Portland’s SILVER TALON has revealed the cover art for their forthcoming full-length debut, “Decadence and Decay.” The album cover was conceived and illustrated by noted fantasy artist Gerald Brom, whose work has ubiquitous in the worlds of role-playing games, comic books and video games, including “Magic: The Gathering” and “World of Warcraft.” His distinctive visual style complements the epic aura generated by the band’s three guitar-fueled heavy metal power.
Tentatively scheduled for a May release, “Decadence and Decay” – the follow-up to the band’s 2018 acclaimed debut EP, “Becoming A Demon” – builds upon the thrilling combination of heavy metal hooks and guitar-driven virtuosity displayed by the band on their earlier effort. Highlights include “Resistance 2029” – which features a guest appearance by guitarist Andy La Rocque (King Diamond) – and the blistering leadoff track, “Deceiver, I Am,” a music video for which recently premiered via Decibel Magazine. “Deceiver, I Am” is currently streaming on all digital platforms, and a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl pressing backed with an exclusive B-side cover of Savatage’s “Power of the Night” is available now for purchase at http://smarturl.com/silvertalon.
“It’s an awesome feeling to get the blessing of not one, but two of our favorite artists for this album,” explains guitarist Bryce VanHoosen. “Brom’s cover art for Doom II and Diablo II/III practically shaped our adolescence, and his piece ‘Witchthorn’ provided the atmospheric inspiration for ‘Decadence and Decay.’ We’re eternally grateful for his permission to use it as our album cover. And Andy La Rocque – what a legend! The creepy and melodic vibe he’s been able to capture with King Diamond has been a constant source of inspiration. We’re beyond excited for you to hear what he was able to add to the track ‘Resistance 2029.’”
With a virtuosic guitar attack, a rumbling rhythm section and powerful vocals, SILVER TALON was birthed in 2017 after rising from the ashes of Spellcaster. Guitarist Bryce VanHoosen joined forces with fellow ex-Spellcaster member Sebastian Silva – who also plays in goth-rockers Unto Others (formerly Idle Hands) – in a shared mission to keep the heavy metal flame burning brightly. Bolstered by the soaring vocal attack of Wyatt Howell (Sanctifyre), SILVER TALON began 2018 by unveiling two demo tracks, “Devil Machine” and “Warrior’s End,” which showcased the group’s ability to create fist-clenching, head-banging heavy metal through a combination of masterful hooks, lush melody and technical dexterity.
SILVER TALON subsequently built on this foundation in the second half of 2018 with the release of their self-released debut EP “Becoming A Demon.” The EP saw the band return to the studio to re-record their original demos with Zach Ohren (Exmortus, Fallujah, Machine Head) alongside three new originals and a cover of Sanctuary’s “Battle Angels” featuring that group’s former guitarist (and future Nevermore/Arch Enemy guitar hero) Jeff Loomis. The release was praised by Dead Rhetoric as “a solid salvo for those who love mid-’80s U.S.-style power/heavy metal with occasional nods to Teutonic finesse” and “metal that has plenty of heaviness while being musically sharp, sophisticated and awe- inspiring.”
The group would further their reputation as masters of triumphant heavy metal with live performances alongside acts such as Exmortus, Unleash The Archers, Striker, The Absence, Powerglove and Hatchet, as well as a nationwide tour at the end of 2019 supporting Savage Master.
VanHoosen’s guitar prowess is also displayed through his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/BryceVanHoosen, which is regularly updated with play-through videos, guitar covers and product reviews.
More information about “Decadence and Decay” will be revealed in the weeks to come.
SILVER TALON is:
Wyatt Howell – Vocals
Bryce R. VanHoosen – Guitar
Sebastian Silva – Guitar
Devon Miller – Guitar
Walter Hartzell – Bass
Michael Thompson – Drums
www.silver-talon.com
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