As Blood Runs Black
As Blood Runs Black: A Symphony of Darkness and Controversy
In the realm of heavy metal, As Blood Runs Black stands as a band that has both enthralled and polarized audiences with their relentless assault of brutality and their penchant for controversy. Emerging from Riverside, California in 2002, the band has left an indelible mark on the metal scene, navigating a tumultuous journey of musical triumphs, personal struggles, and public scrutiny.
Formation and Early Success:
As Blood Runs Black was founded by guitarists Chris "Lazer" Garza and Sonny Sandoval, vocalist Jared "Dirty" Gomes, bassist Rich Caldwell, and drummer Patrick Thomas. Their debut album, "Instinct," released in 2004, showcased a blend of deathcore and metalcore that resonated with fans of extreme music. The album's aggressive riffs, blistering vocals, and relentless energy propelled the band to a cult following.
Discography and Recognition:
Over the course of their career, As Blood Runs Black has released four full-length albums: "Instinct" (2004), "Allegiance" (2006), "Melodic Brutality" (2009), and "Instinct Redefined" (2016). Their music has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, with "Allegiance" peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite their musical achievements, As Blood Runs Black has faced numerous controversies. In 2008, bandleader Chris Garza was arrested on drug possession and assault charges, leading to his departure from the band. The band also faced criticism for their lyrical themes, which often explored topics of violence, gore, and misogyny.
Lineup Changes and Reunion:
Throughout their career, As Blood Runs Black has undergone several lineup changes. After Garza's departure, the band recruited guitarists Leon Del Muerte and Dan Sugarman. In 2010, the band went on hiatus before reuniting in 2015 with a new lineup featuring vocalist Chris Blair, guitarists Dan Sugarman and Ben Koller, bassist Claudio Cordero, and drummer Sal Abruscato.
Current Members:
The current lineup of As Blood Runs Black consists of:
* Chris Blair - Vocals
* Dan Sugarman - Guitars
* Ben Koller - Guitars
* Claudio Cordero - Bass
* Sal Abruscato - Drums
Legacy and Impact:
As Blood Runs Black has emerged as a significant force in the heavy metal genre. Their ability to blend brutality with melodic elements has created a unique and distinctive sound that continues to captivate fans. Despite their controversies, the band has remained a testament to the power of extreme music to elicit both passion and controversy.
In the realm of heavy metal, As Blood Runs Black stands as a band that has both enthralled and polarized audiences with their relentless assault of brutality and their penchant for controversy. Emerging from Riverside, California in 2002, the band has left an indelible mark on the metal scene, navigating a tumultuous journey of musical triumphs, personal struggles, and public scrutiny.
Formation and Early Success:
As Blood Runs Black was founded by guitarists Chris "Lazer" Garza and Sonny Sandoval, vocalist Jared "Dirty" Gomes, bassist Rich Caldwell, and drummer Patrick Thomas. Their debut album, "Instinct," released in 2004, showcased a blend of deathcore and metalcore that resonated with fans of extreme music. The album's aggressive riffs, blistering vocals, and relentless energy propelled the band to a cult following.
Discography and Recognition:
Over the course of their career, As Blood Runs Black has released four full-length albums: "Instinct" (2004), "Allegiance" (2006), "Melodic Brutality" (2009), and "Instinct Redefined" (2016). Their music has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, with "Allegiance" peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.
Challenges and Controversies:
Despite their musical achievements, As Blood Runs Black has faced numerous controversies. In 2008, bandleader Chris Garza was arrested on drug possession and assault charges, leading to his departure from the band. The band also faced criticism for their lyrical themes, which often explored topics of violence, gore, and misogyny.
Lineup Changes and Reunion:
Throughout their career, As Blood Runs Black has undergone several lineup changes. After Garza's departure, the band recruited guitarists Leon Del Muerte and Dan Sugarman. In 2010, the band went on hiatus before reuniting in 2015 with a new lineup featuring vocalist Chris Blair, guitarists Dan Sugarman and Ben Koller, bassist Claudio Cordero, and drummer Sal Abruscato.
Current Members:
The current lineup of As Blood Runs Black consists of:
* Chris Blair - Vocals
* Dan Sugarman - Guitars
* Ben Koller - Guitars
* Claudio Cordero - Bass
* Sal Abruscato - Drums
Legacy and Impact:
As Blood Runs Black has emerged as a significant force in the heavy metal genre. Their ability to blend brutality with melodic elements has created a unique and distinctive sound that continues to captivate fans. Despite their controversies, the band has remained a testament to the power of extreme music to elicit both passion and controversy.