· By Silver Talon
M-Theory Audio is proud to announce the signing of the Portland, Oregon-based Silver Talon, hailed by Metal Assault for their “scintillating dual guitar shred attack, soaring clean vocals and galloping rhythms at breakneck speed.” The group, which features three former members of the acclaimed traditional metal band #Spellcaster, will kick off a three-week national tour in support of their self-released debut EP, “Becoming A Demon,” on Wednesday in San Francisco. A full-length album will follow in 2019.
“SILVER TALON is incredibly excited to have officially signed on with M-Theory Audio,” says guitarist Bryce VanHoosen. “It’s an honor to not only work with a team of experienced and veteran industry professionals, but also to be on a formidable roster of solid young talent. We’re eager to get to work on the next offering from SILVER TALON just as soon as we return from our maiden U.S. tour.”
Rising from the ashes of Spellcaster, SILVER TALON aims to keep the flame of heavy metal burning. Formed by ex-Spellcaster members VanHoosen, Gabriel Franco (bass), Colin Vranizan (drums) and Sebastian Silva (guitar) in the spring of 2017, and joined by vocalist Wyatt Howell (#SANCTIFYRE) shortly thereafter, SILVER TALON seeks to pickup where Spellcaster left off.
“We’re basically trying to take Spellcaster a bit more over the top,” VanHoosen says. “The songs are more complicated, more progressive, more aggressive, and there’s more guitar solos and crazier vocal harmonies.”
With a virtuosic guitar attack, a rumbling rhythm section, and powerful vocals, SILVER TALON is razor -sharp and ready to become a major force in heavy metal. In February, the group released their first demo track “Devil Machine,” which offered a small sample of their ability to masterfully blend hooks, melody, and technical ability into fist-clenching, head-bangable heavy metal. Their second demo release, “Warrior’s End,” showcased more of their dexterity in riffs, bent time signatures, and lush melodies.
Over the summer, the group hit the studio with Zach Ohren (Exmortus, Fallujah, Machine Head) to record proper versions of those songs as well as three additional original tracks and a cover of #Sanctuary’s “Battle Angels” featuring that group’s former guitarist (and future #Nevermore/ #ArchEnemy guitar hero) Jeff Loomis. The resulting “Becoming A Demon” EP, self-released last month and available for streaming on Bandcamp and other digital platforms, was praised by Dead Rhetoric.com 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.”
In recent weeks, SILVER TALON has performed live in the Northwest alongside the likes of #Exmortus, Unleash The Archers, Striker (CAN), The Absence, PowerGlove and Hatchet (Official), but now, the rest of the country will have the chance to experience the band in concert. A full list of the group’s upcoming live dates appears below.
SILVER TALON on tour (with Speedclaw, except *):
November 7th – San Francisco, CA – Elbo Room *
November 8th – Los Angeles, CA – 5 Star Bar *
November 9th – Mesa, AZ – Mind’s Eye *
November 10th – Santa Fe, NM – Zephyr Community Art Studio *
November 11th – Denver, CO – 3 Kings Tavern *
November 12th – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room *
November 13th – Chicago, IL – LiveWire Lounge *
November 14th – Canton, OH – Buzz Bin
November 15th – Rochester, NY – The Bug Jar
November 17th – Portland, ME – Geno’s Rock Club
November 18th – New York, NY – Windjammer
November 19th – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie
November 21st – Richmond, VA – Strange Matter
November 23rd – St. Louis, MO – The Sinkhole
November 24th – Keokuk, IA – Joystix Rockade
November 25th – Tulsa, OK – Mercury Lounge
November 26th – Dallas, TX – Tomcats West
November 27th – San Antonio, TX – The Guillotine
November 28th – El Paso, TX – Cigar Bar
November 29th – Tucson, AZ – Cans Deli
November 30th – San Diego, CA – The Bancroft
December 1st – Reno, NV – Shae’s Tavern