Things I Miss: Awaken Demons

OK, so these guys haven't really gone anywhere, but since their exposure in North America is not as strong as it was when signed to Trustkill Records, its something I still miss hearing about over here on the other side of the Atlantic.  So Cesena, Italy has been holding out on a gem from their region, AWAKEN DEMONS.  The four piece (currently with a roster of 3) made a great debut in North America with the release of their LP "The Mirror", brought them some well deserved attention and was rated quite high on most people's reviews.

Now that they have parted ways with the defunct Trustkill Records (now renamed Bullet Tooth), the guys are on the market once again looking for a new contract/label to release their new material on.  I am glad to see these guys sticking it out in Europe, as where most of their fan base (logically) lies.  The vocals are harsh enough for the hardcore kids, but at the same time, distinct enough to hear what is being said, alongside some heavy laid beats and some great riffs!


(Photo courtesy of AD Facebook)

Awaken Demons have a fun ethic to band life, whether its on the road, hanging around with fans or in the studio. But there is no doubt: Awaken Demons also work hard, play hard and make songs for what they believe in. Within the last four years the Band from Cesena/Italy released two full-length albums (From Heaven To Hell / Demons Run Amok 2008 and The Mirror / Trustkill 2009) and a Split 12” with their friends in Pay No Respect (UK). And don’t forget about their popular video for Here Comes The Hot 2-Stepper which reached 130.000 views on the bands YouTube-channel.

Their new full-length self titled record features ten most passionate, heavy and outstanding tracks of relentless metal hardcore rhythms mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren at Castle Ultimate USA (All Shall Perish, As Blood Runs Black, The Ghost Inside). Expect Awaken Demons probably particular production combined with fast, metallic and heavy hardcore songs. The result is something new in the career of this band.

(Photo courtesy of AD Facebook)

AD is:

Luca Zattoni -Vocals | Nicola Lelli - Bass | Andrea Bassetti - Guitar | ??? - Drums

With the strong support of MAD-Tourbooking, Europes largest agency in the scene, Awaken Demons played countless shows and toured all across Europe / UK / USA / Japan with bands like A Day to Remember, Deez Nuts or The Ghost Inside.

Come witness Awaken Demons in full force shredding the live stage and embarking in what they do best.



It was only recently that they parted ways with their drummer Raffaele and continued to press on during their 2012 touring schedule:

"Just to make it clear, last Thursday before leaving for the Baltic sea fest, we parted from our drummer, that's why we cancelled the shows, sorry for the inconvenient. Now we are looking for a replacement. We'll be back on the road for the skate fest! See you soon!!" -Awaken Demons



The last album released from Awaken Demons was the one I was mentioning earlier in this article, 09's "The Mirror".  Released on August 25th, 2009, it was a great North American debut for AD and really put them on the maps as an upcoming European act for the metal industry to watch out for.

1. Coming To An End
2. Drawn To Death's Door (feat. Karl Buechner)
3. Path Of Lies
4. Abandon The Darkness (feat. Vincent Bennet)
5. World Collapses
6. Fight To Overcome
7. Real
8. Victim Of Your Game
9. A Dead Man Called Traitor
10. The Mirror

"Cesena, Italy metalcore band, Awaken Demons, have always ridden under the metal and hardcore scenes' radars. As such, not many people were aware when they released their studio album The Mirror in 2009 via Trustkill Records. The album consists of 10 gruesome, true metalcore tracks which have the band switching between breakdowns and thrashy riffs, over which the group shouts.

One niche element I enjoy about the band is how they take their hardcore influence and add group chants to their songs. Speaking of vocals, one may notice Karl Buechner of Earth Crisis and Vincent Bennet of The Acacia Strain lend their voices to the album (check track listing below to see who cameos on which song).

Overall Awaken Demons have created an energetic offering which sadly didn't get the recognition it should have. The Mirror is a REAL metalcore album which I recommend any hardcore or metal fans to check out." -Pure Grain Audio


(Photo courtesy of Maximilien Baumgartner)

"The closing of 'Abandon The Darkness' shows the song’s strongest moment with both AWAKEN DEMONS vocalist Luca Zattoni and Vincent Bennett of The Acacia Strain screaming 'I am your worst fucking nightmare!'  Moving along, 'Real' is another big banger, and bursts out like a fresh and healthy Hatebreed.  The vocal authority of Luca [Zattoni] is gigantic, and the band continues to attack the track with dedication.  As straight forward as 'Real' is, this one is as hard as brass knuckles to the face, for real.  Closing on the title track, 'The Mirror', the band gives some outstanding melody, and this one right here is the jam!  Possibly a new musical direction, but shows another side of the band.

The Mirror is a great CD for the moshers, and these crazy Italians have a great hardcore attitude in their sound, giving the extra push.  Are they Trustkill’s next Throwdown?  The band definitely has potential, and I’m excited to see what they come up with next." -SMN News

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And if some of these videos/songs have won you over, you can check out more info about these guys and order their albums at any of the official links below:

FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/AwakenDemons

TWITTER:
www.twitter.com/awakendemons

OFFICIAL SITE:
www.awakendemons.com

YOUTUBE:
www.youtube.com/awakendemonsofficial

BAND'S STORE:
www.awakendemons.storenvy.com

BANDCAMP (album orders):
www.awakendemons.bandcamp.com