Warbringer
Encyclopedia
Warbringer is an American thrash metal
band. The band formed in 2004. Warbringer is signed to Century Media Records
. Century Media signed Warbringer after seeing them at a local show in LA. Originally, a Century Media rep was at the show to see another LA thrash metal band but decided to sign Warbringer instead. Warbringer's second album Waking into Nightmares
was released on May 19, 2009. The album reached #14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Nic Ritter has decided to leave the band to pursue an interest in the medical field as an ultrasound technician in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
. Nothing had been recorded or released while they had used the name. They soon recruited Andy Laux as a bass player and Evan Reiter as drummer. A few weeks later Evan left and was replaced by Adam Carroll whom Kevill had met opening as a guitarist in a local band at a Metal Church show.
The band finally had a solid line up in place and had adopted the name Warbringer after attempting to combine War- as prefix to a variety of words. They had recorded a four-song 2004 demo that was never released. It was the only recording with Victor Mikhaltsevich with the band. Due to creative differences the band had decided to seek out another guitar player. Emilio Hoschet soon joined the band and in 2005 they had self-financed the Born of the Ruins demo. Copies were handmade and passed out for free at local shows.
A local thrash revival scene started expanding and growing around the L.A. area. Thanks to word of mouth, organic promotion, and social networking sites, at lot of young promoters began booking shows with exclusively traditional metal bands and performances. Eventually bands in the scene went from Backyard shows in Watts to practically sold out shows on the Sunset Strip. Smaller labels became interested in the scene and Heavy Artillery Records had asked a number of Thrash Revival bands to contribute to a Various artist compilation Speed Kills...Again. Released was delayed until 2007.
Ryan Bates joined Warbringer early in 2006 as the bands new drummer after Adam Carroll had left on a hiatus from Warbringer and Zombie.
In 2006 the band had also finished the One By One, the Wicked Fall demo. Self financed again and recorded at Love Juice Labs. The original pressings were hand made, but the band eventually opted to have them printed more professionally. They EP was sold for $5 and was sent out to a number of different labels and magazines. The EP was very successful and was meet with many positive reviews. Warbringer began to move up in the local roster and open for larger bands. Emilio Hoschet parts ways with the band early in 2007 and Adam Carroll fills in as a temporary guitarist for THE LOS ANGELES MURDERFEST VERSION 3.0 where the band opened for bands like Obituary, Atheist and Repulsion.
In 2007 Warbringer signs with Century Media
Adam Carroll decides to rejoin Warbringer full time as a guitar player and has notably made contributions to the music on War Without End as a drummer and a guitarist.
was released and Warbringer was lined up for their first national tour opening for Exodus
in January followed by another stateside tour opening for Nile
. Andy Laux decides to finish his senior year of high school before touring with the band and asks Ben Bennett to fill in on bass duties until he graduated.
The following June after a tour in Europe with Napalm Death & Suffocation, Ryan Bates informed the band that he was not satisfied touring and would be leaving the to pursue other ambitions. The band issue a press release seeking a new drummer through YouTube auditions.
Nic Ritter joined the band shortly after Ryan's departure while still an active member of the progressive metal outfit Prototype for a few months. That summer Warbringer traveled to Europe performing at a number festival dates including Wacken Open Air
and resumed and heavy touring schedule starting with Sworn Enemy. The band returned to the States and toured the in the fall with Finntroll
followed by Overkill
again in North America.
During the winter of 2008 Warbringer begins writing new music, with less than 3 months to write the record, the band is unfazed by the pressure and with experience from the road, writing partnerships between the band where stronger and more focused than anytime before in the career.
Early in 2009 the band went to Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California to record with Gary Holt (Exodus) as producer and Zack Ohren for mixing and mastering. The record was completed in 12 days and the band shipped off for two more North American tours with Soilwork
back to back with Kreator
and Exodus
. The tour lasted over 3½ months. During the last half of the tour, Nic Ritter broke his arm and John Gensmer of Epicurean filled in for the band.
