Former Holy Grail/Bonded by Blood bassist Jessie Sanchez and Former Holy Grail/Vindicator guitarist James J. LaRue have joined forces with Bekki Friesen (vocalist/guitarist of Domenica) to form a band/project that they are calling Deity. If you’re like me and a fan of these two guys, you’re probably pretty fucking stoked to hear just what’s coming out of these two musical metal masterminds. Jessie Sanchez was awesome enough to take a little time out to talk to the Brainfart and tell me a little bit more about Deity.
How did Deity come about?
It started out as an idea. I’ve known James J LaRue since 2010 when I filled in on bass for Holy Grail at Wacken Open Air and a North American tour with kickass legends, Exodus. It was through that tour that I’d meet Bonded By Blood and become family, eventually joining them on bass. Fast forward the clock a couple years later: James and I started writing new songs and shelving them until one day we finally had time to hang out and review our little demos. We knew we had enough material between us to do something special with so we kept drafting songs and looking for a vocalist. Not long after Bekki Friesen answered one of our ads. I sent her some rough demos and she came up with some really cool vocal arrangements pretty quick. Being really impressed I had to check out her band Domenica so when I got the chance to see them live I did and she put on a really killer performance! Since then we’ve been drafting song ideas between the three of us along with a guest solo here and there (which we will reveal later).
==============================================
What can you tell us about the material you have?
It’s a lot more diverse from any of the stuff we have released with our other bands. I like it that way.
==============================================
Is this going to be a full on band or is this more of a project?
Most bands start out as projects until they get on their feet.
Tell me about the GoFundMe campaign?
We did it to try and speed up the recording process. We are all paying out of our own pockets for studio fees but if the fans want to help us then why not? I’m personally very moved by some of the support and donations we’ve received. I know in my heart that every dollar donated is going to fund a really cool art project and we plan on making it up to every person involved in the process!
==============================================
How would you describe the material?
It’s like watching a movie. It’s definitely metal influenced but not always metal committed. Maybe committed isn’t a good word but yeah, it’s a voyage.
==============================================
Will there be live shows and/or a tour?
I sure hope so!
This is a project that I am extremely excited about and I cannot wait to see this thing come to fruition. If you want to learn more about Deity and to keep up with them, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/officialdeity.
If you want to help Deity in their campaign to release what I can only imagine will be one of the greatest metal releases of the millennium, head on over to their Go Fund Me page and drop them a buck or 50: http://www.gofundme.com/caqm1g
About The Author
