DAMIEN

This is A long overdue tribute to DAMIEN, one Hell Of A Heavy Metal band and some of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. This is also a sulute to the FRIENDS,FAMILIES and CREW of DAMIEN. To anyone who ever bought or stole a DAMIEN record,went to a live show,bought them a drink, hauled equipment,gave them a ride,shared the stage,cheered or gave them the finger, lent them or owe them money,gave them a gig or screwed them out of one. You know who you are. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! You ALL made it possible.This was a band for the and despite some people



Formed in the early 1980's DAMIEN enjoyed national and international success.

The group released two recordings (see disc covers).

DAMIEN was featured in numerous music publications while their videos for Every DogHas Its Day and Breakout, enjoyed significant air play on

MTV's HEADBANGERS BALL



DAMIEN BAND HISTORY AND BACKGROUND:



No exact date has ever been pinpointed, but some time during the close of the 1970's and the beginning of the 1980's a powerful metal group formed in Toledo, Ohio - they called themselves DAMIEN. Influenced by some of the greatest bands of their day, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, UFO, Scorpions, Michael Schenker, Ronnie James Dio and Iron Maiden (to mention a few), this group of eager metal-heads joined forces to create their own unique and intense brand of heavy metal. Early on the band shuffled some members, but one by one the pieces fell into place and eventually the final lineup would include: Chuck Stohl (lead guitars), Randy "Wolf" Mikelson (lead vocals), Kevin "Killer" Kekes (bass), Fritz Adamshick (rhythm guitars), and Johnny "Evil" Cappelletty (drums). They were the perfect blend of talent and skill, each filling a specific role in the band, and together forming the one and only, DAMIEN.



With the lineup solidified, the band regularly blew away club audiences with their live shows and established a cult following in Toledo and around northwest ohio. The word about DAMIEN continued to spread like wildfire and lead to their being signed by Manager David Preschel and he got the deal with New York's SELECT RECORDS. In 1987 the band went into the studio and finalized the 10 tracks that would eventually become their debut masterpiece, "Every Dog Has Its Day". The album was well received by metal fans across the globe and two years later in 1989 they created yet another killer album entitled, "Stop This War". The band shot videos for each album that got regular airplay on MTV and HeadBanger's Ball, exposing them to a larger audience and allowing them to headline their own tours. The band was featured in many of the top metal magazines at the time and did some concerts with Yngwie Malmsteen, Quiet Riot, Overkill, and Slaughterhouse. DAMIEN members parted ways in the early 90's but re-united in 2004 to headline a few reunion concerts. In 2005 the band is now playing more regularly and there is talk of a new album in the works!



DAMIEN's metal music features an awesome blend of power and speed that can't be ignored. Their songs are intricately constructed with thoughtful lyrics and ballsy choruses that are infectiously catchy. The band blazes on all cylinders with world-class guitar solos, crunchy rhythms, thunderous bass lines, and pounding drums that is heavy metal at it's best



This Page and most other DAMIEN pages are being run by JEFF PERO. I was there stage Manager back when it all started. I Have been living down by Clearwater Florida for the last 19 years. I am the one who is always keeping the band DAMIEN ALIVE. I forced them to do the REUNION TOUR and I continue to push the band. I also helped do the

RE-RELEASE deal with POWER PLAY RECORDS which are GREAT by the way THANKS JIM. We continue to pursue many things. Coming soon NEW MERCHINDISE from PIADAS MARKETING the shirts are done I will get ordering details real soon. other items are coming soon also (posters, hats, belts, stickers and wallets) will let ya know as soon as i do. If you have any comments or want to drop the band a line just send E-MAIL to DAMIEN2002RS@AOL.COM and if anyone has any old DAMIEN pictures PLEASE e-mail them to me and I will post Them here. THANKS



Big RED was a TRUE Friend and A GREAT guy he sure is missed. He Ran Lights & Sound for us and he also was my muscle when we didn't get paid.

He was there thru most of the hard years and i wish he was here NOW.

He was a HELL OF A GUY !!! I MISS YOU MAN !!! REST IN PEACE!!!



