Avernus
Grievances (black Ash)
Established in 1992 in Chicago, AVERNUS were one of the premiere bands mixing death metal with doom elements as evidenced by early demos over the next couple years, A Tracery of Red featuring singer Rick McCoy and drummer Rick Yifrach and fan-favorite Sadness, which added guitarist Erik Kikke to the lineup. In addition to becoming a live staple of Midwest shows and fests, a rippling effect began throughout underground circles. In 1994 AVERNUS reputation caught the attention of now-current M-Theory Audio president Marco Barbieri. At the time Marco worked at Metal Blade Records and included the bands track "Godlessness" on Metal Massacre XII in 1995. The song showed the beginnings of the group reaching for more melodic and gothic tendencies. Marco urged Metal Blade to sign the group but there just wasnt enough enthusiasm from above. Marco felt so strongly about AVERNUS that he contemplated starting his own imprint then, but the group instead signed with M.I.A. Records (Darkest Hour, Oppressor, Spirit Caravan) and released their Of the Fallen album in 1997. The same year guitarist James Genenz (later of Fleshgrind, Jungle Rot) joined the ranks. AVERNUS didnt make the breakthrough evidenced by their early talents and hard work. Recording a couple more demos the band wallowed in obscurity in the 2000s despite the efforts of remaining constant member, founder Rick McCoy. AVERNUS slowly crumbled away. But things never truly die and nostalgia for the group was urged by fans and even band members and slowly the pieces were assembled, reunion shows played and new music written culminating in the forthcoming full-length album available in a limited edition 2LP Black Ash coloured vinyl. By far the most cohesive and powerful recording assembled by a more experienced and yet calmer heads to create truly a masterwork.