#insvrgence

The Convalescence has premiered a new track titled “The Return”, which features a guest spot by Cryptopsy vocalist Matt McGachy. You can stream the single below and purchase it here. The song is taken from the group’s upcoming studio record, Monument Of Misery, out June 28th on Legend Recordings. Frontman Keith Wampler said of the effort:

“We are very proud of this new album. We believe it’s…

3/30/2017; Sidewinder, Austin, TX

I waited a very long time to finally see HORSE the Band live and it was worth every bit of it. I’ve probably been listening to these guys since I was 14 and they were just so much fun. The openers were all hardcore and grindcore bands, which was sort of odd but sort of appropriate. I’m not a big grindcore guy, so Graf Orlock bored me to tears, but Insvrgence and Drip-Fed were cool. But, HORSE. Man. There will never be another band like these guys. They are so creative, weird, funny, and brilliant.

CASTAWAY and INSVRGENCE To Support THESE STREETS on Fall Tour

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Two rising acts in the world of hardcore and metal (San Jose’s Castaway and Austin, TX’s Insvrgence) are proud to announce that they will be opening for These Streets on their 2017 Fall Tour, kicking off this November in Stockton, CA. The tour will run until November 15th when it concludes in Pocatello, ID.…

I’m still alive, just getting back to reality. Just wrapped up another tour with two amazing bands. There’s not a whole lot to report about on this tour (not that anyone gives a shit). It was pretty mundane on my end, and I pretty much became the grandpa of the tour.

It was, however, filled with good times and laughter with good friends, as well as catching up with some old friends, and making new ones.

I guess some slight background on this tour is in order. Shortly after our last two and a half month run, we parted ways with our guitarist Nico on good terms. With that came fill-in #1, Sean. A killer guitarist that agreed to join us on the road this time around. It also happened to be his first tour, so homie was chalk full of questions at the beginning. Alas, he handled himself well for his first tour. Touring isn’t difficult, but I feel it definitely weeds out the non-serious players from the serious. Our bassist Mercado couldn’t join us this time around as well, which led to fill-in #2, Chris. Chris is an insanely talented bassist from San Antonio. We were lucky to have him tag along with us. He supplied hella sick memes all throughout the cycle. We were also pretty lucky to have our good buddy Grant Gallow come along as well to handle our merch. It's always a pleasure having him around.

About three days before the tour kicked off on our end, our vocalist James was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that left him unable to join us on this tour cycle. With that being presented to us, there was talks of possibly not doing the tour. It was too short notice to try and find a replacement, and Rafe wasn’t feeling the idea of dropping the tour, so with that, Rafe stepped up to the vocal duties. I will admit, it wasn’t something I was entirely sure of, not that I doubted anyone’s abilities on this tour, but because I’m not too much a fan of bands having one guitarist. It doesn’t sound as full as a band should, but that’s just my own dumb opinion.

I would like to note, that at around the middle of the tour, I was given a bit of unfortunate news. A man that I had come to know, and whom I would consider a great person, had unfortunately passed away while I was on the road. It’s one of those things you hear about, but never figure would happen while you’re away. In my own way, I dealt with it silently, which probably isn’t the best way to go about things, but that’s just how I am, and how I deal with things. Although I never outright stated such, I silently dedicated my performances on this tour to him. It isn’t much, but I guess that was my way of honoring a great man, a good father, and a loving husband, from far away.

With all the usual hustle and bustle of the road, this tour ran very smooth, with some minor inconveniences, but nothing too morale breaking. This tour was filled with a very positive atmosphere, and was full of laughter. Not a dull moment was had this time around. We kept a level head, and to be honest, this was the most lax run so far (at least for me, anyway). I think it may be because of how short this tour was, compared to our last trek, but it don’t matter…. none of this matters.

Sorry I couldn’t bring you juicy tales of drug induced orgys, and riveting stories of drunken debauchery. This tour was honestly dank memes and SpongeBob quotes. It was fun though. That counts for something right? No? Fine then. You write a tour blog and then get back to me. Oh? No blog? Well then sit your ass down son, and know your role.

I’d like to thank my band mates, Sean and Chris for filling in, Grant for always being a Trooper, the kids that came out and moshed with us, Distinguisher, Extortionist, Pin-Up, Artery, and the small support system that I have at home (you know who you is…).

Also, if you’re more of a visual person, and don’t care much for reading what I post because you probably hate me (which is probably most of you), Chris has a channel on YouTube in which he documented the tour with his sweet-ass camera. You can find that mini series here: https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=2fXLV5XPh3s

Welp, that’s about it for now. No idea when we’ll be on the road again, but I’ll try to do a better job of documenting things next time around. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a cat to pet, a collection to stare at, and a staple of women to make sweet passionate love to long into the night (one of these statements is a lie).

I’m a day late on this post, and was meant to be posted on Facebook, but I have a feeling this is going to be at bit long. This past run with SPITE and Aethere is definitely one I will never forget, and one I will cherish for a lifetime. It’s very hard to sum up the words needed to describe the special sense of joy that I’ve had the privileged of experiencing on the road this time around.

Over the past two and a half months, not only have I traveled thousands of miles, and seen places and things I normally wouldn’t on my own, but I’ve also gotten to meet new people, and make connections that will last for a good while. Though I’m happy to finally be home, I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t miss watching SPITE and Aethere every night for two months. It’s amazing to know that people that have never met, can forge a brotherhood through the music that they love to play, especially during a hectic period of time called touring. The hardest thing was having to say goodbye to both of these amazing bands that are filled with some of the best and most genuine people I’ve ever met on this planet. Whether it was talking drums with Josh and Cody, calling Darius my son, eating Denny’s and Taco Bell with my boys, catching sick Mons with Garrett, Rafe, and James, talking about Star Wars with Jimbo, seeing Alex catch the Holy Ghost on stage, hearing Chris talk about Dream Theater, parking lot parties with SPITE, quoting movies with Mercado, hearing Scuba Steve’s soothing voice asking how you’re doing today, or packing out a venue 70+ over capacity with Aethere, I can honestly say that I’m going to miss every bit of it while I’m home.

Every band worked hard this summer, but with the help of a few friends and promoters along the way, we were able to stay fed, housed, and clean while traveling in a metal tube hauling thousands of dollars worth of gear, with selective AC. The generosity and hospitality of those that helped us along the way does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I was able to meet a bunch of new people along the way, as well as being able to reconnect with friends you don’t quite get to see everyday. Seeing familiar faces is always heartwarming, and being able to meet new people that welcome you with open arms is always eye opening.

Speaking on eye opening, being on the road puts a lot of things in perspective. It affects people in different ways, but for me, it was mostly positive. I enjoyed my time on the road with my brothers in INSVRGENCE. I’m thankful for the fact that not only did we remain level headed in this journey, but we were able to work as a cohesive unit, and enjoyed ourselves doing so.

I’d also like to thank my small support system at home. To the mother that was interested in where I was and if I enjoyed it there. To the brother that I missed, and that has supported my dream since day one, and brags about my accolades more than I do. To the other mother that made sure my cat was taken care of, and to the kitty that’s the cutest kitty in the world and don’t even try to argue with me cause I know your ol’ musty/crusty cat ain’t no where near as cute as mines is….

This is a tour that will stick with me forever. From the bonds created with our brothers in SPITE and Aethere, to the new and old friends, to the memories that will last a lifetime.

There is your birth family, and then there’s your chosen family. We are all in this journey together….