Derision

Derision is a heavy metal band from Tyler, Texas, identified with groove metal, metalcore and thrash metal. The line-up includes Tony Smith on vocals, Eddie White and Kirsten Slater on guitars, John Mellor on drums and Seddy on bass. The band also has a second guitarist added in 2013, expanding its live and recorded sound.

Style and recordings

Their music is described as driving, groove-centred thrash with an aggressive edge. Their debut album, Ancient, appears in November 2011 and contains nine tracks. It is recorded and mixed at Urbansound Studios and mastered at Parlour Studios. The album draws praise for its use of Testament-style riffs and a Vio-lence-influenced tone, and is described as moving toward early 1980s thrash with a borderline death metal feel rather than simple imitation.

The song “The Ancients” from the album receives airplay on SCUZZ TV and on Kerrang Radio, as well as on other stations worldwide. A video for the track is also associated with the album.

Live activity and recognition

Derision is asked to play the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock in 2012, and performs alongside acts including Alice Cooper, Testament, Machine Head and Sepultura. They are also asked to support Evile on a leg of the band’s Five Serpents Teeth tour. Their Bloodstock performance attracts strong notices, including a Metal Hammer review that describes their set as forceful and energetic. The band is also cited by Metal Hammer’s editor on a podcast after the festival performance.

Further releases

In 2013, Derision plans a five-track EP containing three new songs and a DVD of their Bloodstock set, alongside a second album that is not yet titled in the available information.