Legendary Punk Icons unite to form Deathrock Supergroup SYMBOLISM, Introducing a new take on the genre.
In a groundbreaking moment for the Deathrock genre, legendary punk icons Rikk Agnew, James McGearty, London May, and newcomer Devix Szell have joined forces to create the supergroup
SYMBOLISM. Officially founded in April 2018 by Agnew, McGearty, and May, and later joined by lead vocalist Devix Szell in 2019, the band is now poised to add a thrilling new chapter to the musical legacy they first helped define.
SYMBOLISM isn't just an echo of its members' celebrated pasts. It's a driving force crafting a groundbreaking new chapter in the annals of Deathrock.
Rikk Agnew, famed for his work with the Adolescents, Christian Death, and D.I., serves as the lead guitarist. On bass, James McGearty brings his recognizable style from Christian Death and Dark Age. London May, known for his powerhouse drumming with Samhain, Son of Sam, and Tiger Army, holds down the drumming duties. Devix Szell, frontman of The Banishment, completes the bands lineup as the lead vocalist.
A Stellar Production Team Behind the Scenes
In a deliberate decision to guarantee top-tier production quality, the group tapped the expertise of producer Vice Cooler, celebrated for his contributions for Ladytron and Peaches. The engineering and mastering fell under the capable hands of industry veteran Bill Metoyer, who has a distinguished track record with heavyweights like Slayer, D.R.I., and Armored Saint as part of his resume.
SYMBOLISM aims to disrupt the Deathrock genre with its updated sound and redefine it for a whole new generation of listeners.
“SYMBOLISM revive the spirit of the early CHRISTIAN DEATH in a modern version.” - Guntram Pintgen
“"Although Symbolism builds on two of the best bands to ever emerge from the American underground they are in no way tethered to the past. The past is a launching point, not a destination. 'Rile On' is first-rate American deathrock for the 21st century, a bitter salve for the collective wounds we all feel in this strange postmodern world.”” - Justin M. Norton
“Symbolism are as thrilling and atmospheric as you might imagine and ‘as powerful as anaphylactic shock’” - Dan Volohov
“Sometimes the stars align in an unusual configuration that defies logic, but results in a celestial event so cataclysmic that it simply must be marveled.” - Ilker Yücel
“Giants Of Dark Music Return With A Vengeance” - Jaime Pina
“Symbolism maximize their deathrock sound and temperament from the start”
“With a serious punk-rock pedigree (Adolescents, Christian Death, Samhain, 45 Grave) ” - New Music Critique
“The band comes forth with a very punchy, expectable take on raw gothic rock, deathrock and gritty punk” - Stace
“Iced out is sulphurous, sick, aggressive, with sinister atmospheres and primitive rhythms...” - Max Zarucchi