San Antonio metal act Imminent Descent will return to the stage this weekend after a years-long hiatus brought on by multiple lineup changes, the COVID-19 pandemic and the death of co-founding bassist Mark Ramos.
That should be cause enough for celebration for the two-decade old band. But the Saturday, Feb. 28, show at Fitzgerald’s Bar and Live Music Venue also celebrates the group’s new album, aptly named From the Ashes.
Imminent Descent has drawn frequent comparisons to Swedish heavyweights Amon Amarth, and that rings true on the new release. The album brims with chugging riff shifts, growling vocals and dual-guitar interplay reminiscent of the legendary melodic death metal act.
Only the second album to be released during Imminent Descent’s nearly 20 year run, From the Ashes was recorded, mixed and mastered at guitarist Chad Dillon’s Blackwater River Studios. The band will sell physical copies of the LP the night of the show, and a digital release will drop March 7 across all streaming platforms.
Vocalist Estefan Ortega told the Current that Imminent Descent worked to progress its sound from the band’s first record, something demonstrated by the increased technicality evident on From the Ashes.
“We’re trying to stay true to our roots but still push ourselves,” he said. “When it comes to true, old-school heavy metal, we want to keep that alive.”
The songs onFrom the Ashes take inspiration from sources ranging from Marvel Comics villains to Magic: The Gathering cards to ancient texts. As an extra treat, Johnny Cash’s famous “Ring of Fire” gets an extreme-metal remake on the release.
With tribute bands, Shrek raves and emo nights dominating San Antonio’s live music market and rising ticket prices keeping many fans at home, it’s a tough time for local bands to survive. Still, Ortega said he hopes Imminent Descent and other acts releasing original material can breathe life into the scene.
“Now more than ever, San Antonio needs original music, especially extreme music,” Ortega said. “More than anything, I’d like to say our music is about the community.”
$15, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, Fitzgerald’s Bar and Live Music Venue, 437 McCarty Road #101, (210) 607-7007, fitzrockssa.com.
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