Rites of Ash

This Sunday will mark yet another annual Washington Area Music Association awards celebration, known as the Wammies, that will be held in Falls Church’s historic State Theatre. It will mark the 18th annual show at the State, out of the 28 annual Wammies Awards shows dating to the 1980s. This year’s show begins at 8 p.m.

The City of Falls Church Office of Economic Development is once again a major sponsor of the event, which along with the Tinner Hill Blues Festival in June is one of the major regional musical events held in the City of Falls Church each year. A number of Falls Church performers and supporters are nominees this year, as well.

The band “Rites of Ash” is Falls Church home grown, nominated in the Electronica category, and their tune, “Kept Me Up All Night” is nominated in the Electronica best song category. The band’s local boy Lazzo is nominated for Producer of the Year. The Falls Church-based Cue Recording is nominated for best studio, and long-time City resident Mary Cliff is once again nominated for best supporter of the D.C. regional music scene.

Live performers set to play at this year’s Wammies show include Black Alley, Black Masala, Bumper Jacksons, Jumpin’ Jupiter, Mary Alouette, Nappy Riddem, Rosa Lamoreaux and Vegas with Randolph. The pit band will be Dave Chappell and Friends and the band for the VIP pre-reception to be held at Argia’s restaurant from 6:30 p.m. will be Daisy Castro and Gypsy Moth. There will also be an after party at the State.

For 28 years, the members of the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) have shined the spotlight on local musicians, music business professionals, and music organizations who have achieved significant accomplishments within their field.

The WAMA Hall of Fame inductee this year is the 1960’s girl soul group The Jewels. Special Recognition awards will be given to the Dismemberment Plan and Anwan “Big G” Glover. A Special Achievement award goes to Olivia Records.

Wammie Awards will be given in the following categories: A Capella, Big Band/Swing, Bluegrass, Blues/Traditional R&B, Children’s Music, Choral, Classical, Country, Electronica, Folk – Contemporary, Folk – Traditional, Go Go, Gospel/Inspirational, Jazz, Latin, Rap/Hip Hop, Reggae, Modern Rock, Pop Rock, Roots Rock, Urban Contemporary, and World Music. Awards will also be given for Musician of the Year, Artist of the year, New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and more. The Songwriter of the Year award is co-sponsored by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington.

WAMA officials extended thanks their sponsors for their support, including Broadcast Music, Inc., The State Theatre and the City of Falls Church.

The WAMA is a nonprofit organization made up of industry professionals. WAMA’s main goad is to promote Washington area music and to achieve national recognition of the region as an important center for live and recorded music.

Tickets to Sunday’s show are $35 for the general public, $20 for WAMA Members, and $15 for nominees. - Falls Church News Press

Rites of Ash will be performing at the Dew Tour on Saturday, August 18th! Band Members: 80-two (vocals), Lazzo (guitars, keyboards, programming/sequencing), Tevey (drums), Toni (vocals), and Tuomas (keyboards)

1. How did you decide on your name? Is there a meaning behind it?

A college friend of Lazzo’s was a Religious Studies major, he came up with the name. We can’t quite remember the exact meaning behind it, but it sounded cool, so we went with it.

2. How did you get started performing?

The band was founded by Lazzo (guitar, keyboards, programming) and Alex (vocals) in 2006. Lazzo had just graduated college and was looking to start a group back home in the DC-area. He posted an ad on Myspace and Alex answered. The two have been together ever since.

3. What’s the best thing about being a musician? What’s the worst?

The best thing about being a musician is making that special connection with your audience. We know it sounds cliche, but it really is the energy between the musician and listener – there is nothing like it in the world. The worst thing about being a musician is definitely the long hard fight to success. Success doesn’t happen overnight and it requires an extreme amount of time, skill, practice, and perseverance. We are in it to win it, and loving every minute.

4. What was your “big break”?

There are several moments for the band that consistute “big breaks;” they are milestones if you will. First is the day that Lazzo (guitar, keyboards, programming) and Alex (vocals) met. The band was thus formed and took off. The second was the day we met our manager Billy at a DC101 showcase show. He loved our performance and offered to manage us – the doors opened us up to the next level. The third was when the band added Toni (vocals) to the group – she was the final piece of the puzzle.

5. Have you ever been to Ocean City, MD?

Some members have been to Ocean City before, others have not. We are all very excited though! The plan is to get a nice hotel suite and host a weekend-long party in addition to taking Nicole from OC Shore Magazine up on her offer for an awesome bar crawl! [It's going to be a blast guys, we can't wait! -Nicole & Jeremy, Ocean City Happy Hours]

6. Who are your influences?

Our influences are very diverse, they include: Lady Gaga, Linkin Park, Marilyn Manson, Billy Joel, Nightwish, RedOne, Skrillex, etc.

7. How did you get picked to be an act at The Dew Tour?

We were lucky enough to have an amazing manager who made the right connections. Billy Zero we love you!

8. If you could write a song with one artist, who would it be?

That is such a hard question to answer, there are so many and they are each great in their respective ways. We will abstain from answering this one

9. What’s the most interesting thing that’s happened at a show?

It’s hard to narrow this down. Our shows are known to be super high-energy. Our singers, Alex and Toni, use wireless mics and love going out into the crowd to sing. One time they left the stage and proceeded down to the floor, walking through the audience and getting everyone pumped up. Alex walked over to the bar area and ordered a drink all while singing his lines! Soon after rejoining the band on stage, Alex was walking around and slipped on some water that spilled on the stage (we sometimes throw water at each other). He took a tumble and landed on his back but never missed a beat – he kept singing the whole time! This was an amazing moment in professionalism! We will never forget that night!

