DesDemon: The Awakening (EP)
Power/Symphonic/Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0
Independent/Self-Promotion
www.desdemon.com
www.myspace.com/desdemon
Review: Craig Hartranft, 03.14.2010

Hailing from New York City, not exactly a hotbed for melodic metal, DesDemon faces an enormous challenge. On their debut EP The Awakening, DesDemon attempts to bring another female-fronted melodic and symphonic heavy metal band. Any reader, with knowledge of the last decade (or more) of heavy metal, knows that such bands appear monthly, possibly weekly, trying to cash in on anything from Nightwish to Evanescence. They're as numerous as pimples on a teenager. So, is there anything that makes DesDemon different and, even better, a potential player in this saturated genre? Yes, a few very good things.
First, Mistress Tina (don't get me started) does not fit preconceived notions of female heavy metal singers. She doesn't attempt the redundant operatic vocals of Tarja or the hardcore growls of, say, Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy). Instead, Ms. Tina swings between noticeable goth-like vocals and pure metal vocals that would make any venerable singer blush. She shines on Iago and The Absence of Light. Second, in opposition to the naturally bombastic nature of symphonic metal, DesDemon's arrangements begin with traditional melodic heavy metal and then add rich textures of power, symphonic, and thrash metal. Songs like A Soul in Exile, The Burning Martyr, and the aforementioned The Absence of Light prove that DesDemon's songs can be epic and varied without being oppressive. Finally, The Awakening is strengthened in depth by sound, generally neo-classical, fretwork and lush keyboards.
In the end, DesDemon's The Awakening is a profound opening statement of melodic heavy metal. It's entertaining and shows the band's tremendous potential. Hopefully, it will not be lost upon the fickle American metal audience. Quite recommended.
http://www.dangerdog.com/2010-music-reviews/desdemon-the-awakening-review.php




Femme Metal Webzine
http://www.femmemetal.net/desdemonawakeningeprev.htm
DesDemon - "The Awakening" EP (2009)

Independent Release
Review By Tony Cannella
New York's DesDemon play Blackened Power Metal, with an emphasis on POWER. Their debut effort is a 5-song EP titled "The Awakening" and although there are only 5-tracks included, it features a playing time of 37-minutes long making it longer than your average EP. The songs are well written and remind me of classic metal with a definite modern touch to them. The band is fronted by the diverse vocal talents of Mistress Tina. She's got a huge voice and has the ability to deliver many different ranges, styles and emotions.
The cool thing about "The Awakening" is that it features various nuances that manages to keep things interesting. The songs are intricate, yet highly listenable - the musicians are not as much interested in showing off as they are in creating good, classy music. All of this becomes obvious with the opening number "Aquiescence of Illusion" that features some great guitar harmonies that would make Iron Maiden proud, and the great vocals of Mistress Tina are present as well. A great in-your-face guitar riff drives this track, which is heavy yet still melodic. A good first impression that really grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The moody "A Soul In Exile" is next and shows a different - more mellow - side to the band, in the beginning before getting heavier. The song features some cool tempo changes and is one of the highlights. The 8-minute "Iago" and "The Burning Martyr" are two more noteworthy tracks that highlights the bands remarkable abilities. The final number "In The Absence Of Light" is a monumental achievement. The song clocks in at well over 11-minutes long and closes "The Awakening" in a big, epic, bombastic way. As far as epic songs go, this is one of the better ones I have heard in recent years.
Lord Metadox on Guitar deserves a mention as well, as he delivers some truly inspired riffs and solos, which is part of what drives the band. All of these elements combined make DesDemon a true metal masterpiece that fans of classic power metal should check out. So why isn't this band signed yet? I have a feeling that once their music gets out there, it will only be a matter of time.
Rating - 95/100


DesDemon "The Awakening" review

New York’s, DesDemon, is one of metal's most unique, influential and prestigious acts to come along in many years. DesDemon combine different styles which they blend into their own distinctive sound from black and melodonic to prog and even power metal.

Line-up:

Mistress Tina - Vocals
Dan Rhodus - Drums
Lord Metadox - Guitars
Ronald “Pelagius” Porcelli - Bass
Nickolas Henriksen - Keyboards

Tracks:

1. Aquicence Of Illusion
2. A Soul Of Exile
3. Iago
4. The Burning Martyr
5. In The Absence Of Light


"The Awakening" is a dark and powerful piece of music that not only draws you in within the first few seconds but captivates your mind and body. The album itself is based upon a tale of a "woman’s fall from grace and her ensuing vengeance upon her enemies". The album it's self marks the makings of a long and succesful career in the metal world for the band. Every track has something unique, original and different about it. Mistress Tina's combines tenor vocals with soft but high ones to create a beautiful creepy feel of tracks like "Iago" and then she twists her voice in different directions making a full frontal metal songs such as "The Burning Martyr" and "A Sould In Exile". Keyboardist Nickolas alongside Tina and Lord Metadox helps to add magic to the music. The keys are soft and sometimes subtle and contrast well with the thick dark sounds of the bass and guitars.
The albums closing track is huge one, 11 minutes to be exact. "In The Absence Of Light" defines who and what the band are by exploring differently levels and intensities throughout the song. The track starts off on the prog foot and swiftly changes to become fastest and more melodic and then it becomes heavier and darker. The changes in the music steadily progress and don't give you a sudden start by dramatically changing speed or sound. The way the vocals mix so well with the guitars, bass, drums and keys is enough to give you a feel that the band have been at this for years!! With the low dark riffs through to the upbeat melodic beats DesDemon proves that they truly deserve a place in the metal world.