In July Warbringer embarked on a headlining tour of Europe and as support for Onslaught and Testament in the UK. This was Ben Bennett's last tour and in August he was replaced by the band's original bass player, Andy Laux. The band continued touring heavily in the US, opening for Obituary, Vader, and a show with Slipknot before the end of the year.
In 2010 Warbringer returned to Europe co-heading with the U.K's Evile
and both bands returned to the states to support Overkill's Killfest 010 tour. In the Spring Warbringer opens for Municipal Waste in Japan and headlines in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and The Philippines. Warbringer is direct support for Pestilence
in North America, return to Europe to co-headline with Skeletonwitch, and as direct support again in the fall supporting Nevermore.
The band made plans to begin work for the third record. Due to overwhelming personal tensions from touring the band went on a short hiatus. They reach a mutual decision with drummer Nic Ritter and part ways after a handful of shows early in the new year of 2011. Carlos Cruz of Hexen is announced as the band's next drummer shortly afterwords.
During the spring of 2011 Warbringer enter The Omen Room studios with producer Steve Evetts
(Sepultura
, The Dillinger Escape Plan
, M.O.D) to complete Worlds Torn Asunder
In 2011 Warbringer began a tour with Diamond Plate
, Lazarus A.D.
, and Landmine Marathon
'/';
Former members
EPs
Demo
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
band. The band formed in 2004. Warbringer is signed to Century Media Records
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
. Century Media signed Warbringer after seeing them at a local show in LA. Originally, a Century Media rep was at the show to see another LA thrash metal band but decided to sign Warbringer instead. Warbringer's second album Waking into Nightmares
Waking into Nightmares
-Personnel:* John Kevill - Vocals* John Laux - Guitar* Adam Carroll - Guitar* Ben Bennett - Bass, * Nic Ritter - Drums* Gary Holt - Guitar Solo on track 11...
was released on May 19, 2009. The album reached #14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Nic Ritter has decided to leave the band to pursue an interest in the medical field as an ultrasound technician in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Formation and early releases (2004-2007)
The band formed in 2004 when John Laux and Victor Mikhaltsevich met during high school. They shared a strong common interest in Metal and began writing instrumental songs together. Eventually Victor introduced John Kevill to Laux as the new vocalist and immediately a strong creative partnership was forged. Originally they had named the band Onslaught but changed their name after learning that there is a band using the same nameOnslaught (band)
Onslaught are an English thrash metal band from Bristol, England. Initially active from 1983 to 1991, they reformed in 2004. The band initially drew influence from the second wave punk rock bands such as Discharge and The Exploited, and then adopted a straight forward thrash metal...
. Nothing had been recorded or released while they had used the name. They soon recruited Andy Laux as a bass player and Evan Reiter as drummer. A few weeks later Evan left and was replaced by Adam Carroll whom Kevill had met opening as a guitarist in a local band at a Metal Church show.
The band finally had a solid line up in place and had adopted the name Warbringer after attempting to combine War- as prefix to a variety of words. They had recorded a four-song 2004 demo that was never released. It was the only recording with Victor Mikhaltsevich with the band. Due to creative differences the band had decided to seek out another guitar player. Emilio Hoschet soon joined the band and in 2005 they had self-financed the Born of the Ruins demo. Copies were handmade and passed out for free at local shows.
A local thrash revival scene started expanding and growing around the L.A. area. Thanks to word of mouth, organic promotion, and social networking sites, at lot of young promoters began booking shows with exclusively traditional metal bands and performances. Eventually bands in the scene went from Backyard shows in Watts to practically sold out shows on the Sunset Strip. Smaller labels became interested in the scene and Heavy Artillery Records had asked a number of Thrash Revival bands to contribute to a Various artist compilation Speed Kills...Again. Released was delayed until 2007.
Ryan Bates joined Warbringer early in 2006 as the bands new drummer after Adam Carroll had left on a hiatus from Warbringer and Zombie.