10. What’s your favorite song you’ll be performing at the Dew Tour? What’s the meaning behind it?

Our favorite song that we will be performing at the Dew Tour is our title track, She’s Out For Blood, it is a great summation our current style/sound. It also has a great beat, harmony vocals, a filthy dubstep breakdown, a guitar solo – it simply rocks! - OC Shore Magazine

Toni Fisher, who joined local electro-rock band Rites of Ash about a year ago, joked about the "boys club" that it was then, and admitted that she had reservations about joining a hard-rocking act. Her experience was as a pop and R&B singer, and she didn't know how to sing metal. But Rites of Ash didn't want her to.

Rites of Ash began when guitarist and keyboard player Ken Lasso was a student at Christopher Newport University, with a few friends fusing electronic and acoustic elements in their music. When he returned to the Washington, D.C. area, where he is originally from, he sought out like-minded musicians. He met lead vocalist Alex Like through an online ad about seven years ago, and the two have since been unified in their idea of how the band should sound. Finding others who shared their particular vision proved a challenge, though; the band has seen a revolving cast of musicians since its inception.

"They had very different artistic visions than what Ken and I had," Like said. "I think that's what kept Ken and I together, the fact that we were always kind of in tune with what we wanted to do."

It's a moving target, though. They started with a harder, more industrial sound which has evolved over time as the band attempted and settled into a more radio-friendly style – "more palatable, more poppy," Lasso said; "definitely way more polished," Like added. Fisher's vocals, they say, contributed to that shift.

"She was very tempering to what we were doing before," Like said. "I feel like we finally found four other people that click with what Ken and I are trying to do musically." They round out their order with Stephen Rowley on drums, Tuomas Easton on keyboards, and a bassist who joins the group for live shows.

The end result is an electronic rock outfit with catchy beats and singable lyrics, one that can pull off a dubstep breakdown (like in the single to its latest EP of the same name, "She's Out for Blood"), and also embrace the vocal harmonies in Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" to record an amped-up version all their own.

Audiences can see Rites of Ash, fresh off of an appearance on the Dew Tour in Ocean City, Maryland last weekend, at Jammin' Java Sept. 4, and hear how the vocals of Like and Fisher are woven together for the kinds of complex harmonies on stage that machines just couldn't duplicate. They'll also see the debut of new video material shot by Falls Church photographer and videographer Ben Powell in a multimedia performance Lasso praises as a "scaled-back" version of an arena concert. A synchronized lights show and the styling and choreography talents of Avisa Shandel are included in a stage show that Lasso says is only limited by space.

"If somebody's coming to a small club that can only fit 200 people, we're going to bring them a world-class show," Lasso said.

Though the band is not signed by a record label, they still release music and craft their grand stage shows with what resources they have. They look to the Internet for guidance in actualizing their ideas and duplicating aspects of other concerts they like, and tap into their "day-job" know-how and paychecks (City of Falls Church residents might recognize Lasso as a public policy analyst for Public Utilities) to augment their passion for making music.

"Every one of us knows that music is what we're supposed to do," Fisher said. "We know it doesn't matter really how long it takes, we know we're going to be heard."

• For more information about Rites of Ash, visit ritesofash.com.

Read more at FCNP.com: http://www.fcnp.com/arts/12426-press-pass-rites-of-ash.html#ixzz259dunqTB - Falls Church News Press

Tonight’s HFS Locals Only Spotlight artist is Rites Of Ash, which is the result of the following equation: electropop + hard rock + D.C. roots + L.A. attitude.

Hmm. Don’t like math? How about this description, then: take the technical complexity of Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park, and maybe Skrillex…then add the bold self-confidence of Lady Gaga.

Still too much for you to wrap your head around? How about taking Shiny Toy Guns and giving them an unhealthy dose of stimulants?

Whatever works for you. Our point is that they are intense, they are simultaneously like and unlike electronic rock bands that know how to shake you up, and they’re something you should check out, which you can do at any given moment by hitting up their website…or at a live show sometime, since they do a lot of those, too.

If you’ve got a local band you’d like us to feature on the HFS Locals Only Spotlight weeknights at 9 PM, here’s how to get your stuff to us.

Read more: HFS Locals Only Spotlight: Rites Of Ash http://whfs.radio.com/2012/08/29/hfs-locals-only-spotlight-rites-of-ash/#ixzz259dbanCg - WHFS 97.5 (Internet/Radio)

Rites of Ash and their new album, Like Venom, have been nominated for two Wammy Awards from WAMA (Washington Area Music Association): Modern Rock Group and Modern Rock Recording.

http://wamadc.com/wama/wammies/wnoms25.htm - WAMA

The press release that came with Like Venom said something like "listen to this- you'll be pleasantly surprised".

I agree I was pleasantly surprised. I was under the impression this was Rites Of Ash first album, without a doubt in my mind, but then I went to find their Website and was surprised that they have made more than just this one album. Now that was a surprise, I had listened with a debut in my mind and was flabbergasted, after discovering a back catalog that changed. Not that I do not like the album anymore, I do but I started listening with a different ear.

