Before its inception Johnny O’Brien (Vocals/Bass) and Stephen Whelan (Drums) were the rhythm section that powered rock trio Tortured Artists Social Club. TASC earned reasonable commercial and critical success, earning accolades such as a Dan Hegarty 2FM session, several radio show “Single of the Week” appearances and extensive touring throughout Ireland, the USA and Australia.
Having lost their guitarist in late 2007 and becoming increasingly disillusioned with a music scene that seemed obsessed with appearing stylish while lacking in originality and substance, Johnny and Stephen disbanded TASC and set about finding a new way. In reaction to the void around them the duo started writing material that had a heavier edge.
Under the guidance of God is an Astronaut guitarist and creative force Torsten Kinsella they began to mould their ideas into a sound, and demoed the track “One Word” in Quill Lane Studio, which is still available for free download from their website and myspace.
With a new sound came a new name and “Saints of Descent” was chosen to reflect the bands lyrical and personal ideology.
Saints of Descent spent most of 2008 writing and demoing new material, pushing the boundaries of their song-writing ability. The creative juices were flowing, but the real breakthrough didn’t happen until mid-2008 when the fledgling group recruited guitarist Brian Bowell.
At present the group are in the studio cutting their first EP, entitled Chrysalis.
