Damien Deadson

Damien Deadson
Damien Deadson Official Logo
Background information
Origin	Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Genres	Metal, Metalcore
Years active	2010–present
Associated acts	Demon Hunter, The Ascendicate
Website	www.damiendeadson.com
Members	Ryan Helm

Damien Deadson is an American heavy metal project from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, formed in 2009 by guitarist and vocalist Ryan Helm. As its main producer, singer and songwriter, Helm is the only official member of Damien Deadson and remains solely responsible for its direction.^[1]

History

Formation (2009)

Damien Deadson was initially conceived as a solo project by Ryan Helm, who had previously played guitar in the band The Ascendicate, as an opportunity to take a break from guitar and focus on his interest in singing. Ryan began working on Damien Deadson in 2009 but had to put the project on hold after being asked to join the band Demon Hunter. In 2010 Ryan revived the project and began recording tracks in his home studio. Ryan personally recorded and performed all of the vocals and instruments, with the exception of drums. Despite beginning as a studio project, Helm would later put together a touring band for live performances.^[2]

Since his departure from Demon Hunter, Ryan Helm has stated that he will be performing as Damien Deadson full-time.^[3]

A Warm and Dark Embrace (2011-2012)

In late 2011 Ryan Helm announced the independent release of A Warm and Dark Embrace. Despite being officially unreleased to the public, the album was immediately met with positive reviews.^[4] The album was released on January 29, 2012. The band plans to tour extensively in support of the album throughout 2012.

Style and lyrical themes

Damien Deadson's style is much darker and more technical than Helms previous work, and draws influence from a much wider array of styles. The band's sound typically features a heavily down-tuned guitar setup, distinct percussion and occasional samples. Utilizing a variety of vocal styles, Damien Deadson typically features growled vocals, screaming, and melodic singing.

Ryan has stated that, unlike his previous bands, Damien Deadson is not a "Christian band" and chooses to instead often focus his lyrical content on more secular topics. Such topics include love, anger, personal strife and self empowerment.^[2]

Influences

Helm listed some bands that have influenced him personally and Damien Deadson's sound: Stabbing Westward, Emmure, Fear Factory, Deftones, Meshuggah, Rammstein, Bury Your Dead, Imogen Heap and Kanye West among others. Helm also draws influence heavily from his personal life and experiences.

Members

Current members

• Ryan Helm – Lead vocals (founding member)

Touring members

• Josh Behnke – Drums and percussion
• Cody Macri – Bass guitar
• Lucas Polk – Guitar
• Will Guffin – Guitar

Discography

A Warm and Dark Embrace (2012)

References