GROWING and developing since they had the tag 'young and upcoming' Donum Dei have now delivered their début album 'Contribute to Chaos'.
Just before they took to the stage at The Belfast Empire Melanie Brehaut sat them down for some gentle interrogation.
Listen below:
Showing posts with label Contribute To Chaos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contribute To Chaos. Show all posts
Sunday, March 11, 2018
NEWS: Donum Dei launch Contribute to Chaos
TONIGHT has been a long time in the making - seven years, to be exact. Seven years since a bunch of metal-loving schoolboys got together with the idea of forming their own band, writing some tunes and maybe even playing some gigs one day.
Fast forward to March 2018 and those boys, now determined young men, are seeing the culmination of a dream: headlining the Belfast Empire, to launch their debut album 'Contribute to Chaos'. For Donum Dei, it’s finally time.
To help make the launch a real party, they’ve brought along some friends to play their own tunes, and as if to indicate the rude health of the local scene, the three support acts are as diverse as any festival bill you’d care to see.
First up, young hardcore knuckleheads No Great Loss take to the task of warming up the stage with gusto, along with plenty of posturing and attitude.
Co-vocalists Gavin Brown and Paul Docs bounce off each other brilliantly, sharing the lead and occasionally exchanging fleeting delighted grins. It takes around six seconds before Brown decides the stage is far too small for their antics, and he’s on the floor with the punters, screaming in their faces and pacing the floor like a caged lion.
He then puts his mic lead to the test, heading towards the centre of the room before clambering up the balcony to the side of the stage. Docs, although not as inclined to go for a dander (although he does jump offstage towards the end, along with guitarist Darren), still manages to pack a hell of a punch with his tightly coiled bravado and furiously spat vocals. A brash, confrontational and highly enjoyable set.
Promptly fifteen minutes later, melodic thrash newcomers Ketos take to the stage and immediately submerge the crowd in a barrage of noise, all wailing guitars and savage vocals.
Frontman Pete Crenshaw (who provides guest vocals on one of the tracks on the Donum Dei album) cuts a daunting figure as he screams, roars, contorts himself around the tiny stage and even clean sings at times; his vocal range is truly impressive, as is his ability to chat to the crowd but not blather on unnecessarily.
Ketos are known for putting on passionate and rousing shows and tonight is no exception; each track holds the crowd’s attention throughout and their set goes by in the blink of an eye – always a sign of a great band.
And now, as the saying goes, time for something completely different…although a relatively new concern, the members of old school death metal band Strangle Wire are veterans of the scene, and it shows in their dedication and musical chops.
Hitting the stage and wasting no time in releasing a wave of instant ferocity, theirs is an all-out aural assault, complete with staccato beats, breakneck speed and riffs that threaten to knock holes in the walls.
Frontman Pete Clarke is in a class all his own: with the deepest roar this side of the Irish Sea, he stares balefully around the room, all wild hair and even wilder eyes, in a pugnacious stance that looks for all the world like he’s about to break into the haka, or at the very least crack your skull. An exemplary death metal set.
For those that have been in the scene for the last half dozen or so years, seeing headliners Donum Dei grow in both confidence and ability has been one of the highlights of that time, and tonight sees the culmination of that.
As they file onstage one by one, to huge cheers from the crowd, their excitement is palpable; an already shirtless Thomas Marshall seems almost unable to contain his fizzing energy, almost jumping out of his skin as he kicks, punches and leaps his way around the stage. ‘Murder and Mayhem’ sees riffs flying everywhere, as well as some impressively furious headbanging: there will be some sore necks tomorrow!
“The more you give us, the more we’ll give you! How does that sound?” Marshall enthuses before they launch into ‘False Hope’, which then leads into the hugely popular ‘Justice Fails’, all sinuous, almost bluesy riffs and pummelling drums. ‘Torture (Makes Them Speak)’ sees the return of Ketos’ Pete Crenshaw, while ‘Courage From Within’ (“the hardest song we’ve ever written” jokes Marshall) ends with the temporarily knackered frontman briefly lying on the stage to recover from the effort, much to the amusement of the crowd (and our resident photographer!).
They close their set with the vitriolic ‘Contribute to Chaos’, the track that is closest to their simpler, thrashy roots, and thank the crowd with sweaty sincerity and huge smiles.
