Diablo Blvd were a Belgian
heavy metal band founded in 2005.
History
Diablo Blvd was founded in 2005 by vocalist
Alex Agnew
Alex Agnew (born 22 December 1972) is a Belgian stand-up comedian and hard rock vocalist. According to the Nigel Williams autobiography "Had ik maar een vak geleerd" ("If Only I'd Learned a Proper Trade"), Alex was already an established comedi ...
, known as a successful stand-up comedian in Benelux and guitarist Dave Hubrechts. The band was completed by guitarist and songwriter Andries Beckers from
Born from Pain, bassist Tim Bekaert from
A Brand
A Brand was a Belgian rock group featuring Dag Taeldeman, active until 2013. Their hits include "Riding Your Ghost", "Hammerhead", "Beauty Booty Killerqueen" and "Time".
History
A Brand recorded their first album, ''45 RPM'', in a garage in 2 ...
and drummer Kris Martens from Tangled Horns.
In 2006, the band released the demo ''Scarred and Undefeated'' on cassette and signed a contract with PIAS (
Play It Again Sam).
Over a period of two years, Diablo Blvd was working on their debut album ''The Greater God'', which was produced by Ace Zec. The album reached No. 33 in the Belgian album charts in 2009. The band started playing at mainstream festivals in Belgium such as
Graspop Metal Meeting and
Pukkelpop
Pukkelpop is an annual music festival that takes place near the city of Hasselt, Belgium, in mid- to late August. It is held within a large enclosure of fields and woodland—adjacent to a dual carriageway called ''Kempische Steenweg''—in the ...
.
In 2011 they released their second studio album ''Builders of Empires'', mixed by Swedish producer
Jens Bogren. The album debuted at #21 in the Belgian album charts. The single "Black Heart Bleed" still builds to almost anthemic proportions at every live show they play. They shot their first music video for the song "
Saint of Killers", which is based on a fictional character who appears in the acclaimed comic book series ''Preacher''.
In May 2014, their third studio album ''Follow the Deadlights'' was released by
Sony Music and went up to No. 3 in the Belgian album charts. The album was recorded in the ICP Studio in Brussels and mixed by Jay Ruston and mastered by Paul Logus who both have previously been behind the sound of
Anthrax
Anthrax is an infection caused by the bacterium ''Bacillus anthracis''. It can occur in four forms: skin, lungs, intestinal, and injection. Symptom onset occurs between one day and more than two months after the infection is contracted. The sk ...
, Stone Sour,
Meat Loaf and
Steel Panther
Steel Panther is an American comedic glam metal band from Los Angeles, California. They are known for their profane and humorous lyrics as well as their exaggerated onstage pastiche of the stereotypical glam metal lifestyle.
History
Metal Sh ...
.
In November 2014, Diablo Blvd signed a worldwide deal with
Nuclear Blast.
CEO
A chief executive officer (CEO), also known as a central executive officer (CEO), chief administrator officer (CAO) or just chief executive (CE), is one of a number of corporate executives charged with the management of an organization especially ...
Markus Staiger was loudly impressed with the song "Rise Like Lions". ''Follow the Deadlights'' was released by Nuclear Blast on January 23, 2015. Dave Hubrechts left the band and Tim Bekaert switched to guitar. At the same time, the band played in clubs and festivals during a European promotion tour of 17 months as well as opening act for
Epica,
Machine Head,
Ace Frehley and
Life of Agony in the US.
On 28 June 2018, it was announced the band would be breaking up following several shows to take place throughout the rest of the year, with the final show taking place on December 10 at the
Ancienne Belgique.
Discography
Albums
* 2009: ''The Greater God''
* 2011: ''Builders of Empires''
* 2014: ''Follow the Deadlights''
* 2017: ''Zero Hour''
Demos
* 2006: ''Scarred and Undefeated''
Singles
* 2011: ''Black Heart Bleed''
* 2013: ''Rise Like Lions''
* 2014: ''Beyond the Veil'', ''Follow the Deadlights'', ''Son of Cain''
Music videos
* 2011: "Saint of Killers"
* 2014: "Follow the Deadlights"
* 2014: "Son of Cain"
References
External links
Official websiteDiscogs
Belgian heavy metal musical groups
English-language musical groups from Belgium
Musical groups established in 2005
Musical groups disestablished in 2018
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