American heavy metal band from Swansea, Massachusetts. Formed in 1988.
For twenty seven years, Briar Rose has blazed an uncompromising trail of traditional heavy metal in the face of trends, gimmicks and other distractions to remain true to the music they began playing back in 1988. With a brace of classic metal music in hand they have released their new masterwork, Dark Lord to enthusiastic and complimentary reviews from around the world. Twelve tracks of diverse ideas and themes yet retaining the true spirit of traditional metal, nothing false here at all. Bristling with dynamic fury both musically and lyrically, Dark Lord is a whirlwind of tales and experiences the band has encountered over the last few years and back even further than many shall know. Pillaging their own archives, Briar Rose has taken mere ideas of songs from their yesteryear and delivered them to life in the studios of legendary producer Chris Dark Lord Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Anvil) who also provided guitar work to the tracks involved in a manner complimentary to the bands way of thinking.
For founding member Randy Blake II (vocals), the album is the culmination of the dedication, ability and passion of his band-mates to create a pure Traditional Heavy Metal album the likes of which is seldom seen in these days of trendy corporate fodder. With Jay Vanderpool (drums), Chris Landoch (bass), Joe McDonald (keyboards) and Jeff Tundis (guitars), the collective of Briar Rose has brought you the album Dark Lord. A promise and a statement that as long as they remain as one, Briar Roses metal will be true.
Members