Here I now had found myself a band with more works to their name. The title of the album is a real good one in this case because the music is nearly 'venomous', as it takes hold of your ears and never lets it go. 11 catchy songs with a nasty guitar and heavy rhythms . This will really hold you, the music is heavy & melodic, think Snow Patrol, Train, and bands like that. The resemblance to 3 doors down and the likes is stunning, but they do for the most part have their own sound. I just cannot believe I had never heard of Rites Of Ash before.

A great future lies ahead for this band with this kind of catchy AOR music. - Sea of Tranquility Magazine

(Crítica por Lucas Gordon, Septiembre 2010)

Una ‘yunta’ de sonidos conforman este album titulado “Like Venom” del combo conocido como Rites on Ash, de Washington, DC.

Esto viene a que el grupo propone básicamente un NU metal, pero dentro de la columna vertebral que este material se orienta, encontraremos una gama diversa de estilos y sonidos.

Por un lado cabe destacar que sus influencias, según encuentro en la Internet, van desde Disturbed hasta Lady Gaga.

Tal vez continuando con las ultimas dos palabras del párrafo anterior, como algo novedoso pero al mismo tiempo no tan aceptado para mis oídos es el uso de efectos en la voz como si sonara a robot; como los que se usan actualmente en la movida pop dance. Tal es en el caso del tema “Toxic (her lips are like venom)” y en otras canciones como “Three” y mas...

Más allá de este aspecto, vocalmente RoA suena extensamente melódico. Aunque a veces y cambiando 180 grados de dirección se pueden apreciar algunos gritos desgarrantes tipo black metal como sucede en “Burn”. Mientras que su vocalista conocido como 80-Two (puede que su nombre de pila sea Eric), en algunos pasajes se manda unos falsetes tipo el cantante de The Darkness, que quedan dentro de todo bastante bien.

La mayoría de las piezas musicales son de relativa alta velocidad en cuanto a sus bases, mientras que las guitarras no llegan a ser extremas y dan espacio a los solos.

Creo que contradictoriamente lo mejor es lo peor a mi gusto, dado que el uso de efectos en las voces, tipo Black Eye Peas, es algo aun no muy usado en los estilos metaleros, y lo considero excelente desde un punto comercial, pero ya por si no me gusta este efecto en los artistas pop, asi que no es algo que me vuele la cabeza. De todas maneras, animo a los amantes de lo moderno a apreciar este novedoso método de expresión, puede que a ustedes sí les guste. - Mundo Rock

1) Well congrats on your third release "Like Venom" on Feedback Records, I'm new to the band and quite honestly cannot stop listening to the new album, WOW! So far. How has the overall response from fans and media been with "Like Venom"?

I am really happy to hear you like the album! The overall response for “Like Venom” has been huge. Almost everyone that has listened to it seems to dig it; there is really something for everybody on the record. Many people like various types of music and we think that we are putting material out there that really tap into that. There are so many bands that are stuck with one sound and one method of songwriting. We outright reject that way of thinking and aim to bring something new with every track.

2) Being a new fan (thanks to the man behind the great promotion Dustin Hardman) I have to admit I have some bands that blend different styles but I honestly feel Rites Of Ash has nailed it perfectly. There's some metal, pop, even dance at moments, thrash, death...you do it all and do it well, can you tell us the writing process of a Rites Of Ash song/album, is the blending of styles and it's quirkiness intentional or do the song parts flow naturally?

Every song has a feeling all its own, but with that signature Rites of Ash sound that ties it all together. We just write whatever we are feeling at the moment; it might be a bluesy riff, dub beat, or even a thrashing guitar lick. We work on each little part until it turns into the final product. There some occasions when the final product isn’t up to our standards musically, so we just shelve that idea for possible use in the future. It’s hard to say how the songs really end up sounding the way they do…that’s just the Rites of Ash magic at work.

3) What are the bands influences now and what inspired you growing up?

Growing up we had some many different artists inspire us to get into music. For me personally it was David Bowie, Billy Joel, Boston, and Metallica. As I progressed through college, I found industrial artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Godhead, and Marilyn Manson; they really inspired me to experiment with my music and try to be original and innovative. At the moment, whatever I hear inspires me, it really all depends on my mood. One minute I will be inspired by Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed, and the next I will be by Lily Allen and Katie Perry.


4) If you had to give Rites Of Ash a genre what would that be? What section in a record store would YOU want to be found?

Excellent question. I would think it only appropriate to have own our “Rites of Ash” section. To me that would be perfect since I really feel that we do not fit in just one genre.


5) Tell us the story or reason behind the album you participated in against drunk driving, was this a personal reasoning?

We were approached by the organization through a mutual contact at a music magazine. They asked us if we would be interested in helping out with this very worthy cause, so we said “absolutely.” We feel that drunk driving awareness is a very serious issue because it definitely affects everyone.


6) What can we expect musically going forward from Rites Of Ash?

The sky is the limit with this band. Expect the unexpected – you will not be disappointed.


7) How extensive of a tour is planned to support the new album "Like Venom"?

We are working on a big tour right now. Talks of an East Coast and European tour are in the works for late 2010/early 2011.


8) What can fans who have not seen Rites Of Ash expect the experience of a live show to be like?

The live show is insane. We have synchronized videos that play in time with our music projected on mannequins with flat-panel monitors for heads, multi-tiered monitor trees, huge digital projectors and more. Our singer 80-two designed this pre-programmed light show that has to be seen to believed. This is the type of show one would see a major label band put on. The energy on stage is crazy too; everyone is jumping around and just giving 100% from start to finish.


