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HEY, FELLOW BYZANTINE FANS! CHECK OUT EX-GUITARIST TONY ROHRBOUGH’S NEW ALBUM

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Tony Rohrbough

As far as I’m aware, MetalSucks is the only opinion-based site (read: site that doesn’t copy and paste every press release in any way related to metal) to give a flying about Byzantine in 2011. They haven’t made a record since 2008’s Oblivion Beckons, but oh lawdee, what a record that was! It was the perfect synthesis of brutality and beauty, crushing power and carefully sculpted melody, and good Jebus, the songs! The songs were top notch. I still spin Oblivion Beckons whenever the mood strikes and I’m instantly taken to that place where FUCK YEAH, life rules!

Byzantine broke up mere days after Oblivion Beckons was released which is no doubt why it never really got its due. The band got back together for some local reunion shows in 2009 before lead guitarist Tony Rohrbough announced his departure in 2010. The remaining three members have pledged to carry on the Byzantine name and record a new album.

Meanwhile, Rohrbough has been busy doing his own thing.

Thanks to MS reader Ryan P. for alerting us to the fact that Rohrbough’s new instrumental album The Work is now available for purchase here, with a number of songs available for free streaming here. What I’m hearing is really, really good; it definitely sounds like the dude from Byzantine, because, well, it is. It’s a touch more technical than Byzantine, but it’s got the same general harmonic qualities. And it fucking rips. Highly recommend for any Byznatine fans in the MetalSucks readership, or any fans of good instrumental metal in general.

With regards to a new Byzantine album, tipster Ryan P. — who grew up in the same town as some of the band members — offers the following: “…last time I spoke to OJ, he was getting back to work on his cover album, as well as the new Byzantine material.” Something else to look forward to.

-VN

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