kataklysm is a Canadian death metal band. They call their musical style "northern hyperblast" after an advertisement in M.E.A.T. magazine describing another band, Fear Factory, as "hyperblast". The term refers to the extremely fast blast beats that Kataklysm's drummer, Max Duhamel, fuses into the...
and Monstrosity
Monstrosity (band)
Monstrosity is a death metal band originating from Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the death metal scene of the early 1990s. Vocalist, George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher and drummer, Lee Harrison, were the founders of Monstrosity. Harrison had just left the band Malevolent Creation and George Fisher...
, with the first appearance of future drummer Erik Sayenga as drummer replacing Casey Buckler. However by 1997, Erik Sayenga had left the band, and after a short Texas tour in May 1997, drummer Kevin Talley joined full-time in the summer of 1997. At this point, the band had caught the attention of German indie label Morbid Records, who signed them early in 1998 for a one-album deal. Almost immediately afterwards, the band released their 2nd album, Killing on Adrenaline
Killing on Adrenaline
Killing on Adrenaline is the second album by te Maryland, USA, technical death metal band Dying Fetus. The technical guitar riffs began on this release, a trait that evolved and progressed even more on later albums....
.
Morbid Records supplied the band with promotion in the death metal underground, and the band subsequently rose to slightly higher prominence, yet the band's live performances still gained them the most attention. However, guitarist Brian Latta left the band in late 1998, ushering in new guitarist John “Sparky” Voyles, and in 1999 the band embarked on their first headlining tour of the US, over three weeks dubbed the "Underground Terrorism" tour. The tour was followed shortly thereafter by the Grotesque Impalement EP, which the band released on their Blunt Force Records label imprint.
Relapse Records, new lineups (2000–2003)
By 2000, Dying Fetus caught the attention of another underground metal label, the indie company Relapse RecordsRelapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
, who subsequently signed the band. To date, all Dying Fetus albums have been on Relapse Records
Relapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
.
Once more returning to Steve Carr's Hit and Run Studios in Maryland (where each previous Dying Fetus album was recorded), Dying Fetus recorded in the spring of 2000 their Relapse debut, Destroy the Opposition
Destroy the Opposition
Destroy the Opposition is the third album by the Maryland, USA, death metal band Dying Fetus. It was produced by the band and Steve Carr. This album marks a change in Dying Fetus's direction, with political themes becoming dominant, which has continued in all of their subsequent albums.Albert...
. This album featured even stronger political themes, and songwriting that was to highly influence the "deathcore
Deathcore
Deathcore is an extreme metal music genre that combines elements of death metal with elements of metalcore or hardcore punk, or both. It is defined by an "excessive" use of death metal riffs, blast beats and use of hardcore punk breakdowns...
" scene in subsequent years. The album was included in Decibel
Decibel magazine
Decibel is a monthly heavy metal and extreme music magazine published by the Philadelphia-based Red Flag Media. Since October 2004, Decibel has featured a plethora of extreme metal bands and musicians. Its sections include Upfront, Features, Reviews, Guest Columns and the Decibel Hall of Fame...
s Top 100 Albums of the decade list for the 2000s (Decibel Magazine Special Edition, December 2009).
However, following the release of Destroy the Opposition, original member Jason Netherton left the band for personal reasons, and thereafter guitarist John "Sparky" Voyles and drummer Kevin Talley left the band only months after the album's release (they since went on to form the band Misery Index
Misery Index (band)
Misery Index is an American deathgrind band formed in 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, by Jason Netherton on vocals and bass guitar, Mike Harrison on vocals and guitar, and Kevin Talley on drums. From 2006-2010, its line-up consisted of Netherton on vocals and bass guitar, Sparky Voyles...
). Gallagher recruited guitarist Mike Kimball, singer Vincent Matthews, bassist/backup vocalist Sean Beasley, and the returning Eric Sayenga on drums.
With the new lineup, the band released their 4th album, Stop at Nothing
Stop at Nothing
Stop at Nothing is the fourth album by the Maryland technical death metal band Dying Fetus. The album, like its predecessor, Destroy the Opposition, was produced by the band and Steve Carr....
, in 2003, another album featuring Steve Carr's production and strong political themes. A promotional video was shot for the track “One Shot, One Kill”.
Five members, return to form (2003-present)
Dying Fetus toured extensively for Stop at Nothing, and got airplay for the music video for "One Shot, One Kill" on Headbanger's Ball. Another tool that led to exposure of the band was more mainstream metal attention of Relapse RecordsRelapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
(with acts such as Mastodon
Mastodon (band)
Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1999. The band is composed of bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor...
gaining popularity), as well as a full North American tour with GWAR
GWAR
Gwar is a satirical heavy metal band formed in Richmond, Virginia, United States, in 1984. The band is best known for its elaborate science fiction/horror film inspired costumes, obscene lyrics and graphic stage performances, which feature humorous enactments of politically and morally taboo...
in 2005. However, the Stop at Nothing lineup dissolved slightly in the years that followed as drummer Erik Sayenga parted yet again, and singer Vincent Matthews went on to form Criminal Element. However, Dying Fetus came back yet again, bassist Sean Beasley took over on vocals, and drummer Duane Timlin (ex-Divine Empire/ex-Broken Hope
Broken Hope
Broken Hope was an American death metal band that was founded in 1988. They were known as an accomplished mid-paced style death metal band with low-pitched growling vocals...