9) Any plans of a live album or dvd, or even a combo live cd/dvd? I would love that personally.

We filmed our CD Release show with Charlie Anderson of Stratatek Studios, he did our “Burn” music video. We are putting that on DVD and toying with the idea of Blu-ray (if costs permit). That will be released late 2010.

10) What band or bands would you love to tour with, in other words what would be the ultimate tour of bands for Rites Of Ash?

We would love to tour with Ramstein, Marilyn Manson, Avenged Sevenfold, or Nine Inch Nails. Those bands would really work well with us because we all believe in pushing boundaries with both our music and live performance.

11) Thank you so much for the opportunity for this interview, I see huge things ahead for you! take this time to say anything you want to the fans or anyone!

It was my pleasure, thank you for the interview! We - Pulse Records

Hailing from Washington D.C. Rites of Ash might be a name that has slipped past you, but with three albums under their belt and numerous MTV shows featuring the bands music, you’d think they would have a record label crawling all over them, but sadly they seem to be a victim of today’s music biz where talent is overshadowed by the "now" factor. Trends come and go and year after year good music and bands are being swept aside for 15 minute wonders. Andy Warhol may have said everyone will have their fifteen minutes of fame, but really do some of them deserve it, when hard working bands like Rites of Ash and many others like them are forced into the underground scene. Yes metal has never been trendy, but would we really want it to be? while in the same breath, it deserves respect.

Well that's was my rant for the year over with, now back to the album. ‘Like Venom’ is an apt title as this album sure has a bite that may be poison to some but is blood to others.

The album is modern rock and metal of the highest calibre. It's heavy, it's melodic and it's gonna sweep you off your feet with its power and eclectic mix of styles. From the likes of Linkin Park, the punkyness of Zebrahead, the popyness of Billy Joel on acid, the skater rock of Blink 182 and the style of Mall favourites, UK’s Dear Superstar ... and much more! I told you eclectic in the most extreme meaning of the word.

Things get underway with ‘Only Human’, a real powerhouse opener with vocalist 80-two leading the way, while the multifaceted Lazzo lays down the fiery guitars, as well as keyboards and programming, all the while the backbone of the band the rhythm section of Lumer and Berry power out the drums and bass respectively.

The skater punk vibe is carried on with the fantastic rocking ‘Redemption’, as 80-two adds a little voice box distortion to proceedings, while Lumer and Berry carry the beat and Lazzo delivers a monster guitar worthy of any top notch rocker.

Things take a little bit of a side step as the band delivers the very commercial rocker ‘Toxic’. If this was released as the single I’m sure the labels would come knocking on the bands door.

It's time for another twist as the band bring the heat big style with ‘Burn’, the heaviest track of the album so far, more metal than skater punk, containing big licks, growls and grunts, a metalheads wet dream.

The band put a spin on electro pop metal with the excellent ‘Deathside of Hollywood', one of my favourite tracks off the album. Very much in the Veins of Jenna mode. Then it's back to the pop metal side with ‘Three’, again with Lumer delivering the goods on the guitar, with 80-two equal to the task with a HIM styled vocal.

The heavier side of the band is once again touched on with ‘The Sleeper’, a modern rocker that again would go down a storm with today’s young rock fans, as well as a few of us oldies!

Speaking of the youth of today, they would love the funky metal vibe of ‘Dis’, it's Manson meets Papa Roach vibe will have them rocking the mosh pits for sure.

The band bring the metal big style with the monster ‘Breathless’, before really pushing the boundaries of skater rock with the excellent ‘Weight Of My World’, before the album closer and all out track of the album ‘Hand Grenade Heart’, talk about leaving the best till last.

Hold on there is another track, it’s the bonus track the radio edit of the opener ‘Only Human’, which rounds off a great and diverse album that has enough swings and roundabouts to appeal to rockers old and new. A band with a big future. - Mayfair Mall Zine

Hailing from Washington D.C. Rites of Ash might be a name that has slipped past you, but with three albums under their belt and numerous MTV shows featuring the bands music, you’d think they would have a record label crawling all over them, but sadly they seem to be a victim of today’s music biz where talent is overshadowed by the "now" factor. Trends come and go and year after year good music and bands are being swept aside for 15 minute wonders. Andy Warhol may have said everyone will have their fifteen minutes of fame, but really do some of them deserve it, when hard working bands like Rites of Ash and many others like them are forced into the underground scene. Yes metal has never been trendy, but would we really want it to be? while in the same breath, it deserves respect.

Well that's was my rant for the year over with, now back to the album. ‘Like Venom’ is an apt title as this album sure has a bite that may be poison to some but is blood to others.

The album is modern rock and metal of the highest calibre. It's heavy, it's melodic and it's gonna sweep you off your feet with its power and eclectic mix of styles. From the likes of Linkin Park, the punkyness of Zebrahead, the popyness of Billy Joel on acid, the skater rock of Blink 182 and the style of Mall favourites, UK’s Dear Superstar ... and much more! I told you eclectic in the most extreme meaning of the word.

Things get underway with ‘Only Human’, a real powerhouse opener with vocalist 80-two leading the way, while the multifaceted Lazzo lays down the fiery guitars, as well as keyboards and programming, all the while the backbone of the band the rhythm section of Lumer and Berry power out the drums and bass respectively.

