Since we first began RMW back in 1996 we have ALWAYS supported the varied genres of heavy music from hardcore TO death metal TO melodic heavy rock because musically I LOVE it ALL! All genres have a place and time to shine. However, if you were comin up in the mid-eighties (like I did), then THRASH metal is your forte. Yes, the BIG-4 along with the 2nd & 3rd generations of thrash to include bands like Death Angel, Testament, Machine Head & Vio-lence. There was an immiment efficacy about thrash that made it SO much more authoritative,....more, poignant; fans could argue its the stripped down nature of its delivery OR the articulate technicality of musicianship OR simply just the blatant gutteral attitude. Regardless, thrash has ALWAYS been my 'go-to' genre and in the 2000's its been quite burdensom to find a band that embodies ALL of the above,.....at least till NOW! The POWERHOUSE FULL length debut, 'Darkest Before Dawn' released on January 26th, 2024, crossed my desk shortly thereafter & it gave me the much needed optimism that the genre could, not only once again live, but thrive. DBD is a breath of fresh air that delivers speed, HUGE choruses & that signature thrash mystique. Lead guitarist, founder & frontman, Niko Valdez, has perfected his secret sauce & after moving here to SA from Albuquerque its only getting sweeter. SO, in the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the bands formation (& relocation), their definitive thrash sound, recording DBD (& putting out a FULL length), playing shows, doing a video, NEW music & what lies ahead in 2024. I hope the Familia will take a moment to check this record out after you watch this interview; AND to the guys in PH - THANKS for a GREAT night of work by expressing your 'metal' attitudes & for being good peeps. I wish you nothing but continued success! ~ El Mero Metal