In the year of 1995, when metal was being viciously suffocated by an almost supernaturally lame mainstream pop culture, TWISTED TOWER DIRE was born. Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Candlemass...these were the teachers. After releasing two cult demo cassettes, several split EPs and contributing to various sampler CD's to critical acclaim, the band began a partnership with long time fan and Solstice mainman/guitarist Rich Walker. He had recently begun a new label called The Miskatonic Foundation and offered to support the recording and distribution of the first TWISTED TOWER DIRE album.
The band unleashed their self produced, full-length debut in 1999. Despite a modest budget, "The Curse of Twisted Tower" won over many dedicated fans that appreciated TWISTED TOWER DIRE's traditional yet unique sound. From 1999 to 2000, the band embarked on a relentless, self-financed world tour in support of "Curse" including several American festival appearances. A European stretch of the tour with fellow heathens Slough Feg and Solstice followed, including several club dates and the Wacken Open Air Festival, where the band had to perform directly after Venom's headlining set!
In 2001, TWISTED TOWER DIRE released the critically acclaimed "Isle of Hydra" (produced by Kevin 131 & TTD) on The Miskatonic Foundation and Hellion Records. The album featured tighter songwriting and improved production, but still retained a certain underground feel. In support, they played shows in North America’s Mid Atlantic Region and beyond, including more festival dates. In July 2002, TWISTED TOWER DIRE returned to Deutschland, once again with the mighty Slough Feg, to continue their assault on clubs and festivals, including a headlining appearance at the Headbanger's Open Air Festival.
In September of that same year, TWISTED TOWER DIRE signed to Germany's Remedy Records. Their third release "Crest of the Martyrs" (produced by Piet Sielck & TTD) was unleashed upon the masses on May 26th, 2003. “Crest” had the distinguished honor of being named one of Terrorizer Magazine’s Top 20 Power Metal Albums of All Time (Issue 137, Nov. 2005). This release was accompanied by another European invasion with festival gigs at the Metal Bash Open Air Festival and their second appearance at the Wacken Open Air Festival. "Crest" was also the first TWISTED TOWER DIRE album to be officially released in Japan (Spiritual Beast) and the USA (Magick/Cleopatra).
Between 2004 and 2006, the members of TWISTED TOWER DIRE all went through some heavy personal times. The band kept moving forward despite the setbacks, playing shows across the US, including the first Alehorn of Power Festival (Chicago) in June 2006, and working on the aptly named fourth album “Netherworlds”. In September 2006, lead vocalist of nine years, Tony Taylor left the band after a long battle with depression. Once it was decided that Tony’s departure was permanent, TWISTED TOWER DIRE welcomed Viper(NC) vocalist Johnny Aune as their new singer, reinvigorating the spirit of the band.
TWISTED TOWER DIRE have gone through countless trials and changes in their 11 year history, but the purpose has remained the same from early basement practices to today's basement practices. The "Tower Brethren" continue to play their guts out for the legacy of Classic Heavy Metal with their latest album “Netherworlds” (released Feb 23rd 2007 and produced by Matt Crooks, Wayne Mitzen, Marc Stauffer & TTD) and their headbangmania live shows. The band appreciates the support of their dedicated friends and fans around the world and hopes to soon see YOU in front of the stage banging thy head!
I am completely devastated by this absolute tragedy, the METAL/Music community has lost yet another alltime great! Even though I didn't know MIDNIGHT (real name: John Patrick McDonald Jr.) personally... his voice and music has touched my soul and brought me through many a dark time in my own life! He will be missed dearly, and never be forgotten! MIDNIGHT will forever live on in all of our hearts and minds through his amazing voice! May his soul R.I.P.!
I am now recording for a new set of releases called the "Persona
Series". These cassettes will be commissioned works (not by content,
but by payment) for individuals. If John Smith in London, England
wants his own Zebulon Kosted album, I will make a 45 minute album (one
side of a 90 minute tape), 2 hand drawn mini posters, I will name the
album after him (Zebulon Kosted - John Smith), and the fan will retain
all rights to the recording (for use of any future release, sampling,
or broadcasting rights). One copy of the album will remain in my
personal collection, and one will be sent to the customer, so that the
only copy that will be in circulation will be John Smiths copy! Each
album is available for the ridiculously low price of $10 (not including
shipping), and will be shipped in its completed form no later than 6
weeks from the date of purchase!!!
Apologies if you've already registered. Hard to keep track these days! Please check out and register FREE at Metal Tome: Gateway to Shred - Heavy Metal Community and help support the Metal movement!
We are releasing a new song called ''Human'' on our myspace page. This song has been recorded with the new band musicians, Walter Campos on vocals and Rodolfo Iriarte on keyboards. You will finally have the chance to get to know them! Come check out!
Also, I'd like to oficially announce that we have changed the band's name from Ruthless Cry to ''Still Alive''.
Don't forget to check out our new myspace layout and our new song ''Human''!
Hey maniax. We are proud to announce you that we made a
record deal with INFERNO RECORDS (FR)!
It was about time to make our move and we think that we found the perfect
people to help us.
We will work with INFERNO RECORDS for our first full length record that will be
ready until the end of 2009 or beggining of 2010.
1000 copies in CD format with coloured cover and 8 page booklet filled with the
hottest and loudest old school Heavy fuckin' Metal
Get ready for this attack metalheads cause it will be KILLER!!!
Saturday June 20, 2009 The Rockland Bar and Grill 7361 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 No cover charge Show starts at 9 Material will span Rush's entire 30+ year career http://www.rush-tribute.com
It was an absoloute pleasure to see you guys kick so much ass on our stage with your awesome performance last night at WOMFEST II. And of course, even more fun to hang out with you after the show at the hotel. Big Thanks to you all for hauling ass all the way from North Carolina to rip Ohio a new hole (in the space-time continuum that is) :P!
As I mentioned to Jim, my wife is now also a TTD fan! If only she could see Jonny-onny's "dead-on" impressions as he, Scott and Jim were shooting the shit outside the hotel :D!!!
Thank you Marc for your timely cooperation with the WOMFEST II Comp CD. I hope you guys liked the result. And thanks Dave for putting on with me as I got your autograph for the 100th time! you guys were a total Metal Class Act.
I hope to see you all with ASKA at the Pathfinder show in Marietta.
Metal On Brothers...
Datis DJ Metal Daddy Farvahar Records WOMFEST II Sponsor & Promoter
..
