Babylon Fire

Babylon Fire is a band that refuses to jump on any bandwagon or follow any trend sweeping the Rock and Metal scene at the moment. Their aim is to carve out their own niche by creating a dynamic blend of a powerhouse rhythm section, heavy groove laden riffs, burning solos & infectious melodic vocals. Built in 2007 on a foundation of Iron Maiden & Black Sabbath, extended into the territories of Stone Sour, Machine Head & Five Finger Death Punch, the band learned, developed & ultimately emerged with a signature sound which has helped them deliver an uncommonly mature & multi-dimensional debut with both hooks & depth. Founder-members Ryk Swillo (bass), Rishi Mehta (guitar), Will Reece (guitar), Mark Cooper (drums) & Mark D (vocals) set out with the simple intention of writing dynamic, powerful & heavy songs with an emphasis on melody. This was the basis for a self-released 4 track EP in 2009. Around this time the band also increased its' presence on the live circuit including support slots with Orange Goblin, Blaze Bayley, Heaven's Basement, Panic Cell, Beholder & Fury UK. When Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson began raving about the band on his BBC6 radio show more people took notice but just as the band's stock was on the rise, a significant challenge started to emerge which was the eventual departure of guitarist Will Reece for personal reasons & entirely on amicable terms. Fans of the band would agree the Babylon sound seemed under threat & the band tenaciously stuck together through a series of failed auditions for a new guitarist. Ultimately, no-one lived up to the band's exacting standards yet out of that adversity Babylon Fire truly found its' feet as the decision was taken to carry on with just one guitarist & the ensuing fresh approach & sound did in fact define the band’s direction for the creation of their splendid debut album "Dark Horizons". Recorded during May-June 2012 at MCC Studios, Mottram, Cheshire (UK), produced by Andy Giblin (Kill2This/iDefi/Profane), "Dark Horizons" is a raging & ferocious, yet diverse, slab of heavy metal. Filled with the infectious hooks & sheer aggression, which then retreats here & there into sensitively crafted clean & acoustic guitar interludes. "Dark Horizons" was released through Rocksector Records on 12th November 2012 to rave reviews from the critics & fans alike. A free mp3 download of the track "Shattered Crown" is still available at the Rocksector website: http://www.mwaweb.com/rocksectorbands_babylonfire.htm & the promotional video for one of the album’s stand out tracks “Blood In Blood Out” can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/qypvmHLRdu4 Following the band’s electrifying album launch show to a packed house at Manchester’s NQ Live they embarked on hugely successful tours of both the UK & Europe in support of the album where they were able to expand their already growing fan base. Some highlights include headlining the Metal day at Manchester’s prestigious SOS Festival in 2013, 2 consecutive appearances at Belgium’s legendary festival - Wizzfest in 2013 & 2014, a support slot with Swedish Metal Giants – Soilwork & finally an appearance on the Sophie Lancaster stage at Bloodstock 2014, which as it happens was as well as being the highlight of the band’s career to that date, also the end of an era for Babylon Fire. This would be that band’s last show with long term vocalist Mark D as he stepped down from his role to pursue other goals. Having taken some time out of the spotlight to re-evaluate the future of the band, Babylon Fire re-emerged briefly in 2015 with a brand new line up. This saw them welcoming back into the ranks long term friend/brother, founding member & exceptional lead guitarist - Will Reece, allowing the band to return to their electrifying twin guitar roots of mesmerising solo trade offs & magnificent guitar harmonies, as well as bringing a whole new heaviness to the band’s already enormous wall of sound! The band also had a short lived stint with vocalist Gaz Pearson (who lasted for only one show at Titanfest at The Dome in London's Tufnell Park) before finally finding a suitable permanent frontman in Daniel Buxton. Daniel made his live debut with the band at Manchester's prestigious SOS Festival in July 2017 & since then they have been busy writing & recording material for a brand new release expected in March 2017. Currently in the final production stages, this new offering promises to be the greatest & most cohesive work of the band's career & fans can also expect a return to the live arena to coincide with this new release. Bookings : rishibabylon@gmail.com