Christpuncher (2002 - 2005):
Justin Cummings - Vocals
Mike Hraha - Lead Guitars
Keith Reicke - Rhythm Guitars
Tariq Ali - Bass Guitars
Phil DiCicco - Drums
Vulture (2005-2006):
Albert Rybka - Vocals
Mike Hraha - Lead Guitars
Keith Reicke - Rhythm Guitars
Tariq Ali - Bass Guitars
Phil DiCicco - Drums
Bavmorda (2006-2009):
Albert Rybka - Vocals
Mike Hraha - Lead Guitars
Janusz Kwiatek - Rhythm Guitars
Jose Salazar - Bass Guitars
Phil DiCicco - Drums
Influences
So far, AC/DC, Angel Dust, Anthrax, Arch Enemy, At The Gates, Balance Of Power, The Black Dahlia Murder, Black Label Society, Black Sabbath, Blind Guardian, Boston, Children Of Bodom, Dark Tranquility, Death, Demons & Wizards, Bruce Dickinson, Dimension Zero, Dio, Dragonforce, Dragonland, Dream Theater, Dreamscape, Edguy, Evergrey, Fates Warning, Firehouse, Marty Friedman, Gamma Ray, Gwar, Halford, Hammerfall, Helloween, Iced Earth, In Flames, Iron Maiden, Iron Savior, Jag Panzer, Judas Priest, Kamelot, King Diamond, Labyrinth, Lamb Of God, Liquid Tension Experiment, Lizzy Borden, Yngwie Malmsteen, Manowar, Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, Metallica, Nevermore, Nocturnal Rites, Ozzy Osbourne, Pain Of Salvation, Pantera, Persuader, Primal Fear, Queensryche, Rage, Joe Satriani, Savage Circus, Sentenced, Skid Row, Slayer, Soilwork, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Symphony X, Trivium, Steve Vai, Van Halen, Wintersun
Sounds Like
Take old-school progressive metal a la the first three Fates Warning albums, throw in some elements of power and thrash metal, sprinkle some Gothenburg-styled rhythms, and add the occasional black metal tremolo riff.
First, there was a band called Christpuncher, which formed sometime in 2002. This outfit featured Tariq (a.k.a. Rumblegut) on bass, Phil DiCicco (The I-talian Rapscalion) on drums, and Michael Hraha (The Wee One) on lead guitar. Their music was of a thrash metal style similar to what was all the rage in Sweden throughout the 90s.
Tariq presented some instrumental demos to co-worker/friend Albert Rybka and though the songs were going to be recorded with a growly vocalist, both pals agreed that the tunes could be just as interesting with a more traditional-styled metal vocalist. Seeing as how Albert was from the melodic camp of singers, he asked Tariq about the idea of working on those songs in a different context. Rumblegut pitched the idea to Phil and Hraha, only to be shot down by their lack of enthusiasm for what they deemed to be "pussy metal."
Fast forward to February 10, 2005. While rocking out at a Seven Witches show, Tariq, the Wee One, and Albie discussed the state of Christpuncher. Tariq had revealed to Al that the band was going to be on hiatus due to the vocalist leaving to study political science in Costa Rica. It was then that the thought from two and a half years' past resurfaced. As it turned out, Phil and Hraha were reluctantly exploring the realms of progressive and power metal, and Rumblegut thought the time was right to convince them to give Al a shot at singing with them. Tariq and Al then decided that perhaps it would be interesting to not only keep the same musicians as those in Christpuncher, but to also keep the same songs. The only differences would be the vocal styles and lyrics.
To test the waters, Albert was given an instrumental demo tape and asked to write lyrics for one of the songs. Two weeks later, Al came back with some lyrics and vocal melodies for the song that Christpuncher had originally called "Torn." About two minutes into the song (now entitled "Predestination"), the reluctant duo had realized just what they were missing. After some debate over how the band would carry on with two vocalists and two different sets of lyrics, it was decided that a second band should be formed. After much debate, the second band was named Vulture. After Al had penned lyrics for more songs, the band began playing out wherever they could get a gig. It was becoming apparent that Christpuncher was becoming less and less of a serious band and Vulture was becoming quite the opposite. After a string of shows throughout 2005 (all eight of them), it turned out that Tariq's heart wasn't in it anymore. He favored the slow, sludgy noise of another band with whom he was playing, that being Couldron.
After a month of interrogation, Rumblegut announced his departure on January 12th, 2006. Vulture played one more show on January 29th, though without a bassist, to announce the next step in their musical journey. Since Tariq was the only member who was gung-ho about the name Vulture, it was time to change the name.
On that night, Vulture was laid to rest so that Bavmorda would arise from its ashes. Since then, the band has acquired a most excellent guitarist in one Jon Kwiatek, affectionately known as "Janusz." In addition, the group has added lightning-quick bassist Jose Salazar to their ranks.
With a handful of shows under their belts, the band is entering the pre-production stages of their debut album, which will be recorded at DiCicco Sound Studios in the south suburbs of Chicago. Expect more news on the recording as well as some new songs in the live repertoire in the months to come. Now go listen to the tunes!
______________________
RIP Bavmorda. I enjoyed the shows I saw! I think you guys should definitely post what you have as far as recordings, the music you wrote is definitely something to be proud of.
Best of luck in your future individual endeavours, you're all very talented musicians, and I hope we'll still see each of you on the stage soon!
11/28/2008 09:00 PM - CLUB HARLO [Edit] [Cancel] 2300 W North Ave Melrose Park, Illinois 60160 US Cost:NO COVER Description:Center Drive Is the vary 1st band to Play Club Harlo... Jim the owner is an awesome cat to know. Come out and rock with us all..... FREE ROCK CONCERT
NEW SONG UP - PARADISE CRIPPLED. Feel free to download and share. We are currently in the studio and will be releasing more songs shortly. Also please visit our page if you seek real truth rather than medai pre-scripted bull shit. Thanks, 7th Vial
If you liked what you heard, you can now download any of the songs from our Self-Titled EP for FREE from our page! So grab the tracks, share 'em with your friends & help spread the Rock N' Roll infection! Don't forget to check back for updates on the release of our first full length record. Thanks again for the support & KEEP ROCK ALIVE!