Wastewalker was formed from the ashes of ex-Sumerian Records Sacramento CA heavy hitters Conducting From the Grave. The band is the brainchild of main CFTG songwriter/lead guitarist John Abernathy. After 2 Sumerian releases and a successful crowdfunded, self titled, album with Conducting From the Grave, most of the members of the now defunct band decided the full time musician life was no longer for them. Thus, the band decided to go out with a bang and play a few final shows in Northern CA for sold out crowds, with fans flying in from all over the world.
Still struck with the fire to not only create metal, but perform it live, John decided to make a fresh start with a new line up of talented musicians with an updated sound and vision, as well as a new band name - Wastewalker. Inspired by a passion for post apocalyptic video games, movies, and literature, John "Abernasty" wrote and engineered the debut album "Funeral Winds" with the help of Nate Graham on guitar, (Sepsis), Cam Rogers on vocals (Alterbeast) Justin Tvetan on drums (Journal, ex Aenimus), and Joel Barerra on bass (ex Psychosomatic guitarist) with producer Zack Ohren handling mixing and mastering duties (All Shall Perish, Carnifex, Entheos, CFTG etc.) at Shark Bite studios in Oakland CA.
Sonically the band differs from Conducting From the Grave in a few ways but also retains the signature melodic thrashy metalcore/death metal sound that brought CFTG to the forefront of the Northern CA metal scene. There are more layered chords, more blast beats and some synth layers sparsely thrown in for good measure, essentially adding a blackened feel to the more upbeat CFTG sound. The breakdown element is diminished from Conducting From the Grave, yet it is still present, used tastefully. Cam Rogers from Alterbeast (Unique Leader Records) delivers a stellar vocal performance throughout the album stylistically similar to The Black Dahlia Murder, Cattle Decapitation and Behemoth, with lyrical themes ranging from overcoming substance abuse, to income inequality, to the inevitable downfall of the human race due to war. Nate Graham brings guitar solos to the table that are reminiscent of Revocation's Dave Davidson and Chris Storey of All Shall Perish. Justin Tvetan knocks the drums out of the park as you would expect if you ever heard his math metal project Journal. The bass lines played by Joel Barerra are interesting and complex beneath the walls of strummed chords and blast beats, but hold down the root when they need to.
Expect big things from Wastewalker following the release of their debut album 'Funeral Winds'. Check out the title track right HERE.
http://www.facebook.com/wastewalkermetal
IG and twitter: wastewalkermetal
wastewalkerband@gmail.com for booking and general inquiries
Pre-orders available at http://www.wastewalker.bigcartel.com
http://wastewalker.bandcamp.com for digital download
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