The stature of guitarist Ross the Boss in the history of hard rock and heavy metal has been well-solidified for decades by this point – with a resume including some of the most influential and hardest-hitting bands of all-time, particularly both the Dictators and Manowar. And he continues to rock – as a member of the group Death Dealer and also as the leader of his own solo outfit, which has issued such stellar releases as Hailstorm, New Metal Leader, and his latest offering, By Blood Sworn. Joined by Marc Lopes on vocals and keys, Symphony X alumnus Mike LePond on bass, and Lance Barnewold on drums for the sessions (Death Dealer’s Steve Bolognese will beat the skins on the album’s tour), By Blood Sworn was produced by Dean Rispler and will be released April 20th via AFM Records. A new audio video, for the track This is Vengeance, can be seen below!
“The main thing is that my band all live nearby me instead of in Germany,” explains Ross. “So, we were able to really work the tunes up. Mike LePond and I started going thru riffs and tunes in July, worked up the tunes, and started forming them. It was a very satisfying process.”
And as evidenced by such standout tracks as title track, Among the Bones and Devil’s Day, By Blood Sworn is certainly as hard-hitting and heavy as Ross’ previous classics. “Actually, I know what direction the songwriting should go, and we go. As for my guitar playing, whatever the song needs, the songs get! The record is more old school, but with a fresh attack – the songs are not repetitive, and this record is also not a ‘drum machine recording’ like most these days.”
Also featured is extremely eye-catching album cover artwork. “Marc and I had this concept for the cover art by Stan W. Decker. It was a knight kneeling after battle – holding his mighty sword and my eagle behind him.”
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