In 2006 the band had also finished the One By One, the Wicked Fall demo. Self financed again and recorded at Love Juice Labs. The original pressings were hand made, but the band eventually opted to have them printed more professionally. They EP was sold for $5 and was sent out to a number of different labels and magazines. The EP was very successful and was meet with many positive reviews. Warbringer began to move up in the local roster and open for larger bands. Emilio Hoschet parts ways with the band early in 2007 and Adam Carroll fills in as a temporary guitarist for THE LOS ANGELES MURDERFEST VERSION 3.0 where the band opened for bands like Obituary, Atheist and Repulsion.
In 2007 Warbringer signs with Century Media
Adam Carroll decides to rejoin Warbringer full time as a guitar player and has notably made contributions to the music on War Without End as a drummer and a guitarist.
Tours without end (2007-present)
Warbringer entered the studio with Bill Metoyer (Slayer, D.R.I, W.A.S.P) as their producer and engineer. In 2008 War Without EndWar Without End
"War Without End" is a two-part story consisting of the 16th and 17th episodes in the third season of the science fiction television series Babylon 5. They were broadcast first on May 13 and May 20, 1996 on the PTEN network in America...
was released and Warbringer was lined up for their first national tour opening for Exodus
Exodus (band)
Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band,...
in January followed by another stateside tour opening for Nile
Nile (band)
Nile is an American death metal band from Greenville, South Carolina, formed in 1993. Their music and lyrics are inspired by Ancient Egyptian/Near Eastern mysticism, history, religion, and art, as well as stories by H. P. Lovecraft.- History :...
. Andy Laux decides to finish his senior year of high school before touring with the band and asks Ben Bennett to fill in on bass duties until he graduated.
The following June after a tour in Europe with Napalm Death & Suffocation, Ryan Bates informed the band that he was not satisfied touring and would be leaving the to pursue other ambitions. The band issue a press release seeking a new drummer through YouTube auditions.
Nic Ritter joined the band shortly after Ryan's departure while still an active member of the progressive metal outfit Prototype for a few months. That summer Warbringer traveled to Europe performing at a number festival dates including Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air
Wacken Open Air is a summer open air heavy metal music festival. It takes place annually in the small town of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany...
and resumed and heavy touring schedule starting with Sworn Enemy. The band returned to the States and toured the in the fall with Finntroll
Finntroll
Finntroll is a folk metal band from Helsinki, Finland. They combine elements of black metal and folk metal. Finntroll's lyrics are mostly in Swedish, the only exception being the song "Madon Laulu" on Visor Om Slutet...
followed by Overkill
Overkill (band)
Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
again in North America.
During the winter of 2008 Warbringer begins writing new music, with less than 3 months to write the record, the band is unfazed by the pressure and with experience from the road, writing partnerships between the band where stronger and more focused than anytime before in the career.
Early in 2009 the band went to Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, California to record with Gary Holt (Exodus) as producer and Zack Ohren for mixing and mastering. The record was completed in 12 days and the band shipped off for two more North American tours with Soilwork
Soilwork
Soilwork is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Helsingborg. They are currently signed to Nuclear Blast. Formed in late 1995 by Björn Strid and Peter Wichers, originally under the name Inferior Breed, the band changed their name in late 1996 to Soilwork .Their sound is a fusion of the classic...
back to back with Kreator
Kreator
Kreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
and Exodus
Exodus (band)
Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band,...
. The tour lasted over 3½ months. During the last half of the tour, Nic Ritter broke his arm and John Gensmer of Epicurean filled in for the band.
In July Warbringer embarked on a headlining tour of Europe and as support for Onslaught and Testament in the UK. This was Ben Bennett's last tour and in August he was replaced by the band's original bass player, Andy Laux. The band continued touring heavily in the US, opening for Obituary, Vader, and a show with Slipknot before the end of the year.