The skater punk vibe is carried on with the fantastic rocking ‘Redemption’, as 80-two adds a little voice box distortion to proceedings, while Lumer and Berry carry the beat and Lazzo delivers a monster guitar worthy of any top notch rocker.

Things take a little bit of a side step as the band delivers the very commercial rocker ‘Toxic’. If this was released as the single I’m sure the labels would come knocking on the bands door.

It's time for another twist as the band bring the heat big style with ‘Burn’, the heaviest track of the album so far, more metal than skater punk, containing big licks, growls and grunts, a metalheads wet dream.

The band put a spin on electro pop metal with the excellent ‘Deathside of Hollywood', one of my favourite tracks off the album. Very much in the Veins of Jenna mode. Then it's back to the pop metal side with ‘Three’, again with Lumer delivering the goods on the guitar, with 80-two equal to the task with a HIM styled vocal.

The heavier side of the band is once again touched on with ‘The Sleeper’, a modern rocker that again would go down a storm with today’s young rock fans, as well as a few of us oldies!

Speaking of the youth of today, they would love the funky metal vibe of ‘Dis’, it's Manson meets Papa Roach vibe will have them rocking the mosh pits for sure.

The band bring the metal big style with the monster ‘Breathless’, before really pushing the boundaries of skater rock with the excellent ‘Weight Of My World’, before the album closer and all out track of the album ‘Hand Grenade Heart’, talk about leaving the best till last.

Hold on there is another track, it’s the bonus track the radio edit of the opener ‘Only Human’, which rounds off a great and diverse album that has enough swings and roundabouts to appeal to rockers old and new. A band with a big future. - Mayfair Mall Zine

I was asked by a good friend of the sites to give this record a listen and if it made the cut to give it a review. Well I knew it would make the cut simply because this friend is rarely wrong when it comes to music. What was most unexpected from me was our friend has stepped out of his comfort zone and sent us a band that blends Nu-Metal with Glam Metal. Glam Metal with Black Metal. Black Metal with Keyboards, and so on.

This band: Rites of Ash takes a daring stab at their second album with “Like Venom.” The styles of 80-Two (vocals), Lazzo (guitar and keyboards), Lumer (drums), and Berry (bass) ring through on the entire album as they list influences from Disturbed to Lady Gaga.

Check out the details after the warp:

I would like to say that the album has one major theme, but I would be lying so lets just take it a couple of tracks at a time. “Only Human” and “Hand Gernade” both have great guitar work, a very down to earth nu-metal sound that most would compare to Disturbed and a very classic eerie opening that catches your ears. They are great ways to open and close the album. In fact most songs have some sort of pre-recorded opening, very different.

“Redemption” is a song that very much stands on its own. The beginning has some echo distorted vocals, but when the beat kicks in 80-Two out does himself with some monster vocal range. He hits notes that most people don’t even know exist.

“Toxic”, “Three Leaf Clover”, and “Weight of my World” are very good fits for the album and helps break up the hard beats. They are much lower key songs, but all have a harder driven chorus to give the songs some bite.

“Burn” is where the album takes a massive left turn into strange land. The song begins with a Death Metal Scream and proceeds into normal vocals, but with some Black Metal beats. As you listen to the entire album though its not such a strange turn because the tune “Breathless” employs the same tactics quite well.

“Dead Side of Hollywood.” I have no idea how to describe this, but it could have easily been a feature on Motley Crue’s Generation Swine. Hard Rock/Metal with some Nu-Metal Influence. Crazy!

The final two “The Sleeper” and “Disaffected” are certainly the pair of my favorites. They both have amazing guitar work and they remind me so much of Rob Zombie’s solo work. Great stuff.

Well I know I used a lot of different references in that review to modern culture, but Rites of Ash have put together an album that is certainly cross genre. I hope to get an interview with these guys so I can see what kind of audience they want to attract or feel they appeal to. The album is worth picking up because as music fans grow more sophisticated music such as “Like Venom” will be what they turn to. - We Love Metal Magazine

Few bands can pull off that electronic rock and pop well, but if you need a reference of a job well done, look no further than DC-based band Rites of Ash, who spews originality and diversity in their latest album, Like Venom. Eleven tracks of rock meets pop meets electronica all carefully crafted into one unified album, makes this a hit. Reminiscent of Linkin Park and T-Pain (if they had a love child, it would absolutely be Like Venom), Rites of Ash make use of technology to influence and put their sound above the rest. Unique and upbeat, their live show fully supports the energy that you get from Like Venom. Wowing crowds seems effortless and natural for the band whose songs have graced MTV hit shows like “The Real World” and “Pimp My Ride.” Lyrically impressive as well, is a personal favorite track, “Toxic.” “Under the skin she’s more than capable, to make you forget what’s been done. Forever has been so long. Her lips are like venom and the stinger’s left inside, don’t turn your back on her, she’ll lead you on a lie…” You can’t argue with raw and honest lyrics like these. Truly breaking barriers on a local and national level, this album is worth all the hype it gets. - On Tap (Magazine)

80-two and Lumer are interviewed live on DC101's Local Lix with Grant Random. Click on the link below to listen:

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LocalLix/~5/vNS7ChscsIY/LL%206-26-10%20part2.mp3 - DC 101 (Radio)

80-two and Lumer are interviewed live on DC101's Local Lix with Grant Random. Click on the link below to listen:

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LocalLix/~5/vNS7ChscsIY/LL%206-26-10%20part2.mp3 - DC 101 (Radio)

Lazzo had the pleasure of being interviewed by Omar at Hit List 101. Click below to hear them talk about the band, the future of the music business, and some song selections from Like Venom.

http://www.hitlist101.com/RitesofAsh - Hit List 101 (Internet/Radio)

(personal letter)

To whom it may concern,

I was first introduced to Rites of Ash by their label, Inchoate, on July 14, 2006. I had a very strong initial reaction to their music and image, and I have been monitoring them closely since that time.