Hightlights: Iago, In The Absence Of Light

10/10

DES DEMON “The Awakening” 2009 Demo
DES DEMON is a New York based band, as I understand, young one. And “The Awaikening” is their first album so far. As a whole here’s female fronted power metal band, and musicians describing its music as power, thrash, black metal band. But let’s look deep into their music. I listen to this stuff some times and what I see here: pretty common power metal, and little thrash metal influences, and veeeery liiiiitle black metal tunes (they are rising from time to time and not so visible). Here are 5 songs which are made in great way, with tight rhythm-section and good vocals of Mistress Tina (her vocals are looks very good with this music, so this is their good side too). Often their stuff is sounds in such epic way, and with some ancient tunes as well. And really, this is not so easy to compare their music to some other bands, and from the other side I can’t say DES DEMON is top-original band. The whole album is made by using of pretty common things like marching guitar parts, tempo-changes, slowdowns and fast peaces here and there. Also I can’t miss that thing DES DEMON’ music sounds such progressive and have also some deep tuned keyboard parts. The work of musicians is pretty decent; all tunes were made professionally and sounds just clear to each other, so fans of well-produced music can gaze upon this band tooJ. The songs have different playing-time, 4-8 minutes, but last composition “In The Absence Of Light” have almost 12 minutes of playing time and sounds just excellent, this is something like big epic ballad (but made on mid tempos). Then I’d like to add that DES DEMON have very good guitar solos, they are not so short and played with a good passion and deep feelings which are looks great together with the whole album tunes. Thus we have new American band which can be highly respected by worldwide power/progressive metal scene, as well as fans of classical heavy metal like IRON MAIDEN, BLIND GUARDIAN, ICED EARTH, MERCYFUL FATE etc! Right now musicians are gonna record first full-length, so let’s see if there will be same worth musick! Now you can watch for “The Awakening” with its 5 memorable tracks and good artwork.
90% from 100%
Contact: www.desdemon.com

ANTICHRIST magazine issue 10 (http://antichrist.deadshop.info)










Pays: Etats-Unis

Octobre 2009
Site Web: www.desdemon.com
www.myspace.com/desdemon


Premier Ep pour les américains de DESDEMON, un peu plus de trente six minutes de Power Metal mélodique à chant féminin très bien foutu. Baignant dans une ambiance gothique pour le visuel et le nom des membres ; Mistress Tina, Lord Metadox... et nageant dans une musique où la mélodicité tient une grande place. "A soul In Exile" alterne passage accoustique du plus bel effet avec des envolées Heavy bien maîtrisées. La voix de Tina est douce et haut perchée. Les guitaristes nous délivrent de beaux soli et la production, quoique légèrement étouffée, est satisfaisante. DESDEMON arrive à captiver par son sens de la mesure ; ni trop Power, ni trop sympho, ni trop théâtrale. De plus, les New-yorkais surprennent agréablement avec un Metal où leurs influences sont tellement diluées que le groupe a son propre son et style. Dommage qu'il tombe dans la facilité de la dualité voix masculine /féminine sur un petit passage de "Iago".
DESDEMON délivre là une démo qui par sa durée et sa qualité a tout d'un album. Si vous êtes friand de belles découvertes, ce groupe US ne restera pas longtemps inconnu, les labels ne peuvent pas rester indifférents à tant de talent.

Chronique par Florent

8/10
Le 28/11/2009
Gepost door: Remi Peterse
Dinsdag 26 Januari 2010 - 17:31

Desdemon - The Awakening
Eigen Beheer, 2009
Desdemon is een ambitieuze female fronted band uit New York. Ze sturen ons nu een in eigen beheer opgenomen EP met vijf nummers, getiteld: The Awakening. Alle zeer lovende woorden die ons vanuit de USA bereiken ten spijt ben ik niet zo juichend enthousiast bij het beluisteren van dit albumpje. Dat zal ook wel komen doordat we in deze omgeving verwend worden met bands van hoge kwaliteit die in dezelfde vijver vissen en dat er daardoor ook wel erg veel aanbod is gekomen de afgelopen jaren.
Qua muziek tracht Desdemon zich te onderscheiden. Zangeres Tina weet hierover te melden: “We play power metal as much as progressive metal and black metal, integrating the three into a dark, distinctive fresh sound. Our music is pure with double bass rhythms, progressive arrangements, but also ballads and straightforward mid-tempo songs. We don't care what you want to call it, to us, the most important criterion is our own style”. Wat heb je daar als reviewer dan nog aan toe te voegen?
Muzikaal, qua composities, productie en teksten staat het geheel als een huis. Maar juist op het gebied van de vocalen vind ik het allemaal wat geforceerd klinken en dat doet een beetje afbreuk aan het geheel. Men heeft al met grote acts het podium gedeeld en live schijnt het allemaal ook erg leuk te zijn, maar die kracht komt, qua zang dan, op deze schijf niet de gehele tijd goed uit de verf en sterke en zwakke stukken wisselen in hoog tempo af. Maar vooral instrumentaal valt er behoorlijk veel te genieten, zeker qua gitaarwerk.
Een aardig debuut met potentie van Desdemon, maar (nog) niet meer dan dat. Instrumentaal en qua idee allemaal prima en groei is zeker mogelijk, maar ook wenselijk moet ik er bij zeggen. Wat dat betreft is The Awakening een leuk begin en dan ook de moeite van het beluisteren zeker waard.
Tracklisting:
1. The Aquiescence of Illusion
2. A Soul in Exile
3. Iago
4. The Burning Martyr
5. In the Absence of Light