The best thing about a band like Donum Dei is that it’s clearly a collaborative effort. Each member is talented, each gets to show that talent proudly onstage, from solos to backing vocals to some frankly outstanding drumming and, of course, Marshall’s charismatic vocal performances.
Although there were a few technical issues tonight – Marshall broke a guitar string halfway through their set but soldiered on regardless, while guitarist Stuart McLoughlin seemed to be struggling with his instrument (possibly a battery pack issue?), they banded together and pulled a blinder out of the bag.
Whereas before there was a certain youthful and innocent exuberance, now there are four young men filled with deadly intent and the talent to match. Seven years coming? Totally worth it.
Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pictures by Mark McGrogan
Fast forward to March 2018 and those boys, now determined young men, are seeing the culmination of a dream: headlining the Belfast Empire, to launch their debut album 'Contribute to Chaos'. For Donum Dei, it’s finally time.
To help make the launch a real party, they’ve brought along some friends to play their own tunes, and as if to indicate the rude health of the local scene, the three support acts are as diverse as any festival bill you’d care to see.
First up, young hardcore knuckleheads No Great Loss take to the task of warming up the stage with gusto, along with plenty of posturing and attitude.
Co-vocalists Gavin Brown and Paul Docs bounce off each other brilliantly, sharing the lead and occasionally exchanging fleeting delighted grins. It takes around six seconds before Brown decides the stage is far too small for their antics, and he’s on the floor with the punters, screaming in their faces and pacing the floor like a caged lion.
He then puts his mic lead to the test, heading towards the centre of the room before clambering up the balcony to the side of the stage. Docs, although not as inclined to go for a dander (although he does jump offstage towards the end, along with guitarist Darren), still manages to pack a hell of a punch with his tightly coiled bravado and furiously spat vocals. A brash, confrontational and highly enjoyable set.
Promptly fifteen minutes later, melodic thrash newcomers Ketos take to the stage and immediately submerge the crowd in a barrage of noise, all wailing guitars and savage vocals.
Frontman Pete Crenshaw (who provides guest vocals on one of the tracks on the Donum Dei album) cuts a daunting figure as he screams, roars, contorts himself around the tiny stage and even clean sings at times; his vocal range is truly impressive, as is his ability to chat to the crowd but not blather on unnecessarily.
Ketos are known for putting on passionate and rousing shows and tonight is no exception; each track holds the crowd’s attention throughout and their set goes by in the blink of an eye – always a sign of a great band.
And now, as the saying goes, time for something completely different…although a relatively new concern, the members of old school death metal band Strangle Wire are veterans of the scene, and it shows in their dedication and musical chops.
Hitting the stage and wasting no time in releasing a wave of instant ferocity, theirs is an all-out aural assault, complete with staccato beats, breakneck speed and riffs that threaten to knock holes in the walls.
Frontman Pete Clarke is in a class all his own: with the deepest roar this side of the Irish Sea, he stares balefully around the room, all wild hair and even wilder eyes, in a pugnacious stance that looks for all the world like he’s about to break into the haka, or at the very least crack your skull. An exemplary death metal set.
For those that have been in the scene for the last half dozen or so years, seeing headliners Donum Dei grow in both confidence and ability has been one of the highlights of that time, and tonight sees the culmination of that.
As they file onstage one by one, to huge cheers from the crowd, their excitement is palpable; an already shirtless Thomas Marshall seems almost unable to contain his fizzing energy, almost jumping out of his skin as he kicks, punches and leaps his way around the stage. ‘Murder and Mayhem’ sees riffs flying everywhere, as well as some impressively furious headbanging: there will be some sore necks tomorrow!
“The more you give us, the more we’ll give you! How does that sound?” Marshall enthuses before they launch into ‘False Hope’, which then leads into the hugely popular ‘Justice Fails’, all sinuous, almost bluesy riffs and pummelling drums. ‘Torture (Makes Them Speak)’ sees the return of Ketos’ Pete Crenshaw, while ‘Courage From Within’ (“the hardest song we’ve ever written” jokes Marshall) ends with the temporarily knackered frontman briefly lying on the stage to recover from the effort, much to the amusement of the crowd (and our resident photographer!).
They close their set with the vitriolic ‘Contribute to Chaos’, the track that is closest to their simpler, thrashy roots, and thank the crowd with sweaty sincerity and huge smiles.
The best thing about a band like Donum Dei is that it’s clearly a collaborative effort. Each member is talented, each gets to show that talent proudly onstage, from solos to backing vocals to some frankly outstanding drumming and, of course, Marshall’s charismatic vocal performances.