In one month, their profile page has become more and more animated, with fans creating signs professing their love and rabidly commenting about their interest in the band. Rites of Ash is begged daily to play cities around country by their impressive 15,000 friends on Myspace, a figure that is even more incredibly considering the short time the band has been together.

Their debut CD, Beautiful Illusions, is set to sell thousands based upon the affirmation of their fan base on our online community, and I am certain that they will have an impressive tour this fall. Beautiful Illusions will be submitted to our marketing department later this month for consideration for the coveted “Featured Band” section of our homepage, and if the buzz continues at the rate that is has been, I am confident that their sales will increase tremendously throughout the first weeks of its release.
- Myspace.com

WASHINGTON, DC - December 12, 2006 -- Rites of Ash has decided to leave their former label Inchoate Records to work exclusively with their self-created indie label, Feedback Records, a subsidiary of Rites of Ash LLC. Additionally, they are now working with a new US/UK-based management team, Break Every Rule Management (www.breakeveryrule.com)

a remarkable sound experience that must be heard to be believed
On Friday, December 15th, Rites of Ash will be performing at Jaxx in Springfield, VA (www.jaxxroxx.com). Their headlining show, "Beautiful Illusions," will feature the band, along with Heretics in the Lab, Demas the Thief, and Error: Operator. Rites of Ash will be filming footage for their MTV pilot and upcoming DVD release at this show. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster under "Beautiful Illusions" (www.ticketmaster.com), or at Rites of Ash's Official Online Merchandise site (http://ritesofash.bigcartel.com) where customers will receive a free poster with every ticket ordered. Presale tickets are $5 or can be purchased for $7 at the door. Doors will open at 8pm.

In early December, Rites of Ash launched their online merchandise site (ritesofash.bigcartel.com) to the public. Orders have been rushing in daily for quality merchandise items such as CDs, shirts, and posters. All of these items have the unique option to be autographed by the band. "We perform for our fans, without them we would be nothing," says guitarist Lazzo. "We want to make them feel like they are a part of our family."

Recently, MTV has asked the band to have their music played on four more shows: "Pimp My Ride," "Next," "Livin La Haina," and "Island Life." These new shows are following up Rites of Ash's MTV debut last year on: "The Real World: Key West," "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Fresh Meat," "Gauntlet 2," "Moves," and "Why Can't I Be You?"

Rites of Ash has been creating a tremendous buzz in the industry with their critically acclaimed live show which features synchronous backing videos projected on a large projector screen; video mannequins with LCD monitor heads; stage props; special effect lighting; and last but not least, "a remarkable sound experience that must be heard to be believed," exclaims US DMC Supremacy Champion, DJ IDEE. The band's MySpace profile has exploded, averaging over 1,500 plays a day and making them one of the top Industrial/Rock bands in the United States.

For more information and/or inquiries, please contact:
Larry Erler
Break Every Rule Management - eMediaWire

WASHINGTON, DC - December 12, 2006 -- Rites of Ash has decided to leave their former label Inchoate Records to work exclusively with their self-created indie label, Feedback Records, a subsidiary of Rites of Ash LLC. Additionally, they are now working with a new US/UK-based management team, Break Every Rule Management (www.breakeveryrule.com)

a remarkable sound experience that must be heard to be believed
On Friday, December 15th, Rites of Ash will be performing at Jaxx in Springfield, VA (www.jaxxroxx.com). Their headlining show, "Beautiful Illusions," will feature the band, along with Heretics in the Lab, Demas the Thief, and Error: Operator. Rites of Ash will be filming footage for their MTV pilot and upcoming DVD release at this show. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster under "Beautiful Illusions" (www.ticketmaster.com), or at Rites of Ash's Official Online Merchandise site (http://ritesofash.bigcartel.com) where customers will receive a free poster with every ticket ordered. Presale tickets are $5 or can be purchased for $7 at the door. Doors will open at 8pm.

In early December, Rites of Ash launched their online merchandise site (ritesofash.bigcartel.com) to the public. Orders have been rushing in daily for quality merchandise items such as CDs, shirts, and posters. All of these items have the unique option to be autographed by the band. "We perform for our fans, without them we would be nothing," says guitarist Lazzo. "We want to make them feel like they are a part of our family."

Recently, MTV has asked the band to have their music played on four more shows: "Pimp My Ride," "Next," "Livin La Haina," and "Island Life." These new shows are following up Rites of Ash's MTV debut last year on: "The Real World: Key West," "Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Fresh Meat," "Gauntlet 2," "Moves," and "Why Can't I Be You?"

Rites of Ash has been creating a tremendous buzz in the industry with their critically acclaimed live show which features synchronous backing videos projected on a large projector screen; video mannequins with LCD monitor heads; stage props; special effect lighting; and last but not least, "a remarkable sound experience that must be heard to be believed," exclaims US DMC Supremacy Champion, DJ IDEE. The band's MySpace profile has exploded, averaging over 1,500 plays a day and making them one of the top Industrial/Rock bands in the United States.

