Dreams Of Venus Release New Video And Announce Details Of Debut Album

Former Hades bassist premiers Dreams of Venus

Sometime back in 1990s NYC, a power trio from the Lower East Side emerged on the scene, they called themselves Dreams of Venus -

Jimmy Schulman (Hades, Vessel Of Light, Cassius King) on bass
Addie Flaxx (Massive Internal Complications, Pound Of Flesh) on guitar and vocals
Kirke J Blankenship (Ours) on drums

On the heels of NJ Thrashers Hades' break up Jimmy said, "I knew I wanted to start a band with only one guitar player and base it out of NYC."

Addie added, "I had been living in Boston and moved back to my hometown NYC. I was looking to do a no bullshit thing, straight up and raw."

The two were introduced one night in an East Village bar by a mutual friend, they hit it off and decided to form a band. Addie said, "When I met Jimmy it was love at 1st misadventure ( laughs) .We swapped party favors and band influences...then it was off to the races."

"When we met Kirke he worked at a rehearsal studio. The studio closed at 11:00PM every night and Addie an I would sneak in at midnight." said Jimmy.

Addie added, "Those late night sessions at the rehearsal space were pretty decadent. Did we play any music?? I really cant remember..."

Over the next 6 months in a haze of influential substances and like minded musical tastes they finally emerged from the studio...the poppy seeds were sown.

Influenced by the music of the late 60s early 70s, "We knew we had something different from what was happening at the time." And the songs? "They basically wrote themselves." said Jimmy.
Addie added, "We were pretty inspired at the time. Tunes were just pouring out of us...hot fucking lava baby!"

Through mismanagement and all the industry bullshit that goes along with it, Dreams Of Venus were just another promising act thrown onto the shit pile of never to be heard bands, before them and after them..

But after being 'shelved', for so long, their 'lost tapes' made their way back to the band. Their brand of heavy psychedelic/stoner rock and with no short supply of wah- wah, spot on harmonies and what Addie once described as "We have a secret weapon... the Woolly Mammoth" referring to the tone of Jimmy's bass, rounding out the trio's sound.

Once Addie and Jimmy heard the tapes after all this time... Jimmy said, "It blew me away how the songs held up."

Addie added, "The DOV stuff was pretty much a distant cool memory for me. When Jimmy resurrected it, I admit I was a bit skeptical. After a listen I was surprised that for a run & gun, live 2 track, how good the recording sounded. Performances were solid too. When the label wanted to release it I said, "well hot shit, let's put it out!"

Upon hearing a few songs, 2 European labels, Dyamond Roxx and Hellven Records scooped them up.

Now for the first time they'll be releasing what would've been their debut album Songs From The Essex Street Market

Their first single Cause Of Death will be released on November 1st.  Full album out January 20th.

Debut video can be seen here or below

VESSEL OF LIGHT Release New Video For Foxy Lady

Slightly more than two years ago, Vessel Of Light had released three album in two years and the band were performing East Coast shows. Then Corona hit. Vessel Of Light used this time to release their fourth album in three years (Last Ride on California's Nomad Eel Records). 

The band also recorded the Jimi Hendrix cover Foxy Lady.

Foxy Lady got airtime on Sirius/XM, but the band were forced to cancel their much anticipated appearance at The Maryland Doom Fest.

Guitarist Dan Lorenzo said, "I was extremely disappointed VOL couldn't play the Maryland Doom Fest, but (vocalist) Nathan (Opposition) was in the middle of moving from Cleveland to Austin. I had never written so much music before and it's frustrating to me when the music just sits there."

Lorenzo didn't stop and his VOL bandmates Jimmy Schulman and Ron Lipnicki joined him along with Dangerous Toys vocalist Jason McMaster to record and release Cassius King Field Trip. 

Lorenzo kept writing and in addition to working on the 2nd Cassius King formed Patriarchs In Black with former Type O Negative/current Danzig drummer Johnny Kelly.

