Dead Earth Politics

Dead Earth Politics was an American heavy metal rock band formed in Austin, Texas in 2005. The band's final line up consisted of Ven Scott, Tim Driscoll, Lennis Hayes and Aaron Canady. Well known for its blend of old and new school metal influences that some have coined as “Progressive Power Thrash” has been described as a cross between Iron Maiden and Lamb of God.[1] The group rose to prominence in the mid late 2000s with their engaging live performances. With one full-length LP and three EPs, the latest release was on March 14, 2015, with their Men Become God’s EP.

Dead Earth Politics
Dead Earth Politics on Stage
Dead Earth Politics in Austin, TX 2016
Background information
OriginAustin, Texas, United States
GenresThrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Power Progressive Thrash
Years active2005-2017
LabelsGenuine Recordings, Self
MembersVen Scott, Aaron Canady, Tim Driscoll, Lennis Hayes
Past membersPaul Rosalez, Craig Rundels, Mason Evans, Will Little
Websitewww.deadearthpolitics.com

History

Formation

The band was originally formed in Austin, Texas in 2003 by Ernie Clark, Will Little, Mason Evans and Paul Rosales, under another name. In 2005, the quartet began auditioning vocalists, and narrowed it down to two individuals. Ven Scott was the second choice, but after their first choice went to jail, Evans called Brown back and offered him the position. After a few shows, they decided to change the band name to Dead Earth Politics, a name that Evans conceived. [2] The band began as quoted by Ven “as a bunch of idiots who thought we could eliminate stress in our lives through art”.[1]

Debut and early years

Mark the Resistance was the first EP release of Dead Earth Politics career, released in 2006. And five years later The Weight of Poseidon is Dead Earth Politics’ first full-length album released on iTunes on March 29, 2010. With 10.13 as a fan favorite and lyrics written by bassist, Will the album is known as raging rock’n’roll with thick, surprisingly engaging riffs that thunder like the roiling sea on its cover. Add to this roaring mix vocals that are rough and gruff, mixed in with some clean vocals as well, and the result is an explosive sound with enough variety to hold your attention throughout.[3]

Tim, fresh from Berklee university, joined the band in 2012 and met together on Craigslist.[4] Aaron, originally guitar player from the band Shrapnel, joined in 2014 creating the “band that the people envisioned” according to Ven.[5]

2012 – 2015

After four years of near silence, Dead Earth Politics released the first of a three EP series, The Queen of Steel. The Queen of Steel is Dead Earth Politics’ second EP release of their career, with three songs featured on the album, those being “Redneck Dragon Slayer”, “The Queen of Steel”, and “Madness of the Wanderer”. The EP was released on iTunes on March 1, 2014.[6]

Men Become Gods was released on iTunes on March 14, 2015. The EP includes four songs, “Casting Stones”, “Men Become Gods”, “Ice & Fire”, and “Crimson Dichotomy”. This EP is the second of the EP series, following up their “The Queen of Steel” EP.[7]

Dead Earth Politics was a part of the SXSW lineup in Austin, TX in March 2014. The band was accompanied by the following bands: The Launderettes, Kay Leotard, Complete, Hellbenders, AEGES, and Fresno.[8]

In May 2014, Dead Earth Politics was personally invited to play the first Rock the Heart tribute to Mike Scaccia in Austin, TX. Dead Earth Politics played alongside Warbeast and Down.[9]

Band has been a part of Synsane Radio's Austin Autism Society Benefit twice.