For more information and/or inquiries, please contact:
Larry Erler
Break Every Rule Management - eMediaWire

WASHINGTON, DC (PRWeb) May 22, 2007 -- Local Northern Virginia rock/industrial band, Rites of Ash, is
gearing up to play a show at State Theatre in Falls Church, VA on June 9th. Rites of Ash is co-headlining the show with Charlottesville-based band, Bella Morte. Other bands performing include 23 Rainy Days and Chrysalis.

In addition to preparing for this show, Rites of Ash has also been busy working on a remix collaboration of several songs off their album, "Beautiful Illusions." The band worked with renowned DJ Paul Edge and Pablo Manzarek, son of keyboardist Ray Manzarek of The Doors, to complete this project.

U.S. DMC Supremacy Champion DJ Idee recently teamed up with Rites of Ash on his first music video,
"Eclectic Dreams," off his upcoming EP, "Solitude." "Eclectic Dreams" is set to be shown on MTV2 and MTVu
within the upcoming months.

Tickets for the June 9th State Theatre show are $16 at the door. Tickets can also be pre-ordered for $10 at
http://ritesofash.bigcartel.com. A Rites of Ash sticker and poster are included with each pre-ordered ticket. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 9 p.m. This show is ages 18+.

Rites of Ash is a rock/industrial band based out of Northern VA/Washington D.C. More information on the band
can be found at http://www.ritesofash.com or http://www.myspace.com/ritesofash. - PR

WASHINGTON, DC (PRWeb) May 22, 2007 -- Local Northern Virginia rock/industrial band, Rites of Ash, is
gearing up to play a show at State Theatre in Falls Church, VA on June 9th. Rites of Ash is co-headlining the show with Charlottesville-based band, Bella Morte. Other bands performing include 23 Rainy Days and Chrysalis.

In addition to preparing for this show, Rites of Ash has also been busy working on a remix collaboration of several songs off their album, "Beautiful Illusions." The band worked with renowned DJ Paul Edge and Pablo Manzarek, son of keyboardist Ray Manzarek of The Doors, to complete this project.

U.S. DMC Supremacy Champion DJ Idee recently teamed up with Rites of Ash on his first music video,
"Eclectic Dreams," off his upcoming EP, "Solitude." "Eclectic Dreams" is set to be shown on MTV2 and MTVu
within the upcoming months.

Tickets for the June 9th State Theatre show are $16 at the door. Tickets can also be pre-ordered for $10 at
http://ritesofash.bigcartel.com. A Rites of Ash sticker and poster are included with each pre-ordered ticket. Doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 9 p.m. This show is ages 18+.

Rites of Ash is a rock/industrial band based out of Northern VA/Washington D.C. More information on the band
can be found at http://www.ritesofash.com or http://www.myspace.com/ritesofash. - PR

Washington, DC
September 21, 2006 -- In December, 2005, Rites of Ash’s 23-year old guitarist Lazzo and 18-year old vocalist 80-Two dejectedly pondered the fate of the band after their 5th lineup change. The duo had engineered and produced their first album, Enter the Evil System, a collaborative effort with DMC World Champion DJ I-Dee, but Rites of Ash struggled to find the missing piece in their live set, a drummer who could keep up with the band’s feverish, technical rhythm parts.

Fortunately, hope came in the form of Fester, an accomplished drummer with over 20 years experience playing with various groups in the DC Metropolitan area. Fester’s intense and complex style solidified the group’s live performance, which has since evolved into a full theatrical experience, complete with tv monitor-mannequins, backdrops and real-time backing videos accompanying the band’s electric stage presence and incredible musicianship.

Rites of Ash debuted their full-length album, Beautiful Illusions, on September 5th through Rana Sobhany’s DC-based indie label Inchoate Records to critical acclaim and an international group of followers.

ROA will further appease their fans by releasing a live concert DVD to be sold in retail stores, online, and at their concerts. Details regarding the DVD will be released shortly. The band has created a YouTube channel, located at www.youtube.com/profile?user=ritesofash, where fans can interact with the band through video blogs.

Most notably, the band debuted their new website to an astounding 55,000+ hits within the first 24 hours of its release, demonstrating the wide appeal the band has to consumers who are intrigued by the band’s unique fusion of hard rock and electronica.

Rites of Ash will be appearing at Strangeland Records in Annandale, Virginia on October 27, 2006, and will play a headlining show at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia on October 28, 2006.
- Yahoo! News

Washington, DC (INCHOATE, INC.) - With their creative blend of guitar-driven hard rock, heavy, synthesizer-based industrial, and smooth, fluid vocals, Washington, DC's Rites of Ash has been mesmerizing fans and critics alike; most recently, catching the attention of MTV, who has featured the band's music throughout this season of their hit shows: "The Real World" and "The Gauntlet," and on their upcoming shows: "Moves" and "Why Can't I Be You?" a fusion of Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and H.I.M, all wrapped together in a pretty, industrial bow à la Skinny Puppy. This band presents something for everyone. Amazing.
Rites of Ash has been called "a fusion of Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and H.I.M, all wrapped together in a pretty, industrial bow à la Skinny Puppy. This band presents something for everyone. Amazing." - Jeff Sanderson, April 2006

Eighteen-year-old vocalist 80-Two exhibits the charm of David Bowie, the edge of Trent Reznor, and the striking appeal of David Gahan, while 23-year-old guitarist Lazzo creates an intense wall of sound with his distinctive, unique style, incorporating elements of metal, hard rock, and blues to produce one of the most passionate and powerful tones in the genre today.

