Evans and Stokes is a female fronted Metal/Hard Rock band that saw its conception back in 2016. The band formed when John Evans(USA) placed an ad for a musician on a web songwriting message board where Jenny Stokes(New Zealand) responded and promptly came on board to complete the 2-piece band. One might recognize John Evans through his work with the heavier more extreme Metal bands 'Dominus Meus', and 'WASP-76b'.
Concerning the band's moniker, the band sheds some light: "I don’t think either of us was interested in taking time out from writing together (which we were loving) to think of a more meaningful name. It’s not a particularly cool name. It’s certainly not a Heavy Metal name. It’s just a no frills, we are what we are sort of name."
Concerning the band's moniker, the band sheds some light: "I don’t think either of us was interested in taking time out from writing together (which we were loving) to think of a more meaningful name. It’s not a particularly cool name. It’s certainly not a Heavy Metal name. It’s just a no frills, we are what we are sort of name."
Evans and Stokes have forged a strong partnership, Despite having never met face to face, which has resulted in the release of 4-studio albums. In 2017 The band released their debut full-length album titled 'Beyond The Gates', This release finds the band playing Gothic/Hard Rock with the lyrics telling a story of addiction to redemption. The album was well received by fans and received good reviews. In 2018 Evans And Stokes released their follow-up sophomore full-length album titled 'Valley Of The Kings' on an indie label. This recording finds the band moving away from its Gothic roots and entering into the Metal and Hard Rock scene. “Valley of the Kings tells the story of the rise, reign, and fall of the great Pharaoh Hatshepsut, including quotes from the ancient Book of the Dead (which Jenny describes as the weirdest read of her life)." In 2019 Evans and Stokes released their third full-length studio album titled 'Children Of God' on an indie label. With this release, the band continues in the Metal/Hard Rock direction. “Children of God is a strong collection of songs, covering historical events like The Crusades and the creation of the atomic bomb, but also delves into more personal topics like depression, addiction, temptation, and the Christian faith." The album was well received by fans and received great reviews.
Both John and Jenny not only have a passion for creating music but love to listen to other bands as well. Some bands that have influenced Jenny over the years include Virgin Black, Megadeth(Dave Mustaine), and Paramæcium. Some bands that have influenced John include Metallica, Megadeth, Overkill, Demon Hunter, Dream Theater, Rob Zombie, NIN, and Arch Enemy.
In 2020 Evans and Stokes released their 4th full-length studio album titled 'Diary Of The Damned' on an indie label. 'Diary Of The Damned' is a good follow-up to the band's 2019 'Children Of God' release. With this being an independent album, all production is handled in house. Production begins with Both John and Jenny recording their parts in their own studios. After, Jenny records her vocals, Keyboards, & Piano work in New Zealand, it is then sent to John in Pennsylvania. John then takes and combines both his and her parts mixing & mastering them in his own personal studio.
The band's latest release 'Diary Of The Damned' features a wide spectrum of genres including Modern Thrash, Doom, Progressive, Symphonic, and even Goth touches within their arrangements. This album finds the band getting aggressive throughout the recording yet there is a balance within there music which also shows a softer side. The band does a good job of incorporating Modern touches without alienating the traditional Metal fan. Yes, with this release, Evans and Stokes have offered up a little something for everyone while taking Metal into the 21st century and into uncharted waters.
However, the question at hand is, has the band improved having now produced four albums? With 'Diary Of The dammed' Evans and Stokes quickly show the listener a more matured band with crisp stronger-sounding production. From track to track one will find heavier punishing drum lines and bone crushing riffs along with stronger than ever vocals and hooks. It's easy to see that this is a band that strives to get better and better with each release. So, without question, I would say that this is the band's strongest offering to date!
The band's latest release 'Diary Of The Damned' features a wide spectrum of genres including Modern Thrash, Doom, Progressive, Symphonic, and even Goth touches within their arrangements. This album finds the band getting aggressive throughout the recording yet there is a balance within there music which also shows a softer side. The band does a good job of incorporating Modern touches without alienating the traditional Metal fan. Yes, with this release, Evans and Stokes have offered up a little something for everyone while taking Metal into the 21st century and into uncharted waters.
However, the question at hand is, has the band improved having now produced four albums? With 'Diary Of The dammed' Evans and Stokes quickly show the listener a more matured band with crisp stronger-sounding production. From track to track one will find heavier punishing drum lines and bone crushing riffs along with stronger than ever vocals and hooks. It's easy to see that this is a band that strives to get better and better with each release. So, without question, I would say that this is the band's strongest offering to date!
Evans and Stokes should be commended for the album's cover art which is striking to say the lease. In the following, the band explains the meaning and inspiration behind the album's art: "The cover simply represents impending doom with a single person in the middle shielded from everything. It seemed to fit very well with the messages being delivered in the songs. Our purpose in the design was to reflect the title of the album, "Diary of the Damned." There is a song on the album called "Eternal Punishment" that looks at the Book of Revelations, chapters 20-22. To me, the artwork is a visual representation of this song. If you look at the lyrics to the song you will see that I refer to the millions of unfaithful who will march to surround the blessed, but the blessed will be shielded while fire rains down upon the cursed. That is Revelations 7-19."