DesDemon - The Awakening (EP)
My Global Mind Webzine
http://myglobalmind.info/reviews-2010-desdemon_theawakening_ep.html

Review Added March 19, 2010
Running Time: 36:31
Genre: Symphonic/Metal
Links: www.desdemon.com
Links: www.myspace.com/desdemon
Tracklist
1. The Aquiescence of Illusion**
2. A Soul in Exile**
3. Iago
4. The Burning Martyr
5. In the Absence of Light**
Hot Tracks**
• Mistress Tina – Vocals
• Lord Metadox – Guitar
• Dan Rhodus – Drums
• Ron Porcelli – Bass
• Nick Gati - Keys
We are always please to discover new bands via demo tracks and ep's, hence we welcome this time the sample EP from Desdemon, a New York city based group with a blend of different styles ranging from thrash metal to dark and progressive to gothic. Interesting that we feature here the strong metal vocals of Mistress Tina, lead front lady for the band. As we all know the symphonic metal genre has quite a few front ladies, and the usual trend there is the operatic and theatrical vocals of each of them, but this time Desdemon and it's captivating vocalist pack a powerful punch. The guitar duties are handled by Lord Metadox, if the name didn't catch your eye, well maybe the guitar playing will, as its outstanding trash style riffs with a thick rhythm that moves vigorously throughout the album. Added plus is the experience factor, as the band has had the pleasure to share the stage in the past with acts such as: Nightwish, Epica, Kamelot, Dragonforce, Symphony X, and Halford to name a few.
The choruses in "Aquiescene of Illusion" by Mistress Tina is definitely addictive, as it adds a powerful layer of old school metal with a refinement of thrash written all over it. The quintessential Gothic metal track "A Soul in Exile" excels with a standout keyboard job by newcomer and special guest Nicholas Main Henriksen from the band Aspera. The doomy and black intro to "Iago" borrows influences from classic doom and black metal using a cross breed of clean and growl vocals with some more heavy thrash laden rythms and some tight solo action.
Desdemon should most certainly receive your undivided attention with this EP, the deep and strong vocals of Mistress Tina will appeal to most heavy metal, progressive or symphonic metal fans and the speed style riff-fest of Lord Metadox will remind some of some classic "Crimson Glory" material infused with traditional power metal roots. The band is hard working in the studio on their full length record and I for once will look forward to the final outcome, as the future does look promising. Once again stop by the bands site and visit and give some support for this talented up and coming new rising star in the scene.
Written by Denys
Ratings Denys 4/5










Metal To Infinity Webzine
Desdemon is a New York, 4 piece (plus guest keyboardist) - dark and sinister influenced Progressive Power Metal featuring ex-Lazarus (Traditional US Metal band) bassist Ron Pocelli. Ron hooked me up a while ago and told me about the co-operation with Desdemon, a brand new group which differs completely from the sound of his former band Lazarus (and please don’t be confused with US Thrash Metal act Lazarus A.D. for all certainty). I was entirely hooked on Ron’s way of delivering bass works when he was active in Lazarus, a great band who played one of my favourite styles of music so called US Metal! But I was curious about his new band Desdemon – Ron sent me a copy of their debut EP called “Awakening”… here’s my overview on the effort.
First thing I have to say is that Desdemon has absolutely nothing to do with Traditional US Metal! You’ve have to deal with a well skilled band, female fronted and a sound ranging from Dark to Progressive Metal with slices taken from the world of Progressive / Power and even Black Metal. Yeah, the band’s style has a wide range and that’s always nice to listen at.
I’d like to tell something about the voice of Mistress Tina who has a vocal use offering double feeling to me. When Tina uses her voice in a normal, clean way I absolutely have a great time but as soon as she starts a more falsetto kinda or deeper way of singing, my complete attention fades away. To me, she best can use her throat in normal still very clean ways and forget about the rest. Listen to the beginning of ‘A Soul In Exile’ for example. Below the average to me but there is a voice repair listenable later on this song. That’s the reason why I would like to recommend Mistress Tina to use her throat only in a normal, very clean way because the rest can be considered a ‘too high seized’.
Based on the musical aspect of Desdemon, I have no reason to complain honestly spoken. I hear great build up and, especially dark minded songs never gives a boring feel throughout the entire EP. Complete focussed on the great guitar riffings plus outstanding solo duties – as a US Metal maniac I can assure other brothers and sisters in arms – you will be pleased too! Ex- Lazarus bass shredder Ron Pocelli’s name is changed into Pelagius I recon… no problem with that, the main point is that this guy is still in upper condition!
Two last songs on “The Awakening” entitled ‘The Burning Martyr’ and ‘In The Absence Of Light’ to show that Desdemon is more than just a regular act that plays a style of music already offered by uncountable others the last few years. Song structures are excellent, many forms of musical skills is what I heard,…
If I’ve been forced to compare Desdemon with other bands I would mention: Within Temptation, After Forever, Edenbridge, Dakrua, Epica, Dark Moore,… you know, that kinda stuff! Everyone who feels itself commissioned to these bands, find your way to Desdemon by checking out next homepages: http://www.myspace.com/desdemon / http://www.desdemon.com/fr_index.cfm
My Points: 80 / 100 (Review by Stefan)
My Points: 80 / 100 (Review by Stefan) December 3rd, 2009




Desdemon
The Awakening
Rating

Style: Dark powergothmetal
Release date: October 2009

________________________________________
This female fronted 5-piece hails from New York. The members are: Mistress Tina - vocals, Lord Metadox - lead guitars, Ron Porcelli - bass, Dan Rhodus - drums and Nick Gati on keyboards. Tina does a good job, but in the very high notes she isn't always on the right track. In the song "A Soul in Exile" she reminds me of Sharon den Adel, but just not that good yet.