Lorenzo continued, "I was finalizing my guitar parts at JROD Productions in Pomona, NY recently when JROD showed me a video of his band Return To Darkness that this dude Craig Cefola had made for him. I was blown away and reached out to Craig to make a video for Patriarchs In Black. While I'm waiting to show the world that, I had Craig make a video for Vessel Of Light Foxy Lady. Foxy Lady isn't available digitally-it was only released as a 7" single on vinyl on Nomad Eel."

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Vessel Of Light - The Last Ride (Album Review)

Release date: October 23rd 2020. Label: Nomad Eel Records. Format: Cassette/DD

The Last Ride – Tracklisting

1.Last Ride 03:38
2.Disappearing Pact 04:15
3.Torture King 05:27 

4.Carving Station 04:24
5.There's No Escape 04:17
6.Web of Death 03:01
7.Awaken in Dreams 03:50
8.Voices of The Dead 04:28
9.In The Silence 04:20
10.The Death of Innocence 03:54

Members

Nathan Opposition – Vocals
Dan Lorenzo – Guitars
Ron Lipnicki – Drums
Jimmy Schulman – Bass

Review

Doom/Grunge Rockers Vessel Of Light return with their 3rd album Last Ride and it sees the band continue their journey to a more modern Doom Metal feel with flashes of Grunge, Stoner Metal and Hard Rock embedded within the confinements and structure of the entire album. There are no flashy gimmicks or ideas on this album. Just good old fashioned talent and superb song-writing skills shining through from beginning to end and the vocals ain’t bad either.

The album starts off with the title track – Last Ride – and the song offers a gloomy style of riffs that moulds the classic Doom based energy of Black Sabbath with an Alice In Chains storytelling influence heard within the lyrics and Nathan’s vocals having a healthy “Grunge” approach. The music is consistently “evil” with Vessel Of Light being on more inspired and confident form compared to their last record and I’m a huge admirer of their previous album.

Second song – Disappearing Pact – continues with their stylish Doom/Grunge/Stoner Metal approach settling down for a more emotional core and that’s down to the fantastic lyrics the band have written for this song. The song is played a cool pace with the band taking their time with song but a flashy Hard Rock guitar solo comes out of nowhere which show that Vessel Of Light are willing to have fun with their own music whilst remaining true to their Doom Metal beliefs and values.

Third song – Torture Song – is perhaps the most Aggressive and Doom based offering the band have written yet and reminds myself of Ancient VVisdom on certain parts of the song. The band do go for a more theatrical style of delivery with this song but it’s quite claustrophobic and cinematic in places.

The album contains 10 songs overall and the opening 3 songs shows you what Vessel Of Light are aiming for with this release and that’s their most grown-up and mature release to date. The band feel more comfortable with their surroundings on this record and they have a meaner and devilish attitude compared to their recent albums.

The Last Ride is the most complete album yet from the guys but knowing Vessel Of Light they’re probably already planning ideas for Albums 4 & 5. As the band don’t like to be out of the game for long. This album arrived almost exactly a year since they released their last album.

Whatever the guys have planned for the future, Vessel Of Light have written a great collection of songs with this album and there are some real headbanging gems here such as: Carving Station, Web Of Death, Voices Of The Dead and The Death Of Innocence.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

It's All About the Riff featuring Dan Lorenzo from VESSEL OF LIGHT

Back in early March, Vessel of Light played three shows in NY/NJ. Jason Stewart did a video interview with our singer Nathan Opposition. Nathan commented that he'd be flying back to NJ in June to do a five day run with Vessel of Light. We were supposed to be playing at the Maryland Doom Fest plus four other shows last week. 

Before the Cornavirus shutdown we had plans to release our 4th album in 2021.

A few days after our last show in March Jason Stewart came to my house to film a lengthy interview with me, guitar in hand. I discussed my times with Hades, Non-Fiction and The Cursed with Bobby Blitz. Due to the stay-at-home orders we are way ahead with out next record. 

I wrote and recorded my guitar parts to sixteen new songs and drummer Ron Lipnicki has tracked fourteen of those. I told Ron to "go off" on this record and I doubt many drummers could pull off the intricate rhythms Ron has laid down. Jimmy Schulman and Nathan will be tracking their parts in July and August so we could have a new single out in September and a brand new full length album/CD in late September or October. 

