09/15/2022
Controlled Demise
The name controlled demise 1st came up after the original drummer, Stevie, and the original guitarist, Chepe, were connected through Stevies family member. After a few hours of playing some covers, they decided to take the name Stevie thought of and put a little bit of fire behind it.
After Chepes brother, Brandon, joined as a second guitarist, they set out in search of a bassist and vocalist. A mutual friend informed them that he knew bassist and singer combo, who were really good friends, who were in search of a fresh project that had drive and passion. Insert Zack and Chris.
They made a real stand the day they showed up. Both were strongly goal oriented. But Zack showed up with a fire in his eyes, and was immediately more than a front man. He was the muscle and the face, as much as he was the voice of the band.
After losing Chris and Brandon to unexpected child births within the year, the band kept pushing forward.
One random day, while riding the bus home, Chepe encountered a random guy on the bus carrying around a guitar bag, with a B.C. Rich headstock sticking out of the top. Chepe asked if he would be interested in jumping right off the bus, and going to jam with him for a bit.
Little did they know, that would be the start of Gabe being a long term staple in the band. Within a month, a buddy at a show approached Demise, saying he knew a bassist that could fit us. A few days later, we invited Josh to come by and see how he felt about the project. He never left. Nobody ever actually "hired" the guy. But the entire group felt comfortable with Josh, and had no reason to tell him no. He fit great.
This line-up made up the majority of the Controlled Demise history.
For 10 long years, Demise left their footprint in the Denver local metal scene. They released 2 albums with that lineup, ran a short tour, and opened up shows for lots and lots of their most favorite bands. Including, but not limited to, Static-X (Wayne Static), Hatebreed, Su***de Silence, Emmure, Adestria, Kingdom of Giants, Dayseeker, Betraying the Martyrs, I Declare War, Here Comes the Kraken, Upon This Dawning, The Browning, Phinehas, and were even able to play a Slipknot after-party show, where Dj Starscream played a set, with Dj Lethal. This is a small touch of the many great opportunities this band ceased.
Just before their second tour, (10 days prior, to be exact) Stevie decided his place in the band, as the drummer, was no longer something he was willing to dedicate to, as fatherhood had become a bit overwhelming, and too much to balance with music.
Panic ensued. With only a day of searching for a tour replacement, Demise brought in their long time friend Joey, who was most notable known as the drummer for One Shot One Kill, and more recently, Fistfight. Joey proved to be an absolute beast, and learned 8 songs in a matter of 7 days, and was tour ready on a moments notice. Aftrr that second tour, the band slowed down. Some uncertainties, as well as Chepe taking a very long hiatus, tied together with the fact that Josh was unable to continue as bassist for personal reasons, left the band in limbo for 4 years.
Over the course of those 4 years, Demise sorted trough a couple bassists, before asking their long time friend/brother/super-fan, Storm, if he would be up for the challenge. Storm couldn't refuse, and has since become a much more permanent and essential part of the band than anyone could have imagined. Storm is most notably known for his vocalist position in Shahiye of Ra, as well as Red Cloud Booking Company.
Over the course of Chepes nearly 2 year long hiatus, Gabe stepped down for personal reasons, and Chepe jumped right back in. They added a second guitarist, Teylor, who has done vocals in the past for Venom and Valor. Taylor had lots of motivation. But, in true Demise fashion, was put in a position where a new and growing family left him in a situation that eventually left Demise looking for another guitarist.
One single post about the tryouts for a new guitarist, attracted Stephen. A young, motivated and driven individual who was most recently known from his position in Black July. Stephen has single handedly re-ignited the fire that once burned in CD. He offers more than just his motivation. He has helped the band grow into more modern times with new ideas for how they play live, practice, record, write, and eventually, grow. He also offered fun, new elements for writing and composing, which has also grown the bands creativity exponentially, and also opened up doors to new musical influences the band hadn't experimented with yet, including some Prog, and Djent elements.
This new lineup with original members, Chepe and Zack, and the inclusions of Joey, Storm, and Stephen, has proven to be one of the most motivated the band has seen in a very long time. Within a few months of Stephen joining, the band now has a tour booked for September, and are nearing the release of the release of the first of a double Ep release. Both Ep's are expected to be available for listeners pleasure by the end of the year. Demise has also.been shopping around for management on a professional level, and is currently seeking every opportunity for growth they can find. It is undeniable that this band is far from out of touch, regardless of their slowed progress. Even with their 15 year anniversary to be celebrated this year.