Musically we get a combination of rather fast songs with serene parts, a kind of mix of Within Temptation, Dark Moor and Nightwish, but not that bombastic. With a higher budget the sound could have been a bit better and heavier, but all in all the song writing is o.k. In "Iago" we can listen to the often used formula female falsetto/male grunting combination, it gives the song some heaviness, and the music a darker vibe.

Nice EP and certainly worth listening to.









Monday, December 21, 2009
DesDemon Has Awakened
In a community of music where everything is about labels it’s becoming harder to stand out. I believe that it’s either rock or metal, but there are dozens upon dozens of sub-categories in both. One such sub-category, power metal, usually gets overlooked because some feel that bands like Iron Maiden have perfected it. In my years of being a fan of rock and metal I have come across bands that add their own unique touch in power metal and I continue to find more. The latest being DesDemon, who take power metal and add melody into it along with hints of black metal.

Their current album “The Awakening” is without a doubt the beginning of a long career in the rock and metal world. The powerful melodies and amazing guitar work puts them in a group with the likes of Kamelot and Nightwish but the addition of keyboards makes them stand out from the pack just a bit. Normally seeing a keyboard in the list of instruments in a rock or metal band hints at a power ballad, but not in this case. Nickolas Henroksen fits right in like a perfectly cut piece to a puzzle. His work adds an extra bit of magic that helps to create a certain “haunting factor” into each track without placing the band into the realm of electronica.

To single out one track on this album to show the true ability that DesDemon has is simple, just hit the second track on the album and just wait to be blown away. A Soul In Exile has everything from acoustic to pure power. The way in which Mistress Tina’s vocals and Lord Metadox’s guitar work sync up together makes you think that this band has been around for years. It’s obvious how well they know each other from just sound. And mixing acoustic with power is something most bands shy away from yet this track is done so well it makes you wonder why others haven’t done so.

I also have to give them credit for their over 11-minute epic In The Absence Of Light that closes out the album. In a time where the industry is about a quick hit along with how new they are the idea of an epic is something worth applauding. It has a steady driving rhythm to it that keeps your attention throughout and the guitar solos are well placed to keep the song moving. Not once during the track are you distracted by a unexpected or drastic change of pace or tempo.

For a first album DesDemon has surely proven that “The Awakening” is worth listening to from beginning to end. They have talent and drive that can take them far. If they keep going at this pace I’m sure it won’t be long before we see them side by side with some of the great melodic power metal bands.
DesDemon - The Awakening
Self-financed
file under Heavy / Power metal
Erwin: DesDemon is a band from New York blending black and power metal influences in five very strong songs. With all those influences, ranging from Kamelot on speed to a chaotic Kovenant in their ‘Nexus Polaris’ era you would expect that the traditional metal has vanished under a thick layer of keyboards but this is not the case. DesDemon has written solid metal songs for their first release.

With the first song, ‘Acquiescence Of Illusion’ the band starts in overdrive while on the second track, ‘A Soul Of Exile’ singer Mistress Tina has all the opportunity to shine. It has been a long time since I heard a good power metal ballad but this one surely rocks. And more importantly, there is room for some guitar solos. ‘The Burning Martyr’ reminds me of King Diamond or Merciful Fate with galloping guitars that would make Iron Maiden proud. It would be a great live song )and maybe you have seen them live in Belgium last year during the Halloween Metal Meeting in Maasmechelen of all places!) The demo ends with the eleven minute epic ‘In The Absence Of Light’ which reminds me of the pre-‘Operation Mindcrime’Queensryche.

The biggest advantage DesDemon has over other American bands operating in this genre is the fact that they do not sound like an American band. It is not another imitation of Nightwish or Evanescence and the only band that might come close to DesDemon in the USA is Benedictum. For a self financed demo the sound quality is good and with 38 minutes of playing time and professional looking artwork I think DesDemon will find a record label soon. In two words: very impressive!
Rating: 85/100 (details)










5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant "Awakening", February 4, 2010
By J. Cripps "Hard Rock Aficianado" (Poughquag, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Let me be the first to introduce DESDEMON to the Amazon community. Now that the introduction has been made, you should buy this EP because it is brilliant! I recently saw DESDEMON in concert at The Chance in Poughkeepsie, New York. I had never heard of them and after the set was over, I was won over. Mistress Tina mentioned there was a disc to purchase, so I gave up my good spot by the stage to go purchase the disc. When I got home to listen to it, I was not disappointed!

Not sounding like anything commercial, the style and feel to this disc is very refreshing to say the least. The singing is great, dark but filled with emotion. The band plays tightly filling the emotions of each track and intertwines with the vocals brilliantly. This band will make it big, it's just a matter of time.

There is no track information listed by Amazon, so I will update that in this review.

