With the Dead Biography
Who is With the Dead? A Brief Career Overview
With the Dead is an electrifying power trio hailing from the U.K., composed of some of the most respected veterans in the doom metal and stoner rock scenes. This powerhouse trio features the formidable talents of vocalist Lee Dorrian, whose history with bands like Napalm Death and Cathedral has shaped his distinctive vocal style; guitarist/bassist Tim Bagshaw, well-regarded for his work in A Serpentine Path; and drummer Mark Greening, known for his thunderous rhythms with the legendary Electric Wizard. Since their formation on Halloween in 2014, With the Dead has made waves in the music industry, celebrated for their dedication to crafting some of the heaviest, most immersive sounds in rock. Their groundbreaking debut album With the Dead (2015) showcased an intense, unrelenting sound that has quickly become a hallmark of their identity, and their connection to vinyl culture is evident through their attention to the tactile beauty of record releases, making their albums coveted gems for collectors.
With the Dead's Early Life and Background
Each member of With the Dead brings a rich tapestry of experiences to the group, shaped by their diverse backgrounds and cultural influences. Lee Dorrian, born into a household immersed in sounds of classic rock and early metal, discovered music's power early on. The haunting melodies of Black Sabbath and the raw energy of punk rock inspired his fervent passion for music--a fire that only grew as he witnessed the emergence of heavy metal in the vibrant U.K. scene. Tim Bagshaw and Mark Greening shared similar journeys of musical discovery while navigating their childhoods, where bands like Deep Purple and Pink Floyd further solidified their entrancement with heavy sounds. Their formative years crafted a deep-rooted love for music formats, particularly vinyl, aligning with the tangible connection and ritual of listening to records that they all cherish.
The Musical Influences That Shaped With the Dead's Sound
With the Dead's sound is heavily influenced by the heavy guitar tones and dark atmospheres of stoner rock and doom metal. Key inspirations include iconic bands such as Black Sabbath, with their pioneering heavy riffs, and Electric Wizard, known for their sludgy resonance. Additionally, Catherdral played a pivotal role in inspiring Dorrian's vocal delivery, while Greening's drumming style echoes the relentless pounding found in traditional metal. The raw energy of early punk bands also seeps into their music, demonstrating a diversity of influence that encourages experimentation. Their vinyl collection holds relics of these influences, treasured albums that shaped their sound during those formative years, adding a resonance that speaks to the heart of vinyl enthusiasts.
How With the Dead Entered the Music Industry
The inception of With the Dead is a story of familiar faces crossing paths once more. After exiting their previous bands, Tim Bagshaw and Mark Greening found themselves drawn back together with a shared goal: to forge the heaviest tunes imaginable. They decided to invite Lee Dorrian into their collaborative fold, recognizing his powerful voice would perfectly complement their unique sound. Their journey began with demos that impressed Dorrian to the extent that he signed on to deliver a thrilling vocal performance, thus officially forming the band in 2014. The debut album, With the Dead--crafted amidst challenges of recording and distribution--dropped in October 2015, released on vinyl through Rise Above Records, delighting fans with its substantial sound and immersive quality.
With the Dead's Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
The release of their self-titled debut album in 2015 served as With the Dead's significant breakthrough. Not only was it critically acclaimed, but the vinyl release quickly became a sought-after item among collectors, featuring unique artwork that captured the band's aesthetic. The album's raw energy and tracks like "Living Dead" and "Doomed" propelled them to notable positions within metal charts and established a loyal following, further amplified by their fervent tours. Awards nominations followed, adding to their growing accolades as they steadily gained traction in the underground scene. With the Dead successfully launched themselves onto larger stages, resulting in increased media attention and the chance to participate in prestigious festivals, solidifying their footprint in the music industry.
How Personal Life Shaped With the Dead's Music
Personal struggles and triumphs permeate the music of With the Dead, lending profound depth to their tracks. Lee Dorrian's lyrical themes often touch on existential angst and personal demons, reflecting on his journey through life in the heavy metal landscape. Tim and Mark, too, imbue their experiences, collaborating in a shared dedication to expressing the weight of personal histories through resonant soundscapes. The trio shares a commitment to social causes, often engaging with their fanbase on issues that matter to them. As they navigate their lives and career in the public eye, their resilience becomes part of the band's essence--creating music that resonates not just in sound, but in shared human experience.
