Introducing yet another one of our Metal Bell 6th Anniversary bands: Prominence, a Death Metal band from Beirut, Lebanon.
Prominence was founded by Jack Khamo in 2017. Shortly after their inception, they were part of the Rock Insight event That One Night III at Metro al Madina on November 11th, 2017, and on May 5th, 2018, they partook in Metal United World Wide, an event organized by Sledgehammer Productions and presented by Metal Bell Magazine, which also took place in Metro al Madina.
On February 4th, 2018, they released their first ever single: “Slaughter of Dreams”. The song featured the legendary Derek Roddy on drums. Roddy was previously part of the American Death Metal band Nile, the American Death Metal band Hate Eternal, and more.
After the release of their single, the band went through a change of lineup. Maurice Semaan joined as their new guitarist as well as composer of their originals following “Slaughter of Dreams”. Nareg Cherchian, their vocalist, became responsible for the lyrics. As for the rest of the band, Serge Ashjian took over the bass, Monir (Matt) Lawand the rhythm guitar, and Sam Baghdo will be on the drums during the upcoming Metal Bell 6th Anniversary event.
Each member of the band has his own distinct musical influences. Consequently, the original material that they are working on strays away from “traditional” Death Metal towards something more multidimensional.
They are currently working on their EP titled “Sepulchered”. Two of its tracks were already recorded: “Sepulchered in Slumber” which was released on YouTube (watch video below) and Facebook in September, and Voices Reside, which was recorded in late November and will be available on YouTube after December 15th, 2018. Stay tuned for that!
In November, following the aforementioned release of “Sepulchered in Slumber”, the band was asked to be featured on USA’s Licking County Metalheads podcast, on which they had rave reviews, and we quote: “it has been a long time since they had listened to an actual lead in a metal song”. The band was asked to be featured for a second time with “Voices Reside”, during which they were lauded even further.
Prominence is managed by Maggie Varbedian of Sledgehammer Productions, the latter being co-owned by Maurice Semaan. As we have already mentioned, Sledgehammer Productions are the organizers behind the upcoming Metal Bell 6th Anniversary event.
When asked for a statement regarding Prominence’s appearance at SledgeHammer Productions and Metal Bell’s upcoming event, they replied: “Prominence are very excited to be part of this celebration, and to have the chance to perform both their songs from their upcoming EP “Sepulchered” for the first time on stage. They wish Metal Bell Magazine a happy anniversary, and a successful journey ahead.”
If you’re curious about the kind of sound that these boys will be dishing out, check out their aforementioned track on their YouTube channel: Prominence Official Lb.
Current Lineup:
Nareg Cherchian: Vocals
Maurice Semaan: Lead Guitar
Matt Lawand: Rhythm Guitar
Sergio Achjian: Bass
Sam Baghdo: Drums
Discography:
Slaughter of Dreams (Single; 2018)
Sepulchered in Slumber (Track from the upcoming EP “Sepulchered”; 2018)
Voices Reside (Track from the upcoming EP “Sepulchered”; 2018)
Prominence, we’ll be seeing you on your path towards prominence!
Article Photo Credit to Beirut Metal Fest
UPCOMING EVENTS
- METAL BELL 6TH ANNIVERSARY – December 15 – Metro Al Madina
- Alex Skolnick Free Guitar Clinic – December 17 – Instruments Garage
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