If Sons of Azrael aren't the loudest, harshest, and darkest extreme metal band on Earth, it's certainly not for lack of trying on their part, as their whiplash-inducing sound and blasphemous imagery makes clear. Founded in Buffalo, NY in 2004, Sons of Azrael are named for the Islamic Angel of Death, and features Joe Siracuse on vocals, Greg DiPasquale and Tony Lorenzo on guitars, Rob Steinwandel on bass, and Derrick Sadkowski on drums. In 2006, after impressing metal fans on tour and sharing stages with the likes of Vital Remains, Crematorium, and Unmerciful, Sons of Azrael signed a deal with Ironclad Recordings, distributed by indie metal powerhouse Metal Blade Records. The band's first album, The Conjuration of Vengeance, was released in the summer of 2007. ~ Mark Deming