The Gauntlet
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Gary Vosganian - Vocals
Joe Lodespoto - Guitars, Bass
Daniel Kleffmann - Drums
thrash
death metal
Formed in the tumultuous fire storm that was the eighties Thrash
scene, Maelstrom erupted forth with a pyroclastic ferocity matched by
few of the time. Taking their Que from the rapidly expanding European
underground, Maelstrom blended classical melodies with thrash laden
riffing, punching memorable rhythms, and theatrical, hauntingly
dominating vocal progressions. With their signature sound honed
Maelstrom began to dominate it..s local thrash scene and expand well
beyond domestic borders. Becoming the certified top drawing local act
for two consecutive years and making significant strides within the
worldwide underground movement. Including charting in the metal forces -
readers select - top 10 demo section, with their now underground
classic demo " This Battle to Make History... Yet History Never Comes".
As the decade turned and scene shifted to extreme death metal and
Seattle grunge, the storm that was Maelstrom began to loose focus. Their
eventual break-up spawned new life, with members continuing on to play
in other formidable acts, including spOOge, Soilent Green, and most
recently [CARBOMB] of Relapse Records.
However some storms only recede, stock their strength and return with unbridled vengeance, and such is the case with Maelstrom.
Re-imagined and re-constructed by founding vocalist and lyricist Gary
Peter Vosganian, and Founding Guitarist and chief songwriter, Juilliard
guest lecturer, and Guitar Player Magazine guest columnist, the renowned
Joey Lodes. Together with Daniel Kleffmann handling percussion,
Maelstrom..s storm was born again. Commencing a recording project of
epic proportion Maelstrom are now releasing a three song sampler from
the forthcoming album. This three song sampler is entitled "It Was
Predestined".
For founding members Joe and Gary this became a journey that they both
needed to take, rather then one they simply 'wanted' to trek upon. A
project of extreme passion and fury for them it is the pinnacle of their
collective hearts, souls, and imaginations, culminating in a piece of
work that..s greater then the sum of its parts and has a breath and life
of its own.
Musically Maelstrom have woven a tapestry whose weft is increasingly
complex, thick and multi-layered. Music that both captivates and
inspires its listeners to immerse themselves in the world Maelstrom has
created for them. Playing out more like a cinematic experience rather
than simply songs, Maelstrom..s creations conjure images of sweeping
vistas, and deep, dark and cavernous voids. Epic arias prophesying
battles of glorious victory and the melancholy laments of the forsaken
and forlorn await the listener. Lyrically a grand tale of fantasy has
been crafted for those who enter the landscapes which Maelstrom has
conjured.
From the perspective of production Maelstrom leaves no stone un-turned.
Sonicly a crystalline masterpiece, the drum recording was charged to the
late Greg Marchak of Audio Labs in Tampa Florida. The original engineer
of many of Maelstrom..s lives performances as well as the man behind
their aforementioned chart topping "This Battle..." demo. Greg is known
for his work with Trans Siberian Orchestra, Jon Olivas Pain and
Nocturnus. After Gregs untimely passing the reigns were passed to Vudu
Studios of Freeport New York to handle the capturing of the guitars,
bass, keyboards, and vocals. Vudu is renowned for their work with
Victory Records and Trustkill Records. Solos and Accoustic recordings
was cared for by Steve Booke. Mixing and Mastering has been handled by
none other than the now legendary, award winning Tue Madsen of
Denmark..s Antfarm Studios. A veteran of the scene Tue has been behind
some of the worlds greatest metal acts including Dark Tranquility, The
Haunted, Behemoth, Halford, and Himsa.
Join us and come and navigate this epic vortex, ride upon this
devastating whirlwind, and venture straight into the eye of what will
surely be considered the storm of the century. Inevitably you will be
drawn into the experience that is Maelstrom. It was Predestined.