I would like to THANK anyone and everyone that HELPED me get the band to the shows and on & off the Stage over the years. There is a ton of you and i cant remember all of your names but you know Who YOU are. I am TRUELY THANKFUL. I am going to list a few:: Rick "Ninja" Burkett (Drum Tech & My Right Hand Man)/ Danny Kekes (Guitar Tech)/ Matthew Lee (Bass Tech)/ Big Red (Lighting Eng. & Tech)/ Scott Moore (Sound Eng)/ Steve Allnutt (Crew Tour Bus Driver)/ YD (Head of The DDS)/ Frank Estep (Back stage security)/ Mike Scorzell (Pyro Tech)/ Jeff oliver (Truck driver 1)/ Mom & Dad Kekes (Tickets & Merchindise)/ Kathie Pero (Tour Merchindise)/ Joe Kekes (Limo- Band Bus Driver)/ Donny Dilbone(Truck Driver 2)



Every Dog Has It's Day



REVIEWED BY: Dirt @ METAL DREAMS



Damien - Every Dog Has Its Day



Toledo, Ohio's Damien is one of the most underrated metal bands of the late 80s. While they're video for the title track from this debut album and "Breakout" from their sophomore release, Stop This War, got a decent amount of play on the original Headbanger's Ball, these guys never broke out of the underground. Unfortunately, Damien was too heavy for the Poison fans and perceived to be too light for the thrash fans that were into Overkill, Slayer, and Metallica. Damien really was a power metal band before the term became so cliche and turned into boring double bass drumming speedy metal. Damien's music was 'powerful metal' with slamming drums, ripping leads, gigantic power chords, and a grab you by the balls vocalist that sounded like a f***in' hurricane-a-comin. Power Play Records has to be commended for seeking out an underground band like Damien. Their recordings were lost and unjustifiably long forgotten, but Power Play has given Damien some much deserved respect by reissuing these two spectacular albums. For the uniformed, the band did release a third recording called Angel Juice with a different vocalist. Damien could rip-the-flesh-off-your-bones with songs like "Possession" (which I first heard when lead vocalist Randy 'Wolf' Mikelson appeared on the famous Morton Downey Jr. Show) and "Every Dog Has It's Day." To vary things up they could also throw in a melodic track like "Give Me A Sign" or the ballad "I Play For You." They were at their best on the anthems, though. The Bloody Truth: Fans of Malice, Wild Dogs and Omen will find Damien to be of major interest. Additionally, fans of twin-axe-attack Tipton/Downing guitar duals, and chuggah-chuggah riffs will love this band as well. Damien's music is stripped down, go-for-the-throat 80s metal with strong choruses, featuring one amazing vocalist that never got his due. Right that wrong by picking up this reissue. The reissue features the "Every Dog Has It's Day" video, a cool booklet with pix from the video, and the song lyrics. Up next, our review of Stop This War.



STOP THIS WAR



REVIEWED BY: Masa @ 21st Century Metal Net



STOP THIS WAR RE-Release: Dec. 13. 2004 - Power Play New York based Power Play Records re-issued the 2nd album of a band called DAMIEN along with their 1st one titled 'Every Dog Has Its Day' in December 2004. I've never heard of this band before, but thanks to this re-issue I could have a chance to listen to their music and I must admit it was a cool discovery for me! DAMIEN must be one of those underrated obscure metal bands from U.S., but their authentic heavy metal sounds has its own originality, blending the heaviness of JUDAS PRIEST with American flashness à la MÖTLEY CRÜE in a perfect manner. There are lots of great guitar solos and strong vocals, adding impressive melody and tons of hooks to the songs. The original recording of this CD was released on Select Records in 1989, but it seems to have been discontinued for such a long time. Power Play Records updated the package this time and it contains foldout booklet/poster with complete lyrics and new pictures, although the cover illustration itself stays true to original. The CD also contains a bonus video clip for the song "Break Out". This re-issued version CD will definitely be a gem for enthusiasts or collecters, and I think I myself need to check the band's first release as well!



Angel Juice 1995, Written over a five year time span Includes eleven original songs that encompass the genres of metal including the musical prowess of the 80’s and the intensity and aggressiveness of the 90’s.

Contained within the LP are numerous classical bridges, an in-depth instrumental focusing on the group’s musicianship entitled “The Legend of Trotis” and several Rock-Anthems. This Includes the group’s first single from ANGEL JUICE “Vlad” which is based around the life of Vlad the Impaler. Scott Miller Vocals, Rob Brug Drums, Kevin Kekes Bass, Chuck Stohl Guitar.



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