1. Aquiescence of Illusion
2. A Soul in Exile (one of my favorites)
3. Iago
4. The Burning Martyr
5. In the Absence of Light (EPIC!)


I am looking forward to following this band and await impatiently for their next musical effort. I am sure in time, I won't be the only one feeling this way.




DesDemon
Show Dates Archive/Pending (As of 3/31/10)

• January 9, 2009 with Rotting Christ T The Chance Poughkeepsie, New York
• February 27, 2009 with Alcatrazz The Haunt Yonkers, New York
• July 31, 2009 NY Summer Shredfest The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
• August 29, 2009 Long Island Metalfest New Hyde Long Island, NY
• September 26.2009 with Kittie The Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
• October 31, 2009 Halloween Metal Meeting Jagersborg Maasmechelen, Belgium
• November 21st, 2009 with Winterspell Dingbatz Clifton, NJ
• December 5th, 2009 Heavy Metal Theater Vail Leavitt Theater Riverhead, NY
• December 12th, 2009 Headliner Barney McNabbs Yonkers, NY
• January 14th, 2010 with Tyr, Koorpiklani Grammercy Theater New York, New York
• April 10th, 2010 Headliner Traxx Long Island, NY
• May 20th, 2010 BW&BK with Primal Fear Gramercy Theater New York, NY
• May 21st, 2010 with Lizzy Borden Dingbatz Clifton, NJ
• May 22nd, 2010 A Night In Hell The Chance Theater Poughkeepsie, NY
• June 11th, 2010 Headliner The Edge Rocky Point, NY
•  

DesDemon
On the Radio
March 2010
Week 1
FMQB #4 Most Added
Week 2
FMQB# 60
CMJ#50
36 Spins
Week 3
FMQB #51
CMJ #43
41 Spins








Interview with DesDemon vocalist Mistress Tina and Guitarist Lord Metadox
http://puregrainaudio.com/interviews/interview-with-desdemon-vocalist-mistress-tina-and-guitarist-lord-metadox
Interviews » Posted on March 27, 2010 at 03:02PM by: Bruce Moore
• Comments: (0)


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Metal act DesDemon’s newest EP The Awakening is about to be released and vocalist Mistress Tina and Guitarist Lord Metadox were more than happy to sit down and talk to me about it. The band has shared the stage with acts such as, Korpiklaani, Rotting Christ, Epicurean and Paul DiAnno to name a few and they will be touring the states in May and then they plan to play the European Festival circuit with appearances at Wacken, Graspop, Summerbreeze, Bloodstock and Metal Female Voices.

Since this is your first interview for PureGrainAudio. Can you introduce the band and tell us how it all got started, that kind of thing?
Lord Metadox: Tina and Dan contacted me after our former bands dissolved. We had met in Canada back in 2005 during a festival that both our bands we performing at, we became good friends shortly thereafter. What we really wanted to do was write and play with our own styles in mind, unrestricted, without any type of power struggle from within the band. That was the beauty of working together and still is to this day. There is no drama in this band! Such a rare thing, especially in metal. We each play our parts the way we like and the songs free flow quite nicely!

Mistress Tina: It's nice to be able to share and be open with ideas, and be in the presence of friends.

Your brand new CD, The Awakening, is set for release in March. Now that it is complete, how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Lord Metadox: For the budget we compiled, and the tight schedule we had for recording, I feel we got a pretty good bang for our buck! Of course you always want it to sound better, or wish that you could’ve gone back and changed something here and there, but for the most part we’re proud of what we accomplished, under the circumstances.

Where did the name DesDemon originate?
Lord Metadox: From Shakespeare’s 'Othello'. Tina came up with the concept of continuing the story of Desdemona and things just snowballed from there.

Mistress Tina: Othello called his wife "Desdemon" only a couple of times in the story as he was wrongly accusing her of infidelity. The name just always stuck in my head since I first read the book.

As a woman, do you find it difficult working in an industry and a genre predominantly dominated by men?
Lord Metadox: Tina’s handled it pretty well, and once you see her onstage, she has no trouble winning over anyone!

Mistress Tina: It just feels natural to me. I do not feel like just "a woman" in the industry. I can rock just as hard as the men, just like many other women in Metal.

What kind of preparation goes into your live show?
Lord Metadox: Well, we try to take the stage and dominate... not a lot of fancy stuff going on. We do a lot of promotion for ourselves as well as bands that are on a bill with us, so we try to network as much as possible. Here and there we deviate musically, so that the show isn’t always the same... we always want to make sure we give 100% to the fans.

All of that passion that you play with must be tough on you physically. How do you prepare for the physical demands of a tour?
Lord Metadox: Personally, I like to play for bits throughout the day, so that I am fluid come show time. That is not always the case, so those nifty little hand exercisers come in handy on those hectic days. Also, especially for Tina, staying out of cigarette smoke, and talking very little helps you maintain your voice and energy. Plenty of water and beer will keep you going too.

Mistress Tina: Unfortunately as a vocalist, I have to stay relaxed and get a good amount of sleep, which is good for everyone. My vocal coach has really helped guide me through the do's and don'ts... without restricting too much fun.

When you are on the road for a while I am sure you see and experience many different things you might not even have known existed. Are there any stories that stand out in your mind as being exceptionally strange or odd?
Lord Metadox: I gotta say, Belgium was such an experience for us. We have played here and there over the last year, but Belgium was definitely an experience for us. Our entire conception of the waffles and chocolate country was far from the truth. Even the leaves on the trees were different there. I hope in the next year to have more odd things that we come across.