Although there were a few technical issues tonight – Marshall broke a guitar string halfway through their set but soldiered on regardless, while guitarist Stuart McLoughlin seemed to be struggling with his instrument (possibly a battery pack issue?), they banded together and pulled a blinder out of the bag.
Whereas before there was a certain youthful and innocent exuberance, now there are four young men filled with deadly intent and the talent to match. Seven years coming? Totally worth it.
Review by Melanie Brehaut
Pictures by Mark McGrogan
Monday, February 05, 2018
ALBUM REVIEW: Donum Dei's devastating début release Contribute to Chaos
FOR many fans of hard rock and metal in Northern Ireland watching a band grow and develop in front of your eyes is both a pleasure and something that leaves you with bated breath as to whether they can take the next step.
Donum Dei have taken that next step with the release of their devastating début album 'Contribute to Chaos', a blistering, balls out thrasher with nine tracks that will sear the flesh off your face.
From the delicate opening of 'False Hope' this is a full-on metal album, imbued with the spirit of the best of thrash and contemporary metal sounds. But, unlike many they nod to their influenced rather than follow them slavishly.
In fact Thomas Marshall sounds completely pissed off with the world as a he rages and roars throughout each and every song. But, it is the complete attitude that matches the mood of the album.
There is an intensity across all elements of 'Contribute to Chaos' that can leave one slack-jawed in admiration for a band so young.
'Courage From Within' is a simply wondrous song - defiant and with a single finger up to wasters and those not prepared to stand up for themselves.
What makes it a great album is the cohesiveness of the guitar work between Stuart McLoughlin's lead work and Thomas' aggressive riffing.
This is exemplified on 'Torture (Makes Them Speak) for which they drafted in Pete Crenshaw of Ketos and By Conquest Or Consent. It us a track that delivers a boot to your bake.
There are, however, some minor issues on the album. The title track does overdo the all-out noise that isn't as clear, nor has the same degree as the rest. It still is a song that will deliver live.
In contrast 'A Wolf Among Us' and 'Dead on Arrival' are blistering. They showcase a band ready to take on all comers and ready to take the next step.
As for the live favourite 'Justice Fails' fans and those new to the band will be chanting along to the chorus...
What Donum Dei have is the patience to develop at their own pace, with a clear plan for progression. With the right guidance, management and pointers they are sure to be ready to springboard their career to the next level.
'Contribute to Chaos' is a statement; a moment in time for a Donum Dei to look back on as they rise to the next level.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Donum Dei have taken that next step with the release of their devastating début album 'Contribute to Chaos', a blistering, balls out thrasher with nine tracks that will sear the flesh off your face.
From the delicate opening of 'False Hope' this is a full-on metal album, imbued with the spirit of the best of thrash and contemporary metal sounds. But, unlike many they nod to their influenced rather than follow them slavishly.
In fact Thomas Marshall sounds completely pissed off with the world as a he rages and roars throughout each and every song. But, it is the complete attitude that matches the mood of the album.
There is an intensity across all elements of 'Contribute to Chaos' that can leave one slack-jawed in admiration for a band so young.
'Courage From Within' is a simply wondrous song - defiant and with a single finger up to wasters and those not prepared to stand up for themselves.
What makes it a great album is the cohesiveness of the guitar work between Stuart McLoughlin's lead work and Thomas' aggressive riffing.
This is exemplified on 'Torture (Makes Them Speak) for which they drafted in Pete Crenshaw of Ketos and By Conquest Or Consent. It us a track that delivers a boot to your bake.
There are, however, some minor issues on the album. The title track does overdo the all-out noise that isn't as clear, nor has the same degree as the rest. It still is a song that will deliver live.
In contrast 'A Wolf Among Us' and 'Dead on Arrival' are blistering. They showcase a band ready to take on all comers and ready to take the next step.
As for the live favourite 'Justice Fails' fans and those new to the band will be chanting along to the chorus...
What Donum Dei have is the patience to develop at their own pace, with a clear plan for progression. With the right guidance, management and pointers they are sure to be ready to springboard their career to the next level.
'Contribute to Chaos' is a statement; a moment in time for a Donum Dei to look back on as they rise to the next level.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Contribute to Chaos is launched on March 1st at The Belfast Empire with a Donum Dei headline set, with support from Death of a Salesman, Ketos and Dream Awake
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