Byzantine, Mobile Death Camp

"I think we have a knack for achieving a good balance of chaos and melody," explains Byzantine singer/guitarist Chris Ojeda. "The warthog chasing the butterfly."

Byzantine have translated their interest in religion in American society, the idea of extraterrestrial life, and Southern history/heritage into an unorthodox brand of heavy music. While these themes might bring to mind bands like Slayer, Meshuggah and Clutch, one should imagine a pure and wide-reaching amalgamation of these -- and so many more bands -- to understand what Byzantine have accomplished with The Fundamental Component.

The quartet's debut full length, The Fundamental Component is characterized by long songs, melodic thrash and Tony Rohrbough's scathing guitar solos while still embracing technical chaos and the violent groove of bassist Chris Adams and drummer Matt Wolfe. As such, the band have shared the stage with bands as diverse as Lamb Of God, Lacuna Coil, Shadows Fall and Nora, and joined a roster featuring similarly talented bands like Himsa, All That Remains, Cannae and Crematorium.

To be sure, growing up in West Virginia has helped Byzantine develop a unique sound. Without a dominating hometown scene dictating sound and style -- no SoCal hardcore, no NYHC, etc. -- Byzantine have been free to mold their fondness for bands like Testament and Meshuggah into a unique hybrid of melody, rhythm and aggression that is familiar and attractive without feeling regressive or clichéd.

"We are quite alienated from any big scene," explains Ojeda. "Therefore, we tend to think for ourselves a lot more when writing material. We have just as much influence from Skynard and Chet Atkins around us as we do Slayer and Overkill. So we mostly just write what we know."

Despite all its forward-leaning tendencies, what Byzantine know has more that a small throwback to the heyday of thrash. In the grand tradition of Hetfield, Mustaine, Cavalera and Shuldiner, Ojeda plays guitar while singing -- no small task. Need proof? When was the last time you saw a guitar-playing frontman in this generation of metal? It's truly a dying breed.

Ultimately, Byzantine aren't about this generation or that, progressive or retro, circle pits or floor punches, they're about making "solid albums and good heavy metal songs. Strong out of the gate and strong in the finish."


Based out of Toledo, Ohio, MOBILE DEATHCAMP has been sawing clubs in half, and leaving crowds with their collective jaws on the floor since the band's inception in 2008. Formed by Todd Evans at the end of his 6 year stint as Beefcake The Mighty with the legendary shock rockers, GWAR, and joined in aural battle by Boe Skadeland and Chad Smith, this musical terror pocket has been consistently leveling venues across North America.



- "My God, I've found the holy grail of thrash!" - Encyclopaedia Metallum

- "Gotta love it when you find very straight ahead no bullshit metal to warm your steel heart, and make you feel alive." - MetalBite.com

- "Mobile Deathcamp is what happens when (ex-Gwar member) Todd Evans, crafts speed metal so sharp it can justifiably be classified as a weapon!" - Housecore Records

- "They're not overly flashy, and they don't stretch out their songs... these three speed-metal shredders just get it done with vicious, quickly shifting, three minute thrashers that blow your
mind before you pinpoint their sound! There's no self-indulgent, ego-stroking pretense here, just blazing distortion, aggressive growls and a rhythm section that makes you want to break something! - Scott Recker (Toledo City Paper)

- "Ohio 3 piece MOBILE DEATHCAMP can play some pummeling no holds barred speed metal. Their songs are straight forward old school metal assaults, with crossover appeal. - SMN News



Dean Guitars, Railhammer Pickups, Spector Basses, S.I.T. StringsBall Strings, and Cold Cock American Herbal Liquor, all have expressed their confidence and respect for the band by securing them in endorsement deals. Unsigned and self-represented, they have managed to land several high profile shows, including spots on Jagermeister Tours, Mayhem Fest, and Thrash Festivals around the country.
A short list of some notable bands these boys have shared the stage with, would include: Voivod, 3 Inches of Blood, GWAR, Cannibal Corpse, Type O Negative, Hatebreed, Slayer, Behemoth, Megadeth, Cattle Decapitation, Kreator, Rob Zombie, and Lamb of God.

"No dicks, no bad days", is the motto these fellers bring into every club they load in to. A three piece band that makes as much (good) noise as a five piece band. Book them into your club/ venue... put them on your tour... then get up front and enjoy!! MOBILE DEATHCAMP... speed metal, just like Mom used to make. Cheers!!