When Darkness Falls

WHEN DARKNESS FALLS Acoma Pueblo is home to one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the US. Now it gives something to carry the warrior spirit of the Native peoples to the world, the all-Native American metal act known as When Darkness Falls. Six of Acoma Pueblo’s sons were drawn together in October 2004 and first went by the name Tormented Soul. Patrick “Bucky” Vallo - drums, Rollin “Roe” Valdo - guitar, and Larson “Dutch” Valdo - guitar were drawn together and were the catalyst that would spawn When Darkness Falls. They were soon joined by Brandon “Turtle” Valdo - vocals, Lawrence “Jay” Garcia- Bass, and Zachary Garcia- additional vocals. They drew upon musical inspiration by playing covers from some of their favorite bands like; Metallica, Pantera (RIP Brother Dime), OZZY, Rob Zombie, Killswitch Engage, and others from this genre. The love for music and live performances flowed within their group and inspired them to write their own original material. They drew upon life experiences and their Native culture and have written over 35 original songs. They have played many local shows and an equal amount of regional shows throughout the surrounding border states of New Mexico, including a gig at the infamous Whisky A Go-Go in LA, CA. Three of their most memorable shows were performed within the state of New Mexico. Two of those shows are the ’08 and ’09 SkyMetal music festivals at the Sky City Casino/Hotel in Acoma Pueblo, N.M. The line up for both festivals included Queensryche, Ratt, and Texas Hippie Coalition and several well established national acts. The third and most recent “big” show was the ’09 Rock the Ink Tattoo and Entertainment Festival in Albuquerque, N.M. As a result of these past and future gigs, When Darkness Falls continued to grow and develop as a band, musically and professionally. When Darkness Falls continues to develop their own unique style and proving that Native Americans can rock. In 2008 When Darkness Falls signed to an independent label named Mysteria Records. They went into the studio and recorded 11 of their best tracks. These tracks were then sent to LA to be mixed and mastered by Rob Tarango who has worked with artists such as; Tiffany, George Lynch, Souls of We and many others. With the tracks mastered, When Darkness Falls prepared to unleash “A New Defense” on an unsuspecting public. Friday, June 13th 2008 saw the release of their sonic assault at the El Rey theatre in Albuquerque, N.M.. It was a success and the CD continues to sell well. As of this printing, When Darkness Falls is in the studio once again to record their second CD which should be finished by the summer of 2010. The future is wide open for When Darkness Falls. They have become role models for young music loving Native Americans throughout the nation and have proven that Native Americans can hold their own amongst their metal counterparts. When Darkness Falls is the most powerful and explosive band to come out of Acoma pueblo, a small reservation in New Mexico. WDF is a band of brothers out to show the world that Native Americans can hold their own with other major metal acts.