A Holiday Letter From Swarm of Eyes
In the spirit of the season — and those awful family newsletters of yore that people you only heard from once a year sent to humblebrag to everyone in their Rolodex — Swarm of Eyes would like to share a year-end wrap up with our fans, family, and friends. Gather ’round the Yule log and allow us to regale you with tales of our triumphs from the year that has passed. Sit back, grab some eggnog, and enjoy our gift to you. (Hey, it beats the Belly Button Lint of the Month Club!)
Dear Swarmies,
Ah, yes! There is a touch of magic in the air and all the mice are in baggies! (I have no idea what that means, but it’s something dear old Great Uncle Cyril used to say after he got into the holiday bottle of Rock n’ Rye.) While rodents may or may not be nestled all snug in their plastic Ziplock enclosures, there truly is a glimmer of metal magic in the air and 2013 was full of many memorable moments for Swarm of Eyes.
For starters, Swarm of Eyes played lots and lots of live gigs. (Shame on you if you weren’t able to make it out to one!) The band even managed to traipse along part of the East coast on a jaunty little mini-tour. (Let us know in the comments where you live and if you’d like Swarm of Eyes to come visit you … like Krampus times five!)
Swarm of Eyes had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the best dag-nabbit bands on the scene today, including Acaro and Death Ray Vision, to name just a few. One of the gigs the band was most proud to play was a benefit show alongside a reunited Austen’s Dead in which all proceeds went to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. (more…)
Swarm of Eyes to Play Cancer Benefit with the Reunited Austen’s Dead
On Saturday November 30th, Swarm of Eyes will take part in a live benefit show at Presidents Rock Club in Quincy, MA. All proceeds from the show will go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leader in adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment. The band joins a reunited “Legend of the Swedish Nanny’s Torso”-era lineup Austen’s Dead and local favorites Salacious Crumb and Mock the Earthquake — united in metal and united in the fight against cancer.
Swarm of Eyes vocalist Randy Carter stated that the band “is proud to have been added to such an amazing show, and all for a great cause. A very good friend of all the bands playing has been battling breast cancer for the past few years, so it is something that hits home with everyone on the bill, and why we asked to be added to the lineup. For those who aren’t familiar with Austen’s Dead, it’s only a cause like this that could get them to rise from the ashes and resurrect for their first show in 18 years. This will be a once in a lifetime spectacle, you can count on it.”
These four bands on the bill have more in common that a love of cool t-shirts and rubber squeaky toys. No siree, Bob! These guys have a history that feels like the New England punk/metal/hardcore version of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Austen’s Dead bassist, Roach, was once in a band with several current members of Mock the Earthquake. Swarm of Eyes guys Randy and Derrik used to be in a little band called Motokops 2000 (Maybe you’ve heard of them? *crickets*) that covered the Austen’s Dead classic, “Legs Like Wings.” And Salacious Crumb — dubbed “The Least Hardest Working Band In All of Show Business” opened for several of these bands and hung around and drank a lot.
Yes. There is a history here, my friends.
That historic legacy continues on November 30th as these four bands come together for a night of memorable metal in the name of a great cause. Swarm of Eyes also plans to join Austen’s Dead on-stage for a live performance of “Legs Like Wings,” too. (And pending Randy eating delicious, cheesy-beefy burritos less than two hours before showtime, there’s a good chance his dinner will make an appearance on-stage, too!)
All kidding aside, this promises to be a great show for a great cause. Tickets can be purchased for $8 at the door the night of the 21+ event. Showtime begins at 8pm. Get there early to catch all the action and help in the fight to stomp out cancer.
Swarm of Eyes Begin Writing For New Album
Little more than a year following the release of their debut, Swarm of Eyes has begun writing songs for a new album. The band’s first album, Designing the Dystopia, featured the songwriting talents of lead singer Randy Carter, guitarist Derrik Albertelli, and guitarist / producer George O’Connor. The as-yet-to-be-titled new album will include bassist Jeff Grossman and drummer Tommy Burke in the writing and recording process, as well.
“We have the basis for the first new song in two years. George put down some killer riffs into a rough demo with some programmed drums for us to all listen to, and we should be jamming on it over the next couple of weeks,” said vocalist Randy Carter.
It remains to be seen how soon SoE will incorporate their new song as part of their live repertoire. The band has been playing a steady stream of gigs throughout the New England area and plans to hit major cities along the East coast later this Fall. Check out the band’s Tour page to see where they are playing next or drop the band a line on Facebook to let them know you’d like to see them play your city!