Watching Rites of Ash play live is more than simply experiencing a performance; it's a fierce, gut-wrenching show, complete with backing videos and keg hits. Drummer Fester's precise skill and fiery presence onstage is one of the band's most compelling strengths. The cohesion of the three members is felt throughout every minute of their performance.

Recently signing to music marketer Rana Sobhany's DC-based record label Inchoate, Rites of Ash is currently in the studio preparing their debut album, slated for release in Fall 2006.
- top40-charts.com

QUOTES ABOUT RITES OF ASH:

"I've seen a ton of bands, and you guys really stand out as one of the best...you've got the live show covered!"
-Ron Underwood & Jim Kaufman (Opiate for the Masses)

"Great show!"
-Anna K. (Hanzel und Gretyl, Drain Sth, Opiate for the Masses)

"Very fast and smooth drum mechanics...it was a pleasure to watch"
-Seven Antonopoulos (Revolting Cocks, Opiate for the Masses)

"fantastic live performance!"
-John Bechdel (Ministry, False Icons, Killing Joke)

"You all have your shit together! I couldn't take my eyes off your show!"
-Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory, Ascension of the Watchers)

"...unique but mainstream, hard-hitting yet romantically suave...truly cutting-edge song writing"
-S. Diablo (MTV)

"very good stuff...catchy grooves and very well produced"
-Scott Marconi (Cement Shoes Records) - Rites of Ash

WASHINGTON, DC
September 19, 2006 -- As of midnight on September 19, 2006, industrial rock band Rites of Ash released their official website, located at www.ritesofash.com. The launch of the site, in conjunction with the band’s wildly popular Myspace.com page, gives fans an opportunity to interact with the band, preview new music, and purchase merchandise with ease.

Following the band’s September 5th release of their debut album, Beautiful Illusions, many fan sites have appeared, including http://groups.myspace.com/roafanclub and www.ritesofash.org (coming soon). The site, designed by guitarist Lazzo, allows for easy navigation for fans and media personnel alike, with extensive bios, tour listing, and album information.

Rites of Ash will be appearing at Strangeland Records in Annandale, Virginia on October 27, 2006, and will play a headlining show at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia on October 28, 2006.
- usmediaweb.net

LOS ANGELES, CA - February 22, 2007 -- ROA and their management are pleased to announce that legendary psychedelic techno DJ Paul Edge and Pablo Manzarek, (son of Ray Manzarek, founding member of The Doors, who were recently awarded a lifetime achievement Grammy) have agreed to remix Rites of Ash`s acclaimed album Beautiful Illusion. The project, which is expected to take 2 months to complete, will see Edge and Manzarek, who have previously collaborated on a number of projects, take the music of Rites of Ash to a new dimension.

The first remix of Skeleton Girls can be heard at: http://www.myspace.com/ritesofash

More information to follow.


Links -

DJ Paul Edge: http://www.djpauledge.com

Pablo Manzarek: http://www.tripform.com
- PR

Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 13, 2010 -- Washington DC-based Electronic Pop/Hard Rock band RITES OF ASH is a perfect example of how unsigned bands no longer need a major record label in the constantly changing music industry. The three-piece group has been able to record and self-release three professional studio albums, while also distributing their music on iTunes and other digital outlets, attaining thousands of fans world-wide, producing their own music video that has aired on Fuse TV, and getting their music featured on ten MTV shows (including 'The Real World,' "Next," and "Pimp My Ride").

Rites of Ash (left to right) 80-two, Lumer, and Lazzo
Rites of Ash (left to right) 80-two, Lumer, and Lazzo
On top of all this, the band produces a first-class live show that features coordinated lighting, custom built stage props, and synchronized video presented through flat-panel monitors mounted on mannequins and digital projectors. Their sound is carefully crafted and provides a full soundscape filled with smooth synthesizers, smashing drums, soaring vocals, and hard-hitting guitars. Consisting of only three members, one could imagine many more on stage based on the complexity and richness of the music. The live show is visually amazing and comparable to today's major-signed touring bands.

How did RITES OF ASH accomplish this? Lots of hard work, self-determination, and a big outpouring of support from their fans. The band spent countless hours producing music and live show videos, creating graphics, and promoting themselves to get to where they proudly stand today.

RITES OF ASH's new album, LIKE VENOM, is their 5th release and will feature a new direction for the band. This record is much more pop and mainstream sounding than previous releases; however, it still features a very edgy hard rock sound and a lot of unique elements unheard in today's Top 40. RITES OF ASH has always been innovators when it comes to presentation of their music on recordings and live performances. The new album crosses over into new territory by combining the stylings of mainstream hip-hop with hard synthesizer pop/rock; the end result is something yet undiscovered in the music industry. If you mixed Lady Gaga and T-Pain with Avenged Sevenfold and Linkin Park you would get LIKE VENOM.

The band is pulling out all the stops for this new record; they have acquired the services of veteran mixing engineer Kevin "131" Gutierrez (Madonna, David Bowie, Twilight Soundtrack), photographer Douglas Sonders (Lenny Kravitz, Evanescence, 3 Doors Down), and City on Fire for graphic design. LIKE VENOM features guest vocals from Omar Ruiz (Crash Boom Bang) and Deb Z., a full choir, and live orchestra.

LIKE VENOM is due out in stores and online retailers May 31, 2010. - PRWeb