When you are out on the road anything can happen and often does. Can you think of any disastrous events that happened while out on tour? How did you solve the problem?
Lord Metadox: When we played the Halloween Metal Meeting in Belgium, we were sharing equipment with one of the bands of the bill, our now good friends Ceremony of Opposites. At the beginning of our third song, the guitar amp I was using just blew up all of a sudden! Fortunately by the next song some of the other bands were good enough to have come up and got us up and running for the next tune, but being that this was our first European show, it was very nerve wracking.

Mistress Tina: That was really nerve-wracking but we got through it... just a small bump.

What have been the best countries to play so far?
Lord Metadox: Nothing compares to a good European audience, but there is definitely something to be said about playing in the States. When we performed in support of Paul DiAnno back in January, we really had a great reception, and an awesome show. Still I think we have to get more places before we can pick a favorite.

If you could jam with any famous musician, dead or alive, from any century, who would it be and why?
Lord Metadox: For me it would have to be Andy LaRoque from King Diamond. Andy is one of my all time hero’s and he is a sorcerer of the black shredding arts. I look up to him so much. Hopefully one day we could record our album with him as the producer.

Mistress Tina: I can never pick one, but Doro's pretty badass! I'd like to definitely sing with her!

What kind of touring plans do you have for 2010?
Lord Metadox: For 2010, we’re hoping to get the opportunity to perform at some of the more notable European metal festivals (Wacken, Graspop, Summerbreeze, Bloodstock, Metal Female Voices, etc.). For right now, we are lining up some good support dates here in the States. We kick of Primal Fear’s BW&BK Tour May 20th in NYC for Live Nation and two days after we are featured on eXile Bookings USA’s “A Night in Hell” with some other really great acts. Currently we’re just waiting for confirmations on festival dates.

Any closing words?
Lord Metadox: Thanks for the opportunity for us to get the word out about DesDemon! We hope that we could speak to you again soon once we have a full length out, and who knows, maybe even a record deal.

Mistress Tina: Thank you so much! We'll see you out there on the road! [ END ]



Dan Rhodus and Mistress Tina (of DESDEMON) - January 2010
Matt caught up with drummer Dan Rhodus and vocalist Mistress Tina of Long Island-based dark power metal contenders DESDEMON, fresh from a triumphant return from the Halloween Metal Meeting festival in Belgium . A classic heavy metal tale of picking up the pieces, DESDEMON was formed after the dissolution of the bands Tenebrae and Metadox. The band has just released their debut EP The Awakening and has been playing shows in support of it. We discuss their influences and the excitement of playing in Europe , as well as many other great topics in this interview which we hope you enjoy!
Matthew Bankes (MB): Hello! Hope everything is well. First off, DESDEMON just got back from the Halloween Metal Meeting in Belgium . What was the experience like and how did the audience there enjoy your music?
Mistress Tina (MT): It was amazing! The people are really great over there. They really express more openness and genuine care for music! It's nice to have people come up to you for an autographed CD when they haven't even heard you yet, and also to see over 200 faces in the audience during our performance and really getting into it...CHANTING, HORNS and ALL!
Dan Rhodus (DR): It was unbelievable. The crowd response was great, the people were extremely nice. They are so passionate about the music over there. The audience was into the music the entire show, and were so receptive to us after the show, coming up to the merch[andise] table to get CDs, autographs or even just to say hello and chat a bit. It was great. Personally it was probably one of the most if not the most enjoyable show experience I’ve had. I also want to thank Danny and Diana from Music Minds Memories for putting together such a great show and for taking care of us and the other bands so well!!! They were awesome!
We also had the pleasure of meeting a great band from The Netherlands who also played the show, Ceremony of Opposites, please check them out as well. They are a great band and awesome people. We are in the planning stages to do a small tour with them over there sometime during the spring of this year.
MB: How much different is playing at a big festival in Europe compared to playing a show in the States?
MT: More people definitely stick around for the unsigned acts in Europe . In the States, locals usually get more support from their friends and family and maybe a few new faces every once in a while.
DR: Yea, just like Tina said, everyone, fans and other bands, definitely are very supportive and pay attention to everyone, even bands they have never heard of. The fans are great here too but over there they just seem to still have that 1980s heavy metal passion about the music still you know (laughs). Also the promoters over there seem to really cater to the bands, it’s not just "how much money can you make me???" you know? They really take care of the bands.
MB: Dan, what was the spark that made you want to start playing music? Who are your favorite drummers?
DR: Well, I expressed some interest in playing drums around the age of 13, it just seemed fun and I loved music. My parents took a chance and bought me a drum set for my birthday and my aunt got me started with some drum lessons and the rest is history (laughs). Favorite drummers.... wow, there are a lot. To keep the list short though, some of my favorite and the most influential drummers on me have been: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Johan Langell (former Pain of Salvation), Brent Smedley (Iced Earth), Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Ginger Baker (Cream) and the list goes on and on (laughs).
MB: Tina, what set you on the path to becoming a singer? Who are your favorite vocalists
MT: I've always enjoyed singing but didn't get more serious about it until high school. But I've taken classical lessons since I was 14. Ann Wilson's (Heart) such a great singer, so is Floor Jansen (After Forever). They have such power and control. And I didn't hear of After Forever until a few years ago and thought it was great because I didn't know of anyone else who incorporated clean vocals with operatic. It was nice to hear it and it really inspired me even more.
MB: What band or bands were you a member of before you formed DESDEMON?
MT: I was in a local band Tenebrae with Dan before we formed DESDEMON.
DR: I think she answered that for me. Tenebrae was the first serious band I was in.
MB: When and how did DESDEMON come together?
DR: I’ll try to keep a long story short. Tenebrae broke up in early 2007 (a whole other story in itself). Tina and I decided we didn't want to stop playing, it was something we loved to do so we wanted to continue on. Tina presented me with her vision and musical ideas for what was to become DESDEMON, and of course I was on board. She started writing some music and it became time to find some other members. We contacted Frank (Lord Metadox), whom we met in 2005 in Canada at a music conference where Tenebrae and his band Metadox were playing. Over those two or so years we became good friends and both bands played shows together constantly. As it turns out Metadox broke up shortly after Tenebrae and when we contacted Frank, he was definitely interested.

