Death Ray Vision
Negative Mental Attitude
Nearly five years after the release of We Aint Leavin Till Youre Bleedin, Massachusetts old-school hardcore fashioned, DEATH RAY VISION have been finalizing their sophomore effort Negative Mental Attitude. Recording will begin in September at Mad Oak Studio, where the band previously recorded their first fivesong EP Get Lost or Get Dead, once again with producer Benny Grotto at the helm. "Its a playful jab at the hardcore scene, in a way," bassist Mike DAntonio states about the album title. "Theres a lot of people who preach a positive mental attitude and they practice anything but that." The title also succinctly represents the bands current direction which deviates from their previous "go oldschool or go home" approach. "We dont really have a lot of good moods on this one," guitarist Pete Cortese continues, "its a little more morose, melodic, and to say that it will be our finest work to date would be a little too positive for the angle were going for." In addition to songwriting, the band also had line-up changes along the way with vocalist Brian Fair and guitarist Zack Wells making their exit due to family and relocation across the country. "It makes more sense for the guys to have someone local and available at all times," states Fair. "Now that I live in St. Louis doing the Married with Children thing, it became increasingly tougher to make things work out logistically." With the departure of Fair comes new vocalist Jeff Gard, formerly of Boston-based Chuggernaut. Gard offers a tremendous vocal range which provoked a shift in style. The transition happened quickly as DAntonio explains, "I was forwarded a song that Jeff sang on, and I immediately wanted him to audition. After two practices, it was an easy choice to make." Amidst broadening their musical horizons, DEATH RAY VISION commits to keeping an old-school baseline at its core. Drummer, Colin Conway adds, "there will always be speed and aggression in our formula, but instead of presenting a tough guy demeanor, we break through that shell and expose the tragic hero within."