Between his work in Testament and Dead Cross last year, and with the upcoming release of his new solo album, ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo sure loves to keep busy. And it looks like he is going to be even busier, for the grindcore band that he drums for has just been signed.
As of today, the grindcore band Empire State Bastard is proud to announce that they have been signed to Roadrunner Records.
Per a press release associated with this news, Empire State Bastard was founded by Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro) and Mike Vennart (Biffy Clyro live guitarist and solo artist, ex-Oceansize). Lombardo will be taking part in the band’s live performances alongside bassist Naomi Macleod (the latter of Bitch Falcon).
Also per the press release: “The concept for Empire State Bastard emerged when Neil and Vennart would spend downtime on tour sitting at the back of their bus sharing the heaviest, most avant-garde and confrontational music they could find.
“Now, a decade on from its conception, the project is finally coming to fruition with Vennart writing the songs and recording all the guitars, and Neil focusing on vocals and lyrics.
“The two have emerged with a collection of songs which adventurously probes slamming hardcore in the vein of Siege; the frenetic, visceral thrash of Slayer; the claustrophobic sludge of Melvins; the freeform vocal dexterity of Mike Patton; and the gargantuan stoner riffs of Sleep. It’s a band that’s rooted in the tradition of metal’s forefathers but informed by more recent waves of leftfield aggression.”
Alongside news of their signing to Roadrunner Records, the band has also released a teaser for their upcoming new single “Harvest,” which will be out on March 24th.
The teaser for “Harvest” is heavy as hell, and if you want to check it out for yourself, you can do so via the YouTube player below. You can also pre-save the song via this link here.
Watch: Dave Lombardo Releases Jaw-Dropping New Single Off Solo Debut
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Dave Lombardo Regrets His Performance On Slayer's Show No Mercy
Harvest | Friday 24th March | @Roadrunner_UK
Featuring @TheDaveLombardo on drums
Pre-save on Spotify and Apple Music at https://t.co/yLZHRB9usN pic.twitter.com/ntBHmrKtud
— Empire State Bastard (@ESB666_) March 16, 2023