After a few rehearsals, it was a no brainer, we knew we had found the core of DESDEMON. Tina and Frank started writing what was to become "The Awakening.” After a few shows and a few different members, Ronald Porcelli (Pelagius) answered an ad for a bass player we had posted. He came to one rehearsal and we knew we found our guy! We definitely lucked out with him, he became a core member of the band instantly.
We are now working with our new keyboardist, Nick Gatti. And there will be a lot more coming from DESDEMON in the future!!!!
MB: How would you describe DESDEMON to someone who has never heard your music before
MT: Dark power metal or blackened power metal.
DR : That pretty much sums it up. The music is definitely heavier and a bit more abrasive than most other operatic female-fronted bands. We draw influences from many different styles of metal
MB: What bands are the biggest influences on your sound?
DR: There are many bands we are influenced by as I’ve said. But a few are probably After Forever, Kamelot, Nightwish, Arch Enemy, Dimmu Borgir, and Iced Earth on top of each other’s individual contributions to the band’s sound, seeing as we all come from different musical backgrounds.
MB: Can you describe for us the making of your debut EP The Awakening?
DR: It was a long process. It went relatively smooth though, much better than some previous recording sessions I’ve been involved in. Tarik and Artie and the whole PrimeTime Studios team ( Yonkers , New York ) did an amazing job, we highly recommend those guys. Things were backed up due to some keyboardist issues, long story but we had to let our keyboardist go during the recording. Luckily though a friend of Tina’s stepped in to help out. Nickolas Henriksen is an amazing keyboardist from Norway , Tina informed him of our situation and he offered to do the keyboard tracks for us. We sent him one song ("Iago") and within a day and a half he sent the song back with completed tracks. It blew us away, we knew we wanted to have him perform on the CD, which he did and he did an outstanding job!! He is also in a great progressive metal band, ASPERA, they are on Inside Out Records and I highly recommend checking them out. That pretty much completed the recording and we had it ready to go for the trip to Belgium , which was the ultimate goal. Nickolas also flew down to Belgium and performed the Halloween Metal Meeting with us, and of course did an amazing job!
MB: What is the concept behind The Awakening?
MT: Basically it's the story of a woman's [Desdemon(a)] revenge for being murdered under false accusations. In her afterlife she becomes a demon queen and her followers are women and men who have endured the same fates. They torment their accusers, slowly killing them. Fate has other things in store for her. She was an innocent young woman who was simply angered but didn't see what it was doing to her and it was turning her into something different.
MB: In your opinions, what was the most memorable, and on the flipside, the worst live performance experiences that you have had?
MT: Belgium , being as it was our first European gig! The worst so far would be crappy monitors on stage. We need ear monitors!
DR : Agreed, Belgium was definitely one of my personal favorites and definitely most memorable gigs so far. As far as worst experiences (laughs), haven't had too many with this band, with the exception of your normal sound difficulties, although Frank’s amp kinda blew up on stage in Belgium, which was interesting but we made it through the song and rest of the gig just fine so all in all it wasn't that bad (laughs).
MB: If you could form a dream band with any musicians in the world, who would they be
MT: Wow, there are so many great musicians out there! I think it would be a heavy metal orchestra with a heavy metal choir!
DR: Good question, that's a tough one. I'm really not sure, but there is something I would love to see again, as far as vocalists are concerned. Russell Allen (Symphony X) and Floor Jansen (After Forever/ReVamped) did an amazing metal duet of “Phantom of the Opera,” I would definitely like to see them collaborate again.
MB: Name three albums that you would take to a desert island.
DR : Wow that's tough. Helloween: Keeper of the 7 Keys part 2, Dream Theater: Metropolis 2: Scenes From A Memory and probably Saigon Kick’s first CD. Shut up! I don’t care, I admit I like Saigon Kick! (laughs).
MB: In your opinions, how do you rate the worldwide heavy metal scene?
MT: I think it's sadly dwindling.
DR: It’s hard to tell really. Some places the scene is dying or there is no scene at all. Other places its alive and growing stronger. It’s much smaller now especially here in the States, but with some of the great bands out there, I believe there is still hope and metal will take over once again!!!
MB: Is there a full-length album in the future, and if so, how long until it would be released?
MT: Yes, there will be a full-length within the next couple of years. We're constantly writing new things.
DR: We are concentrating on promoting and shopping The Awakening right now. But as Tina said, we have already started working on new material so don't worry, there will be more DESDEMON music coming soon!!!
MB: RFUSA is planning on starting its own online radio show in 2010. Would you be willing to travel to Pennsylvania to appear on the show?
MT: Of course.
DR: We would love to Matt, you just let me know and we’ll be there, man
MB: Thank you both so much for your time. I regret we lost touch after the dissolution of Tenebrae. It is so awesome to see that you're kicking ass with DESDEMON. Do you have any closing thoughts for our readers?
MT: Go out and enjoy some local shows! You never know what you're going to hear and you may be unexpectedly surprised at the talents out there.
DR: Definitely support your local music scene!!! I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their support. We have received so many kind words about this band, which we truly appreciate. As far as Tina and myself, we have had a lot of fans and friends stick with us from the Tenebrae days and are with us still and supporting us with DESDEMON, I can’t tell you guys how much that means to us. You are all the reason why we do and can do what we love to do!!! THANK YOU!!
And thank you, Matt and everyone at RFUSA for taking the time to do this and support DESDEMON. I’ve know you since the old Tenebrae days too and I really appreciate your help in the past and for sticking with us through DESDEMON. Hopefully we can help you guys out along the way too, man!!