A California label Nomad Eel Records will be releasing the CD first and then vinyl in early 2021.

Now, I mentioned Ron recorded some complicated drum tracks for our new album. My riffs are still very simple. Pretty much anybody who has played guitar for a few months could probably play most of these songs. For some reason Jason has chosen me to debut his new video series It's All About The Riff. Jason has spent countless hours these last three months editing my (musical) life story.

Social media: 

Website: https://www.danlorenzo.net/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vesselofligh...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danlorenzock/ & https://www.instagram.com/vesseloflig... 

Contact info: dan@danlorenzo.net

Video created and filmed by Jason Stewart 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jstew3715/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasoncstewart 

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More great links to check out: 

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Vessel Of Light - Thy Serpent Rise (Album Review)

Release date: October 10th 2019. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD

Thy Serpent Rise – Tracklisting

01 - Thy Serpent Rise

02 - Abandon Life

03 - Meet and Bone

04 - Urge to Kill

05 - Rush of Blood

06 - Skin in the Game

07 - Save My Soul

08 - Bleed into the Night

09 - Eternal Sleep

10 - Hello Darkness

11 - Decomposing Mental Health

12 - After Death

Members

Nathan Opposition – Vocals

Dan Lorenzo – Guitars

Ron Lipnicki – Drums

Jimmy Schulman – Bass

Review

Thy Serpent Rise is the new album from Vessel Of Light which features Dan Lorenzo of HADES and Nathan Opposition of Ancient VVisdom fame within their ranks. Coming 12 months after their debut album Woodshed which was released on famed Italian label – Argonauta Records. The band have decided to release this album themselves. So it was a nice surprise that the band just suddenly announced the album and released it right away.

Thy Serpent Rise carries on the gloomy sounding passages heard on their previous two records but with a heavier approach to their overall sound. Vessel Of Light feel more aggressive and pissed off on this album. As it’s heavy from the start with it’s heavy pounding Doom/Sludge/Grunge/Stoner hybrid riffs that we know from the band members other bands.

This album feels influenced by Alice In Chains yet again and that’s a good thing. The bleak and emotional lyrical content is quite refreshing to hear and the band don’t shy away on touching upon hard-hitting subject matter. Black Sabbath fans will find much to enjoy here with the band adapting that legendary Sabbath down-tuned sound for their own devilish purposes.

The 12 songs on offer feel like the band have more creative freedom on this album and that’s perhaps down to the 2 new members Ron and Jimmy who have joined since Vessel Of Light last album. The band’s sound is more direct and heavier which sees some excellent instrumental work leading the way on certain parts of the album.

Standout songs are: Abandon Life, Meet And Bone, Rush Of Blood, Skin In The Game and After Death. As these are the songs that contain the heaviest sounds and potent lyrics on the entire album. The vocals are superb as well with vocal duties being handled by Nathan and Dan respectively.

Thy Serpent Rise is a very hard album to categorise. As it’s a mixture of different sounds and genres without falling into one overall genre. Though, it shouldn’t matter. As Vessel Of Light have released an excellent album that will appeal to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans alike.

The production is quite intense and very clear from start to finish.

Overall, Thy Serpent Rise is another outstanding album from Vessel Of Light and I’ve heard the band are currently hard on their 4^th release. Until then, check out Thy Serpent Rise now.

You won’t be sorry…..

Words by Steve Howe

You can buy Thy Serpent Rise from CD Baby, All That Is Heavy and Vessel Of Light.

Links:

Facebook | Instagram

Vessel Of Light - Woodshed (Album Review)

Release date: September 21st 2018. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Woodshed – Tracklisting

Woodshed

Part of My Plan

A Love so True

Son of Man

Watching the Fire

Beyond the Cellar Door

One Way Out

Man's Sin

Day of Rest

End It All

Pray for a Cure

Members

Dan Lorenzo

Nathan Opposition

Review

Vessel Of Light is the new band made up of members from bands such as Ancient Vvisdom and Hades. The band released their debut EP last year and it was a mixture of gloomy Doom/Stoner Metal with elements of other music that left you wanting more.