Lead vocalist-Jenny Stokes unique vocal style draws comparison to world renown 2-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame winner Stevie Nicks(Fleetwood Mac). Jenny does a good job from behind the mic and at times even lets a little European flare come out adding more intrigue to the arrangements. Jenny garners some additional support from John Evans who handles the backing vocals for the band.
Guitarist-John Evans delivers the Metal goods for the band delivering everything from 90's fret boarding to Modern Thrash sounding riffs to mysterious Doom play and rounding things out with some acoustic guitars.
"Returning to a loose concept, the album takes the listener on a journey through the peaks
and valleys of human existence from a Christian perspective, starting in the post-apocalyptic wastelands"
Lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
and valleys of human existence from a Christian perspective, starting in the post-apocalyptic wastelands"
Lyrics are thought provoking and Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:
(All Lyrics Written by Jenny Stokes)
"Mortal Agony"
The Lord said
Stand at the crossroads and look
Ask for the ancient path
Ask where the good way is
And walk in it
And you will find rest
Jeremiah 6:16
"Man, Beast, and Creeping Things"
Man, beast, and creeping things
By the grace of
Man, beast, and creeping things
The grace of God
Banished all from Eden
Embraced by the rising flood
Justice swift but righteous {I'm drowning}
Cast down by the Holy One {drowning}
Cast down by the Holy One
"The Sorrow"
Make yourself an ark
For the earth is filled with violence
Because of man
So make yourself an ark
I made you whole, a reflection of Me
You gave Me lies, {oh, so many lies}
Evil and deceit
Oh the sorrow, oh regret
Oh the sorrow
"Eternal Punishment"
A great white throne
The Book of Life
To judge the dead
Whether wrong or right
The lake of fire
Will swallow whole
Every withered soul found
Dead to the Lord
"Army Of The Dead"
I will put my Spirit in you
I will breath so you can live
I will place my hand upon you
You will walk in grace
"Dawn Ascending"
Faith is a choice
Morning through night
There's hope
In your word
And peace in your light
Rise to the faith
Surrender to the Son
Walk with The Almighty
And look for the dawn
Ascending
"A Child Of Light"
A world of disaffected
Political correctness
Call it what it is! I'm sad to say it's a love of hearts and clicks
We're selfish and demanding
Forget about the cost to humanity
Pollute our quiet temple
With the spawn of growing enmity
Where there is hurt, let these hands heal
And where evil lurks, let Your flame consume
Where despair is at home, let me bring hope
And where darkness grows, be a Child of Light
"Deep Calls To Deep"
In the day, YOu are with me
In the night, YOur song is my comfort
I pray to You
Oh God of my life
Deep calls to deep
I need You Lord...
"Mortal Agony"
The Lord said
Stand at the crossroads and look
Ask for the ancient path
Ask where the good way is
And walk in it
And you will find rest
Jeremiah 6:16
"Man, Beast, and Creeping Things"
Man, beast, and creeping things
By the grace of
Man, beast, and creeping things
The grace of God
Banished all from Eden
Embraced by the rising flood
Justice swift but righteous {I'm drowning}
Cast down by the Holy One {drowning}
Cast down by the Holy One
"The Sorrow"
Make yourself an ark
For the earth is filled with violence
Because of man
So make yourself an ark
I made you whole, a reflection of Me
You gave Me lies, {oh, so many lies}
Evil and deceit
Oh the sorrow, oh regret
Oh the sorrow
"Eternal Punishment"
A great white throne
The Book of Life
To judge the dead
Whether wrong or right
The lake of fire
Will swallow whole
Every withered soul found
Dead to the Lord
"Army Of The Dead"
I will put my Spirit in you
I will breath so you can live
I will place my hand upon you
You will walk in grace
"Dawn Ascending"
Faith is a choice
Morning through night
There's hope
In your word
And peace in your light
Rise to the faith
Surrender to the Son
Walk with The Almighty
And look for the dawn
Ascending
"A Child Of Light"
A world of disaffected
Political correctness
Call it what it is! I'm sad to say it's a love of hearts and clicks
We're selfish and demanding
Forget about the cost to humanity
Pollute our quiet temple
With the spawn of growing enmity
Where there is hurt, let these hands heal
And where evil lurks, let Your flame consume
Where despair is at home, let me bring hope
And where darkness grows, be a Child of Light
"Deep Calls To Deep"
In the day, YOu are with me
In the night, YOur song is my comfort
I pray to You
Oh God of my life
Deep calls to deep
I need You Lord...
Evans And Stokes has delivered up a solid offering with their latest 2020 release. If you are looking for something new and off the beaten path then check out what this international band brings to the table. Help support the band and Metal music by getting your copy of 'Diary Of The Damned' today! Also, check out the interview that I had with the band.
'Diary of the Damned' releases digitally on December 24th with pre-orders for physical CDs open on Monday, December 14th. The pre-order package is an exclusive pre-release package with lots of extras and limited quantity. Details are on the band's website: www.evansandstokes.com
Purchases can be made at the following link:
Musicians:
Jenny Stokes - Lead Vocals, Keyboards, & Piano
John Evans - Guitars, Bass, Programmed Drums, Backing Vocals, & Keyboards
Jenny Stokes - Lead Vocals, Keyboards, & Piano
John Evans - Guitars, Bass, Programmed Drums, Backing Vocals, & Keyboards