Michael Kreger
Battlecross - United States
Overview
A sonic thrash and death metal assault that leaves audiences pumped with adrenaline, Detroit’s BATTLECROSS have come a long way since their recent signing with Metal Blade Records in May 2011 and the release of their debut Pursuit of Honor in August 2011. Since its release, the single “Push Pull Destroy” was the #1 Most Requested Metal Track for five weeks (Sirius Liquid Metal Devil’s Dozen List), remains a staple on the Liquid Metal channel, and the track’s official video has racked up more than 1 million YouTube views in just over a year. BATTLECROSS has received killer reviews across the internet and in print publications throughout North America and overseas, was named Band of the Month in Metal Hammer Norway and Metal Hammer Spain, and should be no surprise that this blue collar, hard-work ethic that comes from the band’s five musicians – Kyle “Gumby” Gunther/vocals, Tony Asta/guitar, Hiran Deraniyagala/guitar, Mike Kreger/drums, Don Slater/bass – translates into a potent force on record as well as on stage. BATTLECROSS inspires the tech-metal guru and the old-school die hard alike. Together the five-piece create a memorable blend of melody, abrasive aggression, and blunt brutality.The first incarnation of the band was originally formed by Tony Asta and Hiran Deraniyagala in 2003 and was later named BATTLECROSS in 2004. However, the true formation of BATTLECROSS was born during a drum audition in the spring of 2007 in Redford, Michigan. Michael Kreger’s drumming added the intensity the band previously lacked, opened the opportunity for growth, and proved to be just the right match for Tony and Hiran’s ever-evolving writing style. Playing the occasional local show, supporting the scene, and growing as a band since the reformation, the addition of a career altering manager in early 2008 shed light the band’s future goals of going beyond the local bars. Bringing a whole new level of musicianship with his quick finger picking and tasteful bass solos, Don Slater joined the group in the fall of 2008 with a skill and technique that impresses even the most prolific bassists. Then finally in 2010, known for his command of the stage and alternating deep growls with high pitched screams, the band was at last complete when popular Michigan vocalist, Kyle “Gumby” Gunther, earned his roll as the frontman of BATTLECROSS.
Their reputation for technical talent, humility, and kick ass live shows resonates throughout the national metal scene. BATTLECROSS has shared the stage with the likes of Killswitch Engage, Fiver Finger Death Punch, Trivium, God Forbid, As I Lay Dying, Six Feet Under, Dying Fetus, Origin, Aborted, Gwar, Devil Driver, The Absence, Cattle Decapitation, Vital Remains, The Faceless, Rose Funeral, and Metal Fests throughout the country and has been featured on local, national, satellite, and internet radio stations all over the world.
The band’s Metal Blade debut “Pursuit of Honor” was released on August 2nd, 2011 and was recorded, mixed, and mastered from 2009 to 2011 by Josh Schroeder at Random Awesome Recording Studio in Bay City, MI. “Pursuit of Honor” was also produced by BATTLECROSS and Josh Schroeder.
Links
www.Battlecross.comEquipment Configuration
Vision VB- Jet Black w/ Black hardware20x18- bass drum (x2)
8x7- rack tom
10x8- rack tom
12x9- rack tom
14x14- floor tom
13x6.5 Joey Jordison Signature snare
Videos
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Battlecross- Kaleb - VideoBattlecross's official video for the song, "Kaleb"