Thank you so much, Dan and Tina! We are so happy to see that you are keeping the fire burning with DESDEMON! Keep kicking ass and taking names! We’ll be there to catch a show very soon! Check out http://www.desdemon.com!






Saturday, October 24, 2009
My interview with DAN (Desdemon)
Hi Dan and Desdemon, I salute you and welcome you to the interviews with Rocket Queen Promotion. Its very nice to get the chance to talk with you.







Dan: First of all Susi, thank you for taking the time to sit down with us for a little while, we truly appreciate it !

1. Please introduce your band first - tell us all about when you founded Desdemon.

Dan: We have Mistress Tina on Vocals, Lord Metadox on Lead Guitar and backing vocals , Pelagius on bass and myself on the drums. We have also
enlisted the talents of Nickolas Henriksen of the Norwegian band Aspera to play the Keyboards on "The Awakening" EP.
Just a side note, Nicko will be appearing with us at the Halloween Metal Meeting in Belgium !
Tina and myself started the band in 2007 after the our last band dissolved. We met Lord Metadox in his previous band Metadox at The XMG Music Conference in Montreal in 2005. He and Tina started writing music in 2007 after his band had also dissolved. Pelagius found that we were in search of a bass player through an advertisement posted online, and from that point the sound of DesDemon really began to take shape.

2. Which musical syle do you do - is it still dark?

Dan: If we were to classify our sound it would be "Blackened Power Metal"
It is very dark , aggressive and ominous at times. With that said there is another dimension added by Tina’s Operatic voice. But everyone is more than welcome to have a listen and decide for themselves.

3. You uploaded new songs on your myspace - so are there more to come - an album for example?

Dan: Yes, "The Awakening" is a 5 song EP. We have posted 3 of the songs for everyone to get an idea of DESDEMON's sound. We actually just received our first shipment of CDs and they are available on www.desdemon.com right now! We are already working on some new material, one of the new songs will be debuted at the show on Halloween in Belgium.

4. What..s Desdemon doing at the moment? Doing concerts? Doing recordings?

Dan: We are very busy at the moment, which is a good thing. As I said we are releasing our debut EP Offically on Halloween Oct 31st. So pushing that and getting it out there is one of the main things were doing right now. We leave in a week for Belgium. We are playing our first European show there @ Music Minds Memories Halloween Metal Meeting w/ Virus IV , Nightqueen, Ceremony of Opposites and many other great bands! When we return home we have a few NY / NJ dates scheduled. And we are always working on new music!

5. What are your future plans with DesDemon?

Dan: We are looking to tour as much as we possibly can and really get our music out to the world. Hopefully we will have a new EP or CD out within another year or so. This is what we love to do, and we're looking to go as far as we can with it.

6. From what I know you will play at the TMT Metal Fest in the USA in summer 2010 ... what are your imaginations on this?

Dan: We are looking foward to that show. TMT is putting together a "European style" festival together here in the US. We think that is a great thing, bringing together all different styles of metal bands together for a weekend full of amazing music. That is what the Metal scene here , I think needs. It should be a really good time!

7. Which other concerts will you play the next time?

Dan: We hope to return to Europe next year from some of the larger festivals such as Wacken, Metal Female Voices , Bloodstock etc.

8. Which music do you listen to in your free time?

Dan: We all have varied musical tastes. Me personally I listen mainly to metal. Bands such as Dream Theater, After Forever, Kamelot, Dimmu Borgir , Epica, Symphony X just to name a few lol. I also enjoy Classical music as well.
9. Please leave a message for all your fans.

Dan: All of us would just like to extend our gratitude to all of our friends, family and especially fans that have supported us. It truly means alot to us when someone just takes the time to give the music a listen. As fans of many other bands ourselves, we know whats its like to spend your hard earned money on CDs , shirts and shows, its hard. And it truly means alot to us when people do that for us. Thank you to everyone for all of your support, if it weren't for you, we could not do this!!!! We hope to see you all out there at some shows! You can find all the info you need at www.myspace.com/desdemon or www.desdemon.com.

Thank you Dan for talking to me .. I wish you and the band all the best for the future, Susi

Dan: Thank you very much Susi for all of your support! Keep up the good work for Rocket Queen Promotion.

c 10 2009 by Rocket Queen Promotion