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Judicator - Biography


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2012-2013

Biography

Judicator is a US power metal band formed by Tony C (Vermiform, Project: Roenwolfe) and John Yelland (Disforia) in 2012. The debut album King Of Rome was released on October 30th, 2012, showcasing a plethora of old school speed and power metal riffs, and Blind Guardian infused vocal attacks. The album's concept followed the final days of Napoleon Bonaparte's last campaign, leading up to his eventual defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

After a number of affirming underground reviews and humbling fan reaction, John and Tony decided the band would be more than just a one album project set on paying homage to their favorite bands, and quickly began working on the follow up Sleepy Plessow. The album was released less than 7 months later in June of 2013. The sophomore effort showed a departure from the speed and riff obsessed nature of King of Rome and focused more heavily on atmosphere, melody, slower tempos, more complex vocal arrangements, tighter production, and bigger overall concept. The album also brought in numerous guest vocalist from friend's and underground bands alike in order to portray the various characters and soundscapes needed for the album. The story of Frederick the Great of Prussia showed the band progressing into a more mature territory that showcased their own identity more, without sacrificing the riffs, aggression, and speed loving nature that had brought the band together.

Feeling that Sleepy Plessow had demonstrated the improvement they wanted over the first album, John and Tony decided it was time to begin work on a third, and change the nature of the band to reflect a more a traditional setup and help progress the band's material to a more professional level. Joining the Judicator lineup as of fall 2013 is Chris Kelly on drums (Bubonic Wrath), Joseph Palomares on bass (Sedulity), and Joshua Payne. The now full band, done with home recording and drum machines, is currently working on recording the followup to the sophomore album, titled At The Expense Of Humanity -- ATEOH will be recorded in Summer of 2014, and released the following Fall/Winter, or early 2015. Judicator's third album plans to drop the historical lyrics and opt for a different, more personal type of concept album. At The Expense Of Humanity is an existential and philosophically driven concept album that takes an introspective look at loss of a loved one, the effects on family, and the often frightening moments that can shape and define a young person for the rest of their life as a result. Musically, the album continues the melody and traditionally driven approach of Sleepy Plessow but also injects some progressive and technical elements from genres outside of power metal.

With a full lineup and new album in hand, Judicator hopes to deliver a powerful and riveting third album, and begin to play their first live performances at the end of 2014/beginning of 2015. What started as a fun home project has now grown to a fully realized band with a fully realized mission.

With a new record deal with Prosthetic Records under their bullet belts, Judicator are gearing up for the release of their fifth studio album, Let There Be Nothing. The geographically disparate group are united by the mighty force of true power metal - coming to a stereo near you this year!

As with past releases Let There Be Nothing is a concept album, steeped in historical references and tales of the past. However, the blood pumping through the veins of the music is - as ever - rich with human emotion and rooted in universal experience, regardless of what era your fortune has dictated you dwell within.

The album follows Belisarius, a humble and renowned Byzantine general, on his campaigns to reconquer former Roman territories. While Belisarius is a master on the battlefield, his greatest struggle will be within. Political forces continually undermine his authority, and his wife's infidelity will put both his faith and morals to the test. Let There Be Nothing is a morality play framed within a sweeping, historical epic. Join Belisarius on his quest to reunite Rome and tame the human heart!

The serendipitous origins of the band have bound them together through time zones, seasons, and line up changes. Founding members Tony Cordisco and John Yelland met eight years ago when they both turned up early to a Blind Guardian concert; they hit it off and the rest is - quite literally - history. Through the course of four earlier albums, Judicator have embellished traditional power metal with progressive elements and captured imaginations across the globe

What started out as a homage to their favourite band swelled into something that had fans begging for more, and Judicator obliged. With a back catalogue that is capable of reaching riotous highs as well as slowing down and embracing melody and epic emotion, Judicator have delivered the latest piece of the puzzle that fits neatly alongside their other releases.

With members split across the United States, recording for Let There Be Nothing was certainly unique. Drums were engineered by Craig Schumacher at Wavelab Studios then edited by Michael Goodrich at Hypnotic Audio. Vocals were engineered and edited by Austin Bentley. Guitars were edited by Chad Bill Anderson at Ethereal Audio Production and reamping, mixing, mastering and sequencing was completed by Damian Herring (Horrendous, Sentient Horror) at Subterranean Watchtower Studios. In addition, the album features Christian Münzner (ex-Necrophagist/ex-Obscura/Alkaloid/Eternity's End) shredding through a guitar solo on the track "Amber Dusk". Incredible artwork by Mitchell Nolte rounds off the complete package.

The eight tracks that comprise Let There Be Nothing are unforgettable - historically epic and commanding attention through their intricate white-knuckle storytelling and pervasive, melancholic atmosphere.

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