In October 2013, Dead Earth Politics was also invited to perform at the Housecore Horror Film Festival in Austin, TX. The festival includes film showcases of various forms of horror films, as well as three nights of the “heaviest music on the planet”.[10][11] Dead Earth Politics was invited back for the 2015 film festival.[12]

The band also made its return to SXSW in 2015, soon after their release of the Men Become Gods EP. They performed in Austin's local Dirty Dog Bar with Excessum, Venomous Maximus, Unlocking the Truth, Royal Thunder, and Betrayal.[13]

Their most recent milestone was being invited to play the 30th anniversary party for GWAR at their annual GWAR B-Q in Richmond, VA, August 16, 2015.[14]

2017

In 2017, remaining members Ven, Tim and Aaron laid the band to rest. This is confirmed in an interview with enFocus Magazine where Ven confirms, "It was clear to both Tim and I (and at the time, Aaron Canady as well) that Dead Earth Politics had run its course.[15]" This is further confirmed on Scott's own website [16] as well as the Dead Earth Politics homepage where an image appears of the final line up and the text "2005 - 2017".

Musical style

Well known for a blend of old and new school metal influences that some have coined as “Progressive Power Thrash” has been described as a cross between Iron Maiden and Lamb of God.[1] Dead Earth Politics pull from a number of influences all over the spectrum including Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Lamb of God, layer, Metallica, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Kiss to name a few. But Dead Earth Politics specialty comes in because they do not just limit themselves to heavy metal by pulling from other influences like Muse, Holdsworth, Bad Company and others to create their unique modern metal sound.[1]

Members
Member Role Years
Ven Scott[17] Lead Vocals 2005 - 2017
Mason Evans [18] Drums/Vocals 2005 - 2017
Tim Driscoll[17] Lead Guitar/Vocals 2012 - 2017
Aaron Canady[17] Rhythm Guitar/Vocals 2013 - 2017
Lennis Hayes[17] Bass Guitar 2017 - 2017
Will Little Bass Guitar 2005 - 2016
Ernie Clark Lead Guitar/Vocals 2005–2012
Craig Rundels Guitar 2012–2013
Paul Rosales Guitar 2005–2006

Discography
Album Track Listing Year Notes
Mark the Resistance (E.P.)
  1. By Design
  2. Whisper Diseases
  3. A Thousand More
  4. Festive Gathering
  5. Blackmoon Rises
 2006 Mark the Resistance was the first EP release of Dead Earth Politics career, released in 2006. The EP was officially released on iTunes on January 1, 2009.[19]
The Weight of Poseidon (L.P.)
  1. Artistic License
  2. Dos Cuerpos
  3. Burial Ground
  4. Once Was Glass
  5. Hooked
  6. The Weight of Poseidon
  7. Traitor is a Name
  8. 10/13
 2010 The Weight of Poseidon is Dead Earth Politics’ first full-length album released on iTunes on March 29, 2010.[20]
The Queen of Steel (E.P.)
  1. Redneck Dragonslayer
  2. The Queen of Steel
  3. Madness of the Wanderer
 2014 After four years of near silence, Dead Earth Politics released the first of a three EP series, The Queen of Steel. The Queen of Steel is Dead Earth Politics’ second EP release of their career and the first of a three E.P. series, with three songs featured on the album.[6]
Men Become Gods (E.P.)
  1. Casting Stones
  2. Men Become Gods
  3. Ice & Fire
  4. Crimson Dichotomy
 2015 Men Become Gods was released on iTunes on March 14, 2015 and is the second of their three E.P. series that began with "The Queen of Steel".[7]

Tours

As noted above, Dead Earth Politics was invited to perform at 6th annual Gwar-B-Q festival.[14] In addition to this and as means of celebrating Gwar's 30th anniversary, Dead Earth Politics, Gwar and Metal injection teamed up to create "The Road to Gwar-B-Q". This was a tour where Dead Earth Politics chronicled on video their exploits leading up to the Gwar-B-Q festival and celebrating Gwar's birthday. The dates and videos are below:

  • August 5, 2015 - Houston, TX - Video
  • August 7, 2015 - San Antonio, TX - Video
  • August 8, 2015 - Austin, TX - Video
  • August 9, 2015 - Lafayette, LA - Video
  • August 12, 2015 - Montgomery, AL - Video
  • August 13, 2015 - Albany, GA - Video
  • August 15, 2015 - Richmond, VA - GWAR-B-Q