) joined the ranks in 2006.
That lineup then recorded War of Attrition
War of Attrition (album)
War of Attrition is the fifth album by Dying Fetus. According to the album booklet, the album's lyrics were written solely by the guitarist Mike Kimball. This album was praised by original fans due to its return to traditional Dying Fetus form...
, which was released in March 2007. Themes include attacking reality TV, the war on terrorism, racial ignorance, and the flaws in the criminal justice system. Songs include “Homicidal Retribution,” “Raping the System” and “Parasites of Catastrophe.” Dying Fetus’ second music video was made for “Homicidal Retribution.”
Yet another lineup change occurred on the Dying Fetus front in July 2007: drummer Duane Timlin was fired due to incompatibilities. The newest drummer for the band is Trey Williams, from the local Baltimore band Severed Head. Mike Kimball has also left the band, and they have remained a trio since.
On June 4, 2009 Dying Fetus announced the title of their seventh album, Descend into Depravity, which was released September 15, 2009; it was released via Relapse Records
Relapse Records
Relapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
.
Members
Current members- John Gallagher - vocals, guitar (1991–present), drums (1991–1993)
- Sean Beasley - vocals, bass (2001–present)
- Trey Williams - drums (2007–present)
Former members
- Jason Netherton - bass/vocals (1991–2000) (original member)
- Nick Speleos - guitar/vocals (1991–1993) (original member)
- Rob Belton - drums (1993–1996)
- Brian Latta - guitar (1994–1998)
- Casey Buckler - drums (1995–1996)
- Eric Sayenga - drums (1996–1997, 2001–2005)
- Kevin TalleyKevin TalleyKevin Talley is an American death metal drummer. He has performed with Dying Fetus, Misery Index and Chimaira, and he is currently the drummer for the bands Dååth, Six Feet Under and Nothnegal.- History :...
- drums (1997–2001) - John "Sparky" Voyles - guitar (1999–2001)
- Vincent Matthews - vocals (2001–2005)
- Duane Timlin - drums (2006–2007)
- Mike Kimball- guitar (2003–2007)
Discography
Albums- Purification through ViolencePurification through ViolencePurification Through Violence is the first full-length album by the death metal band Dying Fetus, following Infatuation with Malevolence, a collection of early demos...
(1996) Pulverizer Records - Killing on AdrenalineKilling on AdrenalineKilling on Adrenaline is the second album by te Maryland, USA, technical death metal band Dying Fetus. The technical guitar riffs began on this release, a trait that evolved and progressed even more on later albums....
(1998) Morbid Records - Destroy the OppositionDestroy the OppositionDestroy the Opposition is the third album by the Maryland, USA, death metal band Dying Fetus. It was produced by the band and Steve Carr. This album marks a change in Dying Fetus's direction, with political themes becoming dominant, which has continued in all of their subsequent albums.Albert...
(2000) Relapse RecordsRelapse RecordsRelapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado... - Stop at NothingStop at NothingStop at Nothing is the fourth album by the Maryland technical death metal band Dying Fetus. The album, like its predecessor, Destroy the Opposition, was produced by the band and Steve Carr....
(2003) Relapse RecordsRelapse RecordsRelapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado... - War of AttritionWar of Attrition (album)War of Attrition is the fifth album by Dying Fetus. According to the album booklet, the album's lyrics were written solely by the guitarist Mike Kimball. This album was praised by original fans due to its return to traditional Dying Fetus form...
(2007) Relapse RecordsRelapse RecordsRelapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado... - Descend into DepravityDescend into Depravity-Line up:*John Gallagher: vocals/guitar*Sean Beasley: vocals/bass guitar*Trey Williams: drums...
(2009) Relapse RecordsRelapse RecordsRelapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
Compilations
- Infatuation with MalevolenceInfatuation with MalevolenceInfatuation with Malevolence is a 1995 album containing reissues of Dying Fetus' early demo material.On the album, tracks 6-11 were originally released as "Bathe In Entrails" . These songs were originally written in 1992 and represent the band at its earlier stages, both lyrically and musically...
(1995) Wild Rags Records
EPs
- Grotesque ImpalementGrotesque ImpalementGrotesque Impalement is an album by the death metal band Dying Fetus....
(2000) Blunt Force - Split 7" w/ Deep Red (2001) Relapse Singles Series
- History Repeats (2011) (Covers EP) Relapse RecordsRelapse RecordsRelapse Records is an independent record label based in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990.-History:The label was started by Matthew F. Jacobson in August, 1990 in his parents' basement in Aurora, Colorado...
Demos
- Bathe in Entrails demo (1993)
- Infatuation with Malevolence demo (1994)
Videography
- Homicidal RetributionHomicidal Retribution"Homicidal Retribution" is a song by Maryland death metal band Dying Fetus, off of their 2007 album, War of Attrition. The song is notable because it had a music video made for it, which has seen moderate airing on YouTube....
Director: Frankie Nasso (2007)Relapse Records - Your Treachery Will Die With You Director: Kevin Custer (2010)Relapse Records
- One Shot One Kill Director: Kip Bissell (2003) Relapse Records
- Shepherd's Commandment Director: Kevin Custer (2010) Relapse Records
- We Are Your Enemy Director: Unknown (was made by a friend of the band) (1998) Morbid Records