THE RETURN OF BYZANTINE… SORT OF
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 10:30am by Vince NeilsteinLambgoat is reporting that West Virginia prog metallers Byzantine will be reforming for a series of 3 “farewell” shows in March 2010. The reunion comes more than two years after the sudden split that followed the release of their highly excellent album Oblivion Beckons, which earned #3 honors on my Top 10 list for 2008. Oblivion Beckons was a near-perfect record, a progressive American metal masterpiece; because the band broke up four days after the album was released they never had a chance to tour it and the record never got its due. Until now… sort of.
Vocalist/rhythm Guitar Chris “OJ” Ojeda had this to say about their upcoming reunion: “2 and 1/2 years ago we put a sudden and abrupt halt to our musical careers under the name Byzantine. It was a really anti-climactic way to go out. We know a lot of fans and friends alike felt cheated that we didn’t play any shows supporting our last album, ‘Oblivion Beckons.’ Now, we all feel like it’s time to give a little something back, all guns blazing. Unfortunately, we are unable to tour since we live scattered across 3 states, have children and full-time jobs, but we want to give our local fans something to remember us by.”
While this doesn’t seem like a full-fledged reunion, at least the band will be getting together to play a series of shows for their fans, all 3 in March of next year in their home state of West Virginia. Dates are listed after the jump, although tickets aren’t yet on sale. Here’s to hoping these shows lead to new Byzantine music, because I’ve a feeling they’ve got a lot left in the tank.
3/5 Charleston, WV @ The Sound Factory
3/6 Huntington, WV @ The V Club
3/7 Morgantown, WV @ 123 Pleasant Street
These guys should just do a reunion us tour…
Yeah I always said that it sucked big time that Byzantin split cause dudes would be as BIG OR BIGGER THAN MASTODON THIS DAY Ill check the vids on Tube when the concerts are done
HAHAHA sure
I’m from WV and know OJ and Skip, I must say that the Notorious BYZ put on one FUCK of a live show and I cant wait to see them again.
Hope they keep it going – they deserved to do well with the music they made. Real unsung heroes.
Hell yeah WV. I’ll try to make it to one of these shows.
holy shit Oblivion Beckon was a monster album. I would love to see them live, but I will settle for an EP or something of new shit, after they play their shows and remember how good they are.
I only have Oblivion Beckons, and I really love it. I am all for them making more music.
One of the best live bands I’ve seen – too bad I had to go to NEHMF to see it. Come to L.A. for one show just for me.
I live in Morgantown! I am shitting my pants!!!
I live in morgantown too! time to head out to 123 again. My band used to play with those guys all the time way before they were signed. Good times!
Prog metal and WV….not something I’d have connected myself, having lived there for 23 years. Hm. May have to check them out.
I Have some friends that know these guys really well. I live all the way down in Princeton, WV. Near Bluefield and Beckley to my other WV natives. Even though Charleston is closer to me, I may go to Huntington. Ive seen quite a few shows there, not to mention a shit load of awesome bands. JFAC, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, The Faceless. The Monkey Bar hosts some amazing show. Ive never listened to Byzantine before, but since they are so regarded Im going to have to see them while I can.
shit yes, I live near Charleston, I hope they get the itch to get back together full time after these shows
Hmmm, Karma to Burn last weekend in Huntington and now Byzantine. Will have to drag my old ass out to another show.
fuck yes
karma to burn now the byz
hopefuly this goes beyond 3 shows.
oblivion beckons is one of the best albums of 2008