Dååth, the progressive death metal band, has made a triumphant return to the music scene with their latest single, ‘No Rest, No End,’ after a 13-year hiatus following the release of their 2010 self-titled album. Having signed a deal with Metal Blade Records, the band’s current lineup consists of guitarist Eyal Levi, vocalist Sean Zatorsky, drummer Krimh (Septicflesh, formerly Decapitated), and orchestrator Jesse Zuretti (Binary Code). In addition, the single boasts guest solos by Rafael Trujillo (Obsidious, formerly Obscura) and Spiro Dussias, accompanied by session bassist Dave Marvuglio.
With a 12-year gap since their last musical endeavor, Dååth is thrilled to have partnered with Metal Blade, a label they feel will champion their artistic vision and help them unlock their full potential. Established in 1999, the band has released four studio albums and toured extensively alongside an array of renowned bands such as Dark Funeral, Naglfar, Zyklon, Dragonforce, Goatwhore, Chimaira, Throwdown, Dying Fetus, and Devildriver. They also graced the stage at the esteemed Ozzfest and the Summer Slaughter tour.
The unveiling of ‘No Rest, No End’ signals the beginning of a new era for the band. Guitarist Eyal Levi believes this song serves as evidence that Dååth has not lost its creative edge, featuring powerful riffs, intricate orchestration, a catchy chorus, and electrifying solos. Vocalist Sean Zatorsky shares similar sentiments, expressing his astonishment upon hearing the demo and the inspiration it sparked for his vocal contributions.
The multifaceted musical ensemble Dååth emerged from the depths of the North American heavy metal scene in the early twentieth century. Formed in 2003, the Atlanta-based group embarked on an artistic odyssey marked by an innovative fusion of various metal subgenres and a proclivity for exploring the darker aspects of human nature.
Dååth was conceived by two Berklee College of Music alumni, guitarist Eyal Levi and drummer Kevin Talley. The duo’s shared passion for an eclectic blend of death metal, progressive, and industrial elements fueled the formation of the band. Initially christened “Dirtnap,” the group underwent a metamorphosis, adopting the name Dååth to signify the esoteric and introspective themes they sought to convey through their music.
Dååth’s debut album, ‘Futility,’ was self-released on June 2nd, 2004. The band was still in its infancy, and this album showcases their raw energy and ambition. ‘Futility’ features a blend of death metal and industrial influences, with an aggressive, yet experimental approach. While the album garnered attention within the underground metal community, it did not enjoy widespread commercial success. Nevertheless, ‘Futility’ laid the foundation for Dååth’s signature sound and served as a stepping stone toward their future endeavors.
Following the release of their debut, Dååth signed with the renowned Roadrunner Records and released their sophomore effort, ‘The Hinderers,’ on March 20th, 2007. This album marked a significant leap in terms of production quality and musical maturity. The band’s fusion of death metal, industrial, and progressive elements became more pronounced, resulting in a more cohesive and distinctive sound. Tracks like ‘Subterfuge’ and ‘Under a Somber Sign’ display a level of technical proficiency and songwriting skill that elevated Dååth’s status within the metal community. ‘The Hinderers’ received critical acclaim, solidifying the band’s place in the extreme metal genre.
Following their departure from Roadrunner Records, Dååth entered into a partnership with Century Media Records, an internationally recognized label known for its support of metal acts. This collaboration facilitated Dååth’s third studio album, ‘The Concealers,’ which was released on April 21st, 2009, through Century Media Records. This album marked another step forward in the band’s musical evolution, as they continued to refine their signature sound. The fusion of death metal, industrial, and progressive elements was further enhanced by the addition of melodic and atmospheric components. Tracks like ‘Day of Endless Light’ and ‘Wilting on the Vine’ exemplify the band’s growth in terms of songwriting and musicianship. ‘The Concealers’ received favorable reviews from critics and fans alike, further cementing Dååth’s reputation as a formidable force in the extreme metal scene.
This record also marked the introduction of vocalist Sean Zatorsky, whose contributions imbued the music with a newfound sense of urgency and aggression. The album’s thematic focus shifted towards the exploration of interpersonal relationships, societal malaise, and the human psyche.
The eponymous fourth studio album, ‘Dååth,’ was released on October 26th, 2010, once again through Century Media Records. This album saw the band pushing their musical boundaries even further, experimenting with diverse tempos, intricate arrangements, and a broader range of stylistic influences. Standout tracks like ‘The Decider’ and ‘Arch {Enemy} Misanthrope’ showcase the band’s technical prowess and their ability to create memorable, hook-laden compositions. ‘Dååth’ was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and fans, who praised the band’s ambition and continued growth.
In 2012, Dååth announced an indefinite hiatus, citing a desire for the individual members to pursue other projects. In the intervening years, Levi and Zatorsky went on to form the industrial metal act, Chimaira, while Talley lent his percussive expertise to various ensembles, including Suffocation and Misery Index.
The band’s distinct fusion of various metal subgenres, coupled with their penchant for exploring the darker recesses of the human experience, has left an indelible mark on the genre. Dååth’s relentless pursuit of innovation and artistic expression serves as a testament to the transformative power of music and continues to inspire a new generation of musicians and fans alike.
In retrospect, the journey of Dååth through the labyrinth of the heavy metal scene is a fascinating study in creative evolution and the search for artistic identity. The band’s distinct approach to music-making, marked by a daring fusion of diverse metal subgenres, challenged conventional boundaries and invigorated the genre. The ensemble’s uncompromising pursuit of artistic expression served to broaden the heavy metal landscape and foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of the genre.
As they re-emerge in the metal world, Dååth is embracing ambition and determination to leave a lasting impact once more. Supported by Metal Blade Records and the passion of both returning and new members, the band is poised to elevate their music to unprecedented heights, commencing with the symphonic tour de force that is ‘No Rest, No End.’