Awards
  • Austin Chronicle's Best Performing Metal Band 2012[21]
  • Austin Chronicle's Best Performing Metal Band 2013[22]
  • Austin Chronicle's Best Performing Metal Band 2014[23]
  • Ultimate Local Music Worldwide's Track of the Year - “Redneck Dragonslayer”[24]

New Projects

Immediately after the dissolution of Dead Earth Politics, Ven Scott and Tim Driscoll formed Runescarred.[15] As Driscoll mentions in an interview with enFocus Magazine, the music in Runescarred differs from Dead Earth Politics in that it is "like a prizefighter getting lean and dropping a weight class. It is a more melodic and expansive sound, no less heavy but not quite as claustrophobic." According to his website, Ven continues management duties with Runescarred as well.[16]

According to Runescarred's website, their first E.P. will be due out in June 2018.[25]

References
  1. "Heavy Metal Time Machine: Interview with Ven Scott from Dead Earth Politics". Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  2. "Interview: Dead Earth Politics at Housecore Horrorfest". The Grim Tower. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  3. "Rough Edge: Dead Earth Politics CD Reviews". www.roughedge.com. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  4. DEAD EARTH POLITICS (10-Year #2) on Robbs MetalWorks 2015, retrieved 2015-12-20
  5. DEAD EARTH POLITICS (10-Year #1) on Robbs MetalWorks 2015, retrieved 2015-12-20
  6. "The Queen of Steel - Single by Dead Earth Politics on iTunes". iTunes. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  7. "Men Become Gods - EP by Dead Earth Politics on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  8. "Schedule | sxsw.com". SXSW Schedule 2014. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  9. "Down to Headline Mike Scaccia 'Rock the Heart' Benefit Show". Loudwire. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  10. "HOUSECORE HORROR FILM FESTIVAL 2013 FULL BAND LINE-UP REVEALED!!! | HOUSECORE™ HORROR FESTIVAL". housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  11. "ABOUT | HOUSECORE™ HORROR FESTIVAL". housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  12. "SUPERJOINT REUNION AT HHFF!!! PLUS, GWAR, VOIVOD, CORRECTIONS HOUSE, AND MORE!! | HOUSECORE™ HORROR FESTIVAL". housecorehorrorfilmfestival.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  13. "Tuesday SXSW 2015 Showcases: Tuesday SXSW 2015 Showcases". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  14. "GWAR B-Q 2015 – Presented by Ring Dog Rescue, Mount Baker Vapor, & Slave Pit Inc. | GWAR Extends Their 6th Annual GWAR-B-Q 30th Year Party to a Three Day Weekend of Events Throughout RVA, Aug 14-16". gwarbq.com. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  15. Ruby, Scholling. "Runescarred, Interview with Ven Scott, Tim Driscoll". enFocus. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  16. Scott, Ven. "Ven Scott's Biography". Ven Scott. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
  17. "The Official Lair - Dead Earth Politics". Dead Earth Politics. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  18. "DEAD EARTH POLITICS part ways with drummer - XSROCK". XSROCK. 2017-06-27. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  19. "Mark the Resistance - EP by Dead Earth Politics on iTunes". iTunes. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  20. "The Weight of Poseidon by Dead Earth Politics on iTunes". iTunes. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  21. "Austin Music Awards - 2012 - Best Performing Bands - The Austin Chronicle". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  22. "Austin Music Awards - 2013 - Best Performing Bands - The Austin Chronicle". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  23. "Austin Music Awards - 2014 - Best Performing Bands - The Austin Chronicle". www.austinchronicle.com. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  24. "Results - ULM Top 10 of 2014". Ultimate Local Music. Archived from the original on 2015-12-22. Retrieved 2015-12-20.
  25. "Biography". Runescarred Home Page. Retrieved 7 April 2018.
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