Now the band are back with their debut full length album – Woodshed – and like their debut EP, the album is being released by Argonauta Records. What really stands out on Woodshed is how very different this record sounds compared to Nathan and Dan’s other bands though still offering listeners some familiar riffs along the way.

Woodshed is a very gloomy and progressive record and one that never runs away from that fact. Sometimes I feel Woodshed is highly influenced by Alice In Chain at times especially on the first few tracks – Woodshed, Part Of My Plan and A Love So True. As the album has a gloomy grunge/alt-rock sound that legendary band is known for. Though Vessel Of Light are very much in charge of their own destiny on this album.

The music is loud and very precise with Nathan providing the majority of the vocals. Nathan is also on drumming duties with Dan providing the heavy Doom/Stoner riffs on Guitars and Bass. Sometimes Vessel Of Light feel they have more members within their ranks as they have a huge sound throughout the album.

Woodshed can be deliberately slow-paced at times but this allows the band to create a highly atmospheric Doom Metal environment that allows the music and lyrics to grow naturally. Woodshed also gives Nathan the perfect opportunity to release a fully-fledged Hard Rock album. As most of his work with Ancient Vvisdom has it’s fair share of semi-acoustic moments. Not on Vessel Of Light. This is pure demonic Rock And Roll with quite an emotional edge.

Other great songs on the album include: Watching The Fire, Beyond The Cellar Door, One Way Out (which features Nathan’s brother Michael providing the wah-wah guitar solo), Day Of Rest and Pray For A Cure. These tracks show Vessel Of Light at their most raw and honest with brooding music to match.

The production on Woodshed is first-rate and is one of the best things about the album. Vessel Of Light impressed me a great deal on their debut EP but they’ve exceeded themselves here. As Woodshed is a major step-up in quality compared to their debut EP.

Overall, Woodshed is a dark, complex and gloomy experience that will cast a dark hypnotic spell over you. Vessel Of Light are the real deal and deserve your full attention.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for the promo. Woodshed will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records from September 21st 2018.

Links:

Facebook |  Instagram

Vessel Of Light New Song Premiere With ONE WAY OUT

Founded by Dan Lorenzo (Hades, Non-Fiction, The Cursed) and Nathan Opposition (Ancient VVisdom), US-based duo VESSEL OF LIGHT are set to release their highly anticipated debut album on September 21^th 2018 with Argonauta Records. 'Woodshed' is the natural follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2017-EP, and features some of the finest Doom Metal with Stoner Rock vibes at its best!

To give a first taste, VESSEL OF LIGHT have now unleashed the stunning track 'One Way Out'.

"One Way Out is one of my favorite songs on Woodshed and although I did two completely separate guitar tracks it's sounding brutal at our rehearsals.“ Band mastermind Dan Lorenzo explains. „Nathan combined his clean voice for the verse and the chorus...he just lets loose. Brutal. One way Out is the only song on Woodshed that features an additional musician. Nathan's brother Michael (from Ancient VVisdom) recorded the wah-wah guitar solo.“

Dive into the heavy sound wall of VESSEL OF LIGHT and check out 'One Way Out' below.

The tracklist of 'Woodshed' reads as follows:

1. Woodshed
2. Part of my Plan
3. A Love So True
4. Son of Man
5. Watching the Fire
6. Beyong the Cellar Door
7. One Way Out
8. Man's Sin
9. Day of Rest
10. End It All
11. Pray for a Cure

Set for a release on September 21^th with Argonauta Records, pre-orders are available at:

LP: http://www.argonautarecords.com/shop/en/home/267-vessel-of-light-woodshed-lp.html

CD: http://www.argonautarecords.com/shop/en/cd/266-vessel-of-light-woodshed-cd.html

For More Info Visit:

www.facebook.com/vesseloflightband
www.instagram.com/vesseloflightmusic
www.argonautarecords.com