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Infidel Rising - Biography


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2013-

Biography

INFIDEL RISING was started in 2013. It was originally a passion project of vocalist and composer Travis Wills. who was inspired to infuse Dallas, TX's metal scene with a more progressive sound in the vein of FATE'S WARNING.

He coerced drummer Wayne Stokely (ex-MILLENNIAL REIGN, ex-PRETTY BOY FLOYD) in 2013 to help him make it happen. Travis and Wayne spent the next two years writing new songs and creating demos. They recruited more players and built a solid lineup to start actively playing live in venues in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin.

Infidel Rising quickly gained notice in Dallas' indie metal community for their energetic stage presence, unique fusion of symphonic and progressive metal, and emotionally-driven lyrics. Infidel Rising is known for experimenting with orchestration and ethnic sounds. They have been main support for Epica, Sonata Arctica, Gloryhammer, Stryper, Fate's Warning, Primal Fear and Luca Turilli's Rhapsody.

In 2015 INFIDEL RISING released its first album The Torn Wings of Illusion independently. In 2016 The Torn Wings of Illusion was re-released by Alone Records as a limited edition DigiPak and made available in the UK. This resulted in positive acclaim and a growing European fanbase. IR was also featured in Metal Invader, a music magazine based in Greece, and has been played on greek Metal Devastation Radio.

The original lineup for Infidel Rising was Travis Wills on vocals, Wayne Stokely on drums, Rafael J Quintana Rivera (PARALLEL DIMENSIONS) on guitar, followed by keyboardist Aaron “The Doctor” Walton and bassist Daniel Almagro (MILLENNIAL REIGN).

In 2016-2017, schedule conflicts, creative clashes and health problems in the band caused INFIDEL RISING to go on hiatus and seek changes in the bass, guitar and keyboard lineup.

It was important for Travis and Wayne to find musicians who could be creative partners, not just players. Fortunately the timing was right in late 2017 with the disbanding of POWER OF OMENS, another Texas-based power metal band. Ex-POWER OF OMENS bassist Chris Herring was recruited in 2017. Eclectic musicians David Gallegos and Rick Read filled in live shows on guitar and keyboard.

Since parting ways, original guitarist Rafael had gone on to fuel his other band Parallel Dimensions. Aaron "The Doctor" Walton finished college and was pursuing his career as a professional organ player and composer. Around summer 2019 the timing was right for them to return to the Infidel Rising. Rafael J Quintana Rivera returned as guitarist and Aaron "The Doctor" Walton was excited to jump back on keyboard.

The newly reformed band dove deep into writing and recording their 2nd studio album.

INFIDEL RISING is actively performing in local Dallas-Fort Worth venues and festivals while finishing their 2nd album to be released by Pure Steel Records.

Source: Official website