Dominus Meus is a Melodic Death Metal band from the Pennsylvania which formed in early 2020 by musician-John Evans. Many might recognize John from his work with the band 'Evans & Stokes' where he partners with singer-Jenny Stokes from New Zealand. 'Evans & Stokes' has 3 releases to their credit and are in the process of finishing their 4th studio album. John states: "I will generally write and record all of the music and then send it to Jenny for her to add theme, lyrics, and vocals. While waiting for her to do that I'm still writing and recording! That is how Dominus Meus was born, as another outlet for creativity. And honestly, I write a lot of music...there may be a 3rd band created at some point!"
It has been said that Dominus Meus has a sound that is a mix between Metallica, Megadeth, & Ramstein. However, I believe some comparisons to the Finnish Death Metal band Hilastherion(Taken From Darkness) can also be made. What sets Hilastherion apart from other Death Metal bands is that you can easily understand what the vocalist is singing about and this is the exact approach that we see from Dominus Meus.
The band's moniker Dominus Meus is taken from the Latin language and simply means "My Lord". John Evans further explains: "The name Dominus Meus is innocently the result of really trying to find something unique, meaningful, catchy, AND not already taken! Days and days of searching for something that fits and connects with you personally is what it takes. When I came across Dominus Meus it just seemed perfect."
It has been said that Dominus Meus has a sound that is a mix between Metallica, Megadeth, & Ramstein. However, I believe some comparisons to the Finnish Death Metal band Hilastherion(Taken From Darkness) can also be made. What sets Hilastherion apart from other Death Metal bands is that you can easily understand what the vocalist is singing about and this is the exact approach that we see from Dominus Meus.
The band's moniker Dominus Meus is taken from the Latin language and simply means "My Lord". John Evans further explains: "The name Dominus Meus is innocently the result of really trying to find something unique, meaningful, catchy, AND not already taken! Days and days of searching for something that fits and connects with you personally is what it takes. When I came across Dominus Meus it just seemed perfect."
In 2020 Dominus Meus released an independent full-length debut album simply titled 'DM1'. This debut release was produced by John Evans with all lyrics and instruments being managed by him as well. In addition, John manages the frontman position and produces all of his own Death vocals on this project. I have to give the band props because the production and sound quality is top notch here. On this 'DM1' release we find that the album's arrangements are more than just heavy music, they take the listener on a atmospheric musical journey. Along the way, the listener is presented with heavy well thought out arrangements, a number of time changes, and plenty of variance from track to track which will all have the listener returning for more.
The guitar section is managed by axeman-John Evans who delivers up everything from heavy driving guitar riffs to mosh worthy Thrash shred'n to melancholic Doom play and even includes some extreme Metal techniques.
The guitar section is managed by axeman-John Evans who delivers up everything from heavy driving guitar riffs to mosh worthy Thrash shred'n to melancholic Doom play and even includes some extreme Metal techniques.
Concerning the album's artwork John explains: "The album's cover art...It's kind of a 'time is running out' representation. I almost titled the album 'Judge of the Earth' which is when I decided on that cover art. Judge of the Earth references Noahs' Ark. Are we headed for something similar today?"
On this 2020 release, John has included a couple of instrumental tracks including "The Way Of Evil Men" and WASP-76b". Track-6 "The Way Of Evil Men" features the guitar work of axeman-John Evans playing laid-back Blues/Jazz oriented arrangements. The second instrumental track found on 'DM1' is track-7 "WASP-76b" which takes inspiration from way out in the cold dark regions of space. With a quick search, one will discover that "WASP-76b" is the name of an exoplanet where it rains Metal! I must say, I could very well see this song title as being a cool band name with it carrying the idea of molten metal. "WASP-76b" opens to what sounds like the unsettling sounds of of a wasp preparing for flight. I have to warn you, this instrumental doesn't continue in a heart warming family friendly "Flight of the Bumble Bee" manner! What were talking here is "Flight of the Killer Wasp" where the wasp thrashes to death, whatever gets in its path, injecting molten metal into its victim to finish the job. Ha ha ha!!
Lyrics are thought provoking as one can see in the following excerpts:
"The Crushing"
INSPIRATION: PSALM 110
The Lord said, sit at the right hand
And I'll make your enemy, defeated
The Lord is at your right hand
He will shatter the Kings
Judge among the nations
Filled with corpses
Crush
Lord at your side, destroy your enemies
"One Calling"
INSPIRATION: DEUTERONOMY 31:1-30
Assemble the people, assemble the men
Hear the reading of the law as it was meant
When Moses is gone, when Moses is dead
Abide by the law or suffer the consequence
"Innocent Blood"
INSPIRATION: MATTHEW 27:1-31
Early in the morning the plans were made
Beat him, bound him, and led him away
Forced to carry the cross the entire way
It'll be over soon, Crucified today!
"Judge Of The Earth"
INSPIRATION: GENESIS 6:1-11
Judge of the Earth
Time for re-birth
A natural disaster
Devised by the Master
Judge of the Earth
What is my life worth?
Evil hearts and evil minds
Deserve this fate
The flood leaves nothing behind
"Drive Out The Demons"
INSPIRATION: MATTHEW 12:15-33
With me, against me
Whoever doesn't gather, scatters
Slander, forgiven
On judgement day don't get cast away
Drive out the demons
By the spirit of God
Drive out the demons
Send them back to hell where they belong
INSPIRATION: PSALM 110
The Lord said, sit at the right hand
And I'll make your enemy, defeated
The Lord is at your right hand
He will shatter the Kings
Judge among the nations
Filled with corpses
Crush
Lord at your side, destroy your enemies
"One Calling"
INSPIRATION: DEUTERONOMY 31:1-30
Assemble the people, assemble the men
Hear the reading of the law as it was meant
When Moses is gone, when Moses is dead
Abide by the law or suffer the consequence
"Innocent Blood"
INSPIRATION: MATTHEW 27:1-31
Early in the morning the plans were made
Beat him, bound him, and led him away
Forced to carry the cross the entire way
It'll be over soon, Crucified today!
"Judge Of The Earth"
INSPIRATION: GENESIS 6:1-11
Judge of the Earth
Time for re-birth
A natural disaster
Devised by the Master
Judge of the Earth
What is my life worth?
Evil hearts and evil minds
Deserve this fate
The flood leaves nothing behind
"Drive Out The Demons"
INSPIRATION: MATTHEW 12:15-33
With me, against me
Whoever doesn't gather, scatters
Slander, forgiven
On judgement day don't get cast away
Drive out the demons
By the spirit of God
Drive out the demons
Send them back to hell where they belong
If you are looking for something off the beaten path and would love to add some Melodic Death Metal to your collection then take into consideration Dominus Meus' debut release 'DM1'. Dominus Meus is for fans of Metallica, Megadeth, & Ramstein. Get your copy of DM1 today and help support the band.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
John Evans - Lead Vocals & All Instruments
John Evans - Lead Vocals & All Instruments