Rise

History

Rise is a sophisticated blackened death metal band from Los Angeles. Originally taking the influence of the old school death/thrash vein, the newer path of the music consists of mystical melodies and harmonies combining together to achieve an effect which destroys the weak. The songs range from death/black metal riffing to the eerie influence of classical music, as can be heard by the haunting sounds of the violin, cello and piano. The vocals retain the death metal growls and are not the typical black metal screech. Aggression and power of the low vocals are what drives the force of the music, and the brutality is enhanced by the prolonging double bass. Epic changes of the moods differ from slower, depressing parts, and crescendo into furiously fast and aggressive blast beats. Rise takes blackened/death metal art to another level with their music - for there are no boundaries to bring down the legion of Rise...

The members of Rise are:
Istvan Lendvay - Vocals/Guitars
Johnson Wang - Keyboards/Bass
Jaime Vivar - Drums and Percussion

Rise was formed in 1992 by Albert Gonzales and Rob Alaniz (ex Evildead.) In 1993 Istvan Lendvay, Rik Hansen, and John Cardenas joined the band and they recorded their debut EP, 'Life into Ever Black', which was licensed to Wild Rags Records in 1995. The EP was raw death metal. The follow up to the EP was recorded in 1996 entitled 'Shadow of Ruins' and was released on Nigma Records. Still in the vein of raw death metal, but with improved songwriting and production (moving from VCR to DAT tape.) Their next effort, 'Slaves of Illusion', showcased the progression that was beginning to happen with the music. Songs were becoming more sophisticated while retaining their brutal form. 'Slaves of Illusion'" was recorded in 1998 but not released until 2000 due to lineup changes. During this time Istvan Lendvay moved from vocals to bass and vocals and shortly after to guitar and vocals. Soon after Albert Gonzales and Rob Alaniz departed, Jaime Vivar and Johnson Wang were recruited to form the more sophisticated sound that Rise possesses today. In the winter of 2000, they recorded 'Divine Aeternum' in Hungary. It was released by Nephilim Records in Europe.

After a recording hiatus and extensive songwriting and lineup changes Rise entered the studio in March 2006 to record 'Pentagramnation'. This time the quality of recording was vastly improved, as well as the songwriting and performances. 'Pentagramnation' culminates an intensely creative period that brought Rise into the orbit of producer/guitarist James Murphy, who took on both production and mixing roles, as well as Arch Enemy vocalist Angela Gossow and Vital Remains guitarist Dave Suzuki, who along with James Murphy lent stunning guest performances to the album's epic closing track. To coincide with the release of 'Pentagramnation' in 2009, a music video for the title track was filmed with Cinestar Films. A new release with revitalized versions of older songs from the back catalogue is now in the planning phase, and plans to bring their formidable live performances to every corner of the world.