Heavy metallers, Violence In Ascension out of Delaware, have
got a lot going on for them, having just gotten signed to a new label, Unable
Records, along with studio time, writing and recording for their new
full-length album "Deadlocked", due this summer, there is no stopping
them! That said, drummer/vocalist Patrick Liberatone discusses the band's past, present, and future activity.
1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Violence In Ascension, and how long the band has been together?
Patrick Liberatore, Drums/Vocals
Anthony Mlynarczyk, Guitar/Vocals
Paul Wolff, Bass
Jimmy Degirolano aka: Jimmy Dean, Guitar
John Haggerty, Vocals
The band was formed in January 2012 by Patrick Liberatore.
2. You guys are a newer band so many people might know about your history. Would you be able to delve into it a little?
Patrick: As we said, the band formed in 2012. It was not initially supposed to be a Metal band, but that of a Rock Band, yet our roots were metal. Patrick (I) met Anthony through another person and at the time we had a different lead singer and bass player. We cut a 4 track EP to give the fans something to hear, but knew we were leaning towards metal tracks.. Then we were offered a chance to play Main Stage Rockapalooza, Cleveland, Oh. and from there it was metal all the way. Like many bands, we went through line up changes and at one point, it was only Anthony and I. We continued writing music which later becomes the first Full length CD “From the Ashes”. In fact most of that CD was written in my homes spare bedroom. In time we selected Paul during the initial phase of that project, followed by Jimmy . Although I was the drummer, I also had the vocal parts and moved to the front man role. We brought in two different drummers to handle those responsibilities. In Nov 2014, following the release of the “From the Ashes” CD and our music video release “Hell’s Gate”, we learned our current drummer at the time was not going on tour with us. Instead of canceling the tour, I went back behind the kit and sung all the tracks. Once we returned, it was clear some changes were needed and the dedication had to be turned up a notch . Unfortunately it was in the bands best interest to part ways with the drummer, put me back behind the kit and that’s where John comes in. Then over the course of time, John was able to learn all the parts along with myself and Anthony and from there we knew the line up was set.
3. Where does the name Violence In Ascension come from?
Patrick: It’s quite simple. “Fighting our way to the Top” We live in an area that does not have much of a scene. Therefore, we needed to and continue to go into a much richer music environment such as Philadelphia, Baltimore to name a couple. Not having any following there initially, we knew we needed to fight to compete and that’s exactly what we are doing.
4. Unable Records is now where you call home, how does this label, compare to your previous label Dark Harvest Records?
Patrick: Instead of comparing, let us just say if it wasn’t for how the logistics were laid out by Dark Harvest Records and our manager asking for a release,, we would have never had an opportunity to know about Unable Records. Unable is second to none for us. Mike Ransome and Jason Ruch saw something in us and continues to help us define who we are in the industry. Business meeting after business meeting, marketing strategies , promo opportunities, confidence boosting are a few of the many things. But most importantly communication. Mike and Jason makes sure we know and understand what the next move is. Unable Records in Unbelievable.
5. How does the upcoming album vary from past work?Patrick: Our first EP was a good mix but it did not depict who we were as solid musicians. It was based and laid out as a Rock mix. “From the Ashes” is a solid metal album that has placed the foundation as to who we are. However the new album “Deadlocked” will still harvest the unique VIA (Violence In Ascension) style with melodic tones and heavy breakdown riffs, yet will be seen as a much heavier album as a whole. We have many things in store for the listener and hope to keep them on the edge wanting to hear what is next.
6. What can fans expect from the new album?
Patrick: Again something much heavier, rich in metal, intricate, yet melodic. Meaning you will know it’s (VIA) Violence In Ascension with it’s musical signatures, but certainly eye popping.
7. When will the new album to be released?
Patrick: Summer 2016. Unable Records will decide on the actual release date.
8. What would you say separates you from other bands in the scene?
Patrick: One of the things we pride ourselves on is that we feel we are not like another band, but a blend of many, which creates our own sound. We have never wanted to sound like others and although we here “You sound like_____. Or you sound like _____. In the next section of a song, we do our best to turn that corner so that we stay true to who we are and produce what we feel metal should sound like. Listen, it is never a bad thing to be compared to other National Acts. Our goal is for someone to say “Damn, they sound like “Violence In Ascension”.
9. Tell us about your thoughts on your local music scene? Are there any new and
upcoming bands that you are into?
Patrick: In a previous answer we said that we had to play in a bigger market to be heard. Now that doesn’t mean we don’t have a scene. The best answer is that it’s a very limited scene. We have seen several live music venues shut down for various reasons, so its hurt us locally. Now with Unable, we hope to expand to a local scene in New Jersey. Geographically, we have the benefit of 1.5 hours from Baltimore, 1 hour from Philadelphia. Two big markets but flooded with local bands. Honestly, we have been so busy and being an upcoming band, our focus has been on us. There is certainly a bunch of upcoming bands on the local scene but we don’t know who is ready for that next step like us. Each bands logistics are different. Meaning work, school etc.
10. Describe your live performance for those who have never seen you live?
Patrick: Interacts with the crowd. Its not unusual to see John, Paul or Anthony go into the crowd while playing since they use wireless systems. Jimmy is working on getting his and will do the same in time. Pat entertains from behind the kit, getting people to jump, mosh or whatever he can. We are not a stand still band. There is nothing better for a fan than one who can be a part of the show instead of just watching a show. We want our fan to be the 6th member.
11. What are your current tour plans and plans in general?
Patrick: No tour plans to date. We are in studio writing and tracking the new album but we are doing shows in Maryland, Pa., NJ, Delaware as well as surrounding areas. We are working on new merch ideas, marketing strategies and setting up for a Summer 2016 Album release that will certainly come with touring to get the new tracks out.
12. How has Social Networking (Facebook,Twitter, etc.) impacted your band?
Patrick: Social Media is today. We have Facebook, you tube, Twitter, Instagram, Reverbnation and a website. Without it, things would be tough.
www.facebook.com/violenceinascension
www.youtube.com/violenceinascension
www.twitter.com/violenceinascension
www.reverbnation.com/violenceinascension
www.instagram.com/violencemetal
Website: www.violenceinascension.com
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