Comprised of former members of Machine Head, Ill Niño, Westfield Massacre, and Silence The Messenger, the collective of Lions At The Gate boasts a roster of contributors steeped in the culture of heavy music.
Led by venerated vocalist Cristian Machado, along with the tandem of guitarists in Diego Verduzco and Ahrue Luster, rounded out with bassist Stephen Brewer and drummer Fernando Lemus, the crew of veteran musicians converged in late 2019 with the intention of once again making their mark in the universe of modern metal.
Equipped with a crew of proven songwriters and battle-tested road dogs, Lions At The Gates quickly earned the attention of accomplished producer Kile Odell (Fozzy, Motionless In White, Cane Hill, Shaman’s Harvest, Through Fire). Shortly thereafter, the collaborative effort was underway, with the freshly formed cohort getting back to the business of crafting a new collection of tracks brimming with punchy dynamics and uncompromising heft.
The introductory single from the band in "Not Even Human" makes a bold assertion of artistic integrity. The incendiary energy of the cut, combined with the pummeling cadence underscores a unit that collective, seems to be finding their creative stride. Guitarist Diego Verduzco details the sentiment surrounding the project, "Life is all about change and I feel that this music is the most dynamic and honest that we’ve ever written. I feel a sense of freedom and am completely reinvigorated and even anxious, in a good way, to be a part of something that pulls influence from so many directions . Each member brings a unique set of talent and tools. It’s quite frankly some of the best music we’ve ever written. Organic, honest, and true.“
Speaking specifically of the single, frontman Cristian Machado weighed in on seeing the project come to fruition. "We had an amazing time working with Kile Odell and Zach Williams. They both quickly became a part of the band, as if they were step brothers, or life long homies. Our humor was intensely sarcastic. Seriously the least stressful time I’ve ever had time making an album. I felt free and liberated from all prior expectations, ultimately all of our ears were pulling us in a particular direction and Kile precisely centered us. We didn’t compromise, every song is coming from a very honest place, every song speaks loudly musically and lyrically.”
The band's collective sense of newly found vigor and rejuvenated perspective as songwriters resonates well in a three-minute jaunt. Machado's fluid lyrical transition in going from menacing to melodic is backed by an instrumental arrangement that rolls with locomotive force. The emphatic introduction is brilliant example of rediscovery and undeniable proof of the collective's resilience as artists.
Lions At The Gate are currently finalizing their full length debut. Stream the Knotfest premiere of "Not Even Human" below.
