Battlecross set to destroy this August
With the mindset to create a sonic metal assault unlike any other, childhood friends, Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala, set forth on the path to shred and abandoned the idea of following any trends. The guitar slinging duo brought an infused style of old school metal with dark elements of thrash and death metal and destined to find the right members.
Struggling for years to find reliable and dedicated members, the true formation of Battlecross was born in 2007 when Drummer Mike Kreger responded a want ad, and added a machine-like, brutal precision on the drums, and proved to be just the right match for Tony and Hiran’s mature and technical style of thrash. Bringing a whole new level of musicianship and intensity with his quick finger picking and tasty solos, Bassist Don Slater joined the group, bringing a skill and technique that impresses even the most prolific bassists. The thrash metal band was finally complete when popular area vocalist, Kyle “Gumby” Gunther joined the band. Known for his command of the stage and alternating deep growls with high pitched screams, Gumby punishes the audience and inspires pits of rage.
Together, the five-piece create an unforgettable and energetic live show that decimates their audience with raw energy and persistence, that has earned a style of their own: “Blue Collar Thrash Metal”, in reference to the hard-working, ‘never give up’ attitude of those who hail from the Motor City.
Incorporating many elements of extreme thrash, death and tech metal, creating a precise blend of fist pumping brutality, intensity, and drive, Battlecross satisfies both the tech-metal guru and the old-school die hard alike.
The band’s Metal Blade debut is set to release August 2nd, 2011, followed by a tour that will bring a face melting thrash metal assault. The band’s Metal Blade debut was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Random Awesome Recording Studio in Bay City, MI and produced by Battlecross and Josh Schroeder.
Metalheads can check out the first single, “Push Pull Destroy,” here.