In 2010 Warbringer returned to Europe co-heading with the U.K's Evile
Evile
Evile is a thrash metal band from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom. Their debut album, Enter the Grave, was produced by Flemming Rasmussen at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark and was released worldwide in 2007 by Earache Records to critical acclaim by fans and critics...
and both bands returned to the states to support Overkill's Killfest 010 tour. In the Spring Warbringer opens for Municipal Waste in Japan and headlines in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and The Philippines. Warbringer is direct support for Pestilence
Pestilence (band)
Pestilence is a death metal band from the Netherlands founded in 1986. Later they incorporated more jazz and fusion elements into their music. After disbanding in order to pursue other musical directions in 1994, Pestilence has reunited in 2008...
in North America, return to Europe to co-headline with Skeletonwitch, and as direct support again in the fall supporting Nevermore.
The band made plans to begin work for the third record. Due to overwhelming personal tensions from touring the band went on a short hiatus. They reach a mutual decision with drummer Nic Ritter and part ways after a handful of shows early in the new year of 2011. Carlos Cruz of Hexen is announced as the band's next drummer shortly afterwords.
During the spring of 2011 Warbringer enter The Omen Room studios with producer Steve Evetts
Steve Evetts
Steve Evetts is a music producer who has produced music for Alesana, Poison the Well, A Static Lullaby, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Symphony X, Saves the Day, Lifetime, Kid Dynamite, Story of the Year, Every Time I Die, Earth Crisis, Still Remains and Our Last Night.-Partial...
(Sepultura
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
, The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan
The Dillinger Escape Plan is an American mathcore band from Morris Plains, New Jersey. The group originated in 1997 after the disbanding of Arcane, a hardcore punk trio consisting of Ben Weinman, Dimitri Minakakis, and Chris Pennie. The band's current line-up consists of guitarist Ben Weinman,...
, M.O.D) to complete Worlds Torn Asunder
Worlds Torn Asunder
Worlds Torn Asunder is the third album by the American thrash metal band Warbringer, released on September 27, 2011 via Century Media.-Track listing:All lyrics by John Kevill. All music by Warbringer and _______...
In 2011 Warbringer began a tour with Diamond Plate
Diamond plate
Diamond plate, also known as checker plate, tread plate and Durbar floor plate, is a type of lightweight metal stock with a regular pattern of raised diamonds or lines on one side, with the reverse side being featureless. Diamond plate is usually steel, stainless steel or aluminum...
, Lazarus A.D.
Lazarus A.D.
Lazarus A.D. is a thrash metal band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, originally formed as "Lazarus" in 2005. The "A.D." was added to avoid potential legal issues....
, and Landmine Marathon
Landmine Marathon
Landmine Marathon is an American extreme metal band from Phoenix, Arizona.The band started in 2004 and is currently signed with Prosthetic Records...
'/';
Members
Current members- John Kevill - vocals (2004–present)
- John Laux - guitar (2004–present)
- Adam Carroll - guitar (2004–present)
- Andy Laux - bass (2004–2008, 2009–present)
- Carlos Cruz - drums (2011–present)
Former members
- Nic Ritter - drums (2008–2011)
- Ryan Bates - drums (2004–2008)
- Ben Bennet - Bass (2008–2009)
Discography
Studio albums- 2008: War Without EndWar Without End (album)War Without End is the debut album released by the American thrash metal band Warbringer on February 5, 2008 via Century Media Records.-Track listing:-Notes:...
- 2009: Waking into NightmaresWaking into Nightmares-Personnel:* John Kevill - Vocals* John Laux - Guitar* Adam Carroll - Guitar* Ben Bennett - Bass, * Nic Ritter - Drums* Gary Holt - Guitar Solo on track 11...
- 2011: Worlds Torn AsunderWorlds Torn AsunderWorlds Torn Asunder is the third album by the American thrash metal band Warbringer, released on September 27, 2011 via Century Media.-Track listing:All lyrics by John Kevill. All music by Warbringer and _______...
EPs
- 2006: One By One, the Wicked Fall
Demo
- 2005: Born of the Ruins
Videography
- "Combat Shock" (2008)
- "At the Cracks of Doom" (2008)
- "Severed Reality" (2009)
- "Shattered Like Glass" (2011)