ION INDIE MAGAZINE April 2015, Volume 11 | Page 82

18 MeNACE Music by 18MeNACE “Shadows” Story and Photography by Timothy Schumann Truth be told, I am not a huge fan of Black/Death Metal music, but yes, there is a side of me that does enjoy Heavy Metal as long as I can understand the lyrics--which to me is very important. So with all that said, I bring you 18MeNACE from El Paso, Texas. These guys caught my attention last October and since then, I've shot them twice as well as a photo shoot. During this period I've gotten to know them as well as listen to their music, and to be honest, I think they are one of the best Metals bands El Paso has to offer! 18MeNACE consists of NOEL GARCIA (Anubis); lead vocal, CESAR VALENZUELA (Sixx); lead guitar/vocals, MICHAEL TUMMULO (Mr. Menace); rhythm guitar/ vocals, SETH GRUNGER (Grunger); bass and HARLEY VASQUEZ (Nightmare); drums. This lineup has been together for the past year, but before Anubis came along, they went thru multiple singers in a matter of months and found that Anubis fit like a well-oiled machine. Influences are as follows: PANTERA, LAMB OF GOD and SLAYER--and it shows during a live performance! I asked, “Where does the name 18 MeNACE come from? Mr. Menace told me that the number 18 is a recurring number in everything, almost haunting, if you will. He sees it everywhere and almost in everything he does! These guys are the real deal in my opinion; dress and act the part. And if the ceiling is high enough in a venue, Anubis has been known to blow fire! How's that for a Metal show for you? They do have music samples on ReverbNation and Soundcloud and also have studio time planned within the month. Their upcoming release will be entitled “P.I.E.” (Paradise in Exile), which will be their third studio song. Touring is planned, but nothing set in stone as of yet. In closing, I shoot a lot of shows here and for some reason, it seems to be a lot of Black Metal and for the most part, it’s just the same rehashed material--no sooner that it starts, I want it to end. But that is not the case here--this band jumped off the page at me, they are worth my time and effort. Give them a look and a listen and I know you'll agree! To learn more about 18MeNACE, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Menacing18