Once Dead was formed in the summer of 2004 to as a Vengeance Rising reunion, minus vocalist Roger Martinez. But since Roger Martinez already owned the rights to the Vengeance Rising name, and since they didn't want to be just about that one reunion show, the band decided to change their name to Once Dead (after Vengeance Rising's second album) and continue on as a new band, apart from Vengeance Rising. Once Dead featured to begin with four of the original Vengeance Rising members, as well as Scott Waters of Ultimatum on vocals. Scott was asked to join after Larry Farkas and Glenn Mancaruso  heard him roar through the classic Vengeance Rising tune "Burn" during Ultimatum's 2002 Extreme Martigras Festival in California.  After the reunion show on August 29th, 2004, which was recorded for a DVD release, the band decided to stay together and write new material. As of 2005 Once Dead were writing material for a new CD, as well as performing shows around the U.S. In the Summer of 2005, longtime drummer Glen Mancaruso left the band and ex-The Crucified/current Fasedown drummer Jim Chaffin was added to the band's line-up. The band continued to tour and play shows, including a trip to Europe for the 'Elements of Rock Festival'. Just before this trip, bassist Roger Dale was replaced by Hirax bassist Angelo Espino. Ex-Deliverance/Hirax guitarist Glenn Rogers was also added to the band before this show after making a guest appearance with the band at 'Up From the Ashes' in California. In 2006, the band parted ways with original singer Scott Waters, apparently due to the distance he lived from the band, but also other circumstance has later surfaced.. Ex-Fasedown screamer Devin Shaeffer was added to the band. A new album titled 'Visions of Hell' was slated to be released in 2007 until the departure of another original member and songwriter, Larry Farkas. The recording was again delayed. Unfortunately the core of the band had fallen apart. By 2007 the album had still not been released and all but Doug Thieme of the original members remained in the band. The new line-up of the band announced that they would enter the studio in October 2007 to begin re-recording parts of the long awaited 'Visions of Hell' release. Members at that time were: Doug Thieme (guitars), Glenn Rogers (guitars), Angelo Espino (bass), Jim Chaffin (drums) and Devin Shaeffer (vocals). Before the final album saw the light of day in October 2008, Glenn had left the band, as Larry had joined the fold once again.

VISIONS OF HELL (2008) OPEN GRAVE

Seldom has an album been so anticipated. And seldom has such controversy surrounded an album. I actually pre-ordered this disc, and my receipt say that it was paid for July 21st, 2006! I actually pre-ordered it when the 4 original members and Scott Waters were the line-up of the band. Seeing that I am a huge fan of Scott and his Ultimatum. I was impressed with what he added to the band on the 'Return with a Vengeance' DVD, and was looking forward to hearing him on the new songs. My interest was also peaked when I learned that Glenn Rogers (Hirax) had joined the band too, seeing that he was hugely responsible in writing the songs on Vengeance's debut album, 'Human Sacrifice' (Glenn was with the band before they added the Rising to their name). Unfortunately he left that band before the album came out, and the same thing happened with Once Dead too. I'm not going to spend much time writing about all the member shifts that went on during the 2 1/2 years it took to finish 'Visions Of Hell'. Nor have I got the desire to repeat any of the "dirty laundry" that has been aired on various discussion board during the same period. If you count yourself as as a fan of the band, I take it you're already read about the drama elsewhere. So let's concentrate on the finished product instead.

I wasn't really sure what to expect after everything that went down. I will say that my hopes weren't that high, especially after they replaced Scott with a metalcore screamer! Initial reports from fans receiving their copies of the disc were also very negative about the production of the album. And it is indeed a very raw sound we get here. I think the drum sound especially is hurting because of this. They probably didn't even get to master it properly, or at all. I guess having no budget whatsoever put an effective stop to that. But despite all this, I am still loving what I am hearing! 'Visions Of Hell' is ever more brutal than what I expected. It ranks nicely alongside the first 2 Vengeance Rising albums, sound wise. "The Contract" is even an unreleased song from that era, written to be a part of the 3rd album with the original members, but never recorded due to the band folding. "Body Parts" is another choice cut, with some ferocious riffing going on. This is Glenn Rogers through and through, and should be thrash fodder enough for those of us that love his main band, Hirax. The album opens even more up on subsequent listens. And what may seem like a very samey CD, it actually sports just enough variety to keep it from getting stale. "Grave Diggers: The Forgotten Genocide" f.ex. takes it down a notch, and reminds me a bit of the bluesy Die Happy. Of course, Devin's vocals are quite a lot harsher than those of Robin Basauri (how's that for an understatement!). Another variety, on the totally different end of the spectrum, is the blasting "Rise Above". This is borderline death metal, complete with growling/shrieking vocals. But the gang vocals reminds me of those old Vengeance Rising albums again. So despite the poor production, the line-up changes and the delays, this album was all worth it! If you love thrash metal, you are bound to find something to like on 'Visions Of Hell'. So, welcome back Doug Thieme and company. Now only time will tell if this band can produce more in the future.

My copy came signed by 5 of the 6 members from this band. Luckily I met up with the last member, Glenn Rogers in January, 2009. So now my copy is the first one to have all the members signatures.

Killer tracks: Body Parts, Devotion, The Contract, Rise Above, Defy Man

Larry Farkas guest appearances:  

Sacred Warrior - 'Master's Command'

Davin Shaeffer guest appearances:  

Michael Phillips - 'Mirrors Within Mirrors'

Jim Chaffin guest appearances:  

Michael Phillips - 'Mirrors Within Mirrors'

Scott Waters guest appearances:  

Michael Phillips - 'Mirrors Within Mirrors'

Related artists:

Vengeance Rising, Die Happy, Deliverance, Emerald, Hirax, Holy Soldier, Ultimatum, Reverend, The Crucified, Uncle Slam, Sircle Of Silence