Reviews
“Man . . . I just got done previewing the new disc by As Darkness Dies and all I can say is WOW!!! If you are a fan of Maiden, Fates Warning & Priest look no further cause your new favorite band is right here. When I grow up I wanna sing like Martin O'Brien, his pipes are smooth as butter. While listening to his war cry, your ears are tantalized by the twin guitar attack of Paul Coleman and Scott Williams. The rhythm section of Andrew Hamel on bass and Harry Blackwell on the skins round out this tasty package. If you don't find yourself throwing up the horns, head banging or looking for a dragon to slay then all I can say is . . . you have no soul. These guys are incredible players and even greater guys. I'm honored to call them friends!”
— STEVE BRAUN, HALCYON WAY
— STEVE BRAUN, HALCYON WAY
“All three bands kicked things into high gear and got everyone pumped up for what was next.. GRAVEN IMAGE took the stage and blew my head off. This band impressed from the opening notes. Amazing riffs, great songs, Pounding Drums … Spectacular Guitar Work by Paul & Scott, Bass In Your Face by Andrew all capped off by incredible vocals of Martin O’Brien who sang his ass off. I’ve never seen the band before but walked out a new fan.”
— VIC ARDUINI, FATES WARNING ORIGINAL GUITARIST
— VIC ARDUINI, FATES WARNING ORIGINAL GUITARIST
“Nobody knows there’s a metal scene here in CT, but there is. There’s Obsession. There’s Fates Warning.
…and now, there’s As Darkness Dies.”
— MICHAEL VESCERA (Obsession, Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen)
…and now, there’s As Darkness Dies.”
— MICHAEL VESCERA (Obsession, Loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen)
“I can be a little critical when it comes to music, and I’m also a terrible liar. The guys in the band are all really good guys, plus Paul Coleman’s biceps are thicker than my thighs, so I really didn’t want to piss him off, because he can twist me into a pretzel. Alas, I worried for nothing. I’ve seen Graven Image live a few times, and liked them well enough, but that couldn’t have prepared me for what awaited me when I pressed the play button on this disc. I was completely blown away right from the start. The production, for having a limited budget and being self produced is very impressive. It’s a concept album so it kind of has that Operation Mindcrime feel, with the cool segues between the songs and such, and a nice mix of heavy tunes and acoustic tracks. Very well thought out and pieced together.”
— JOE DIBIASE, FATES WARNING
— JOE DIBIASE, FATES WARNING
“David Mark Pearce was also named 2008’s eighth “Best Guitarist’” by Classic Rock Society Magazine in the UK for his work with the Oliver Wakeman Band, had this to say about the new GRAVEN IMAGE CD, THE FUTURE STARTED YESTERDAY. Just been listening to the killer new album by ‘Graven Image’ featuring my good friends Paul Coleman and Martin O’Brien. It’s not had time to sink in just yet, how could it when I only got it last night, but more importantly it just smacked me right between the eyes like a freight train, the one in particular that I love so far is the huge ‘No Atheist In A Foxhole’ just immense!!!!!”
— DAVID MARK PEARCE
— DAVID MARK PEARCE
“Hey to all the "As Darkness Dies" fans.. Just listened to the much anticipated new album soon to be released and let me first say, NO fan of our genre of music will be disappointed. From the onset you can sense that my friends have worked like hungry dogs creating this album. I say that because of the passion and delivery that can be felt with the inspirational lyrics and fantastic melody lines in each song. Everyone shines here, and the vocal delivery of Martin is just over the top. I hope you all have the same experience I had on the first listen.. this is an album you will want to hear again and again. Congrats guys, Well done!”
— JOHN ARCHAMBAULT, FATES WARNING
After a week of steady listening I can safely say the As Darkness Dies CD is a MUST HAVE. There is some serious music going on with great production by Michael Vescera. The twin guitar attack of Paul & Scott brings a very classic metal punch to some well written compositions. The rhythm section of Andrew & Harry is tight and relentless. And of course Martin's vocals sound better than ever. Love the reworkings of a few old songs. Looking forward to seeing it played live soon…
Great Job Guys!!
— VIC ARDUINI, FATES WARNING/FREEDOMS REIGN
Great Job Guys!!
— VIC ARDUINI, FATES WARNING/FREEDOMS REIGN
PRESS KIT COMING SOON
As Darkness Dies
Band History
Originally formed in 2009 by Paul Coleman (guitar) with Chalice on vocals (2009-2010), they were originally known as Graven Image. They were signed to Pure Steel Records in 2016, changed their name and their second album was released soon thereafter. It was met with chart-topping and resounding accolades and held top spots on various charts in several countries for almost 2 years. (link to reviews)
The current lineup came to fruition in 2024 after a short hiatus. The band as a whole thanks all the previous members for their legendary contributions and wishes them much success in their current and future projects. They are all extremely talented musicians.
Stet Howland, Drums
Stet Howland’s associated bands include As Darkness Dies, Metal Church WASP, Lita Ford (and countless others)
Stet Howland is a powerhouse drummer best known for his high-energy performances and dynamic style. Rising to fame as a member of W.A.S.P. in the late 1980s, Howland played on several of their quintessential albums, including The Crimson Idol and Still Not Black Enough, solidifying his reputation as a hard-hitting and versatile musician. Throughout his career, Howland has worked with numerous rock and metal acts, including Lita Ford, Metal Church, and Temple of Brutality, showcasing his adaptability across genres. Known for his thunderous drumming and engaging stage presence, Howland remains a celebrated figure in the world of hard rock and heavy metal.
Chalice, Vocals
Paul Coleman, Guitars
Paul Coleman, one of the original members of As Darkness Dies (formerly Graven Image) started playing guitar at the age of 9. Never taking a real lesson, he taught himself by listening to early idols, Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi. Blues rock is the heart of everything he does. Today, his biggest influences are Randy Rhoads, Zakk Wylde and Slash. Described in a brief phrase, Paul is the “straight forward, no bullshit type” and it comes across as he strives for perfection in every note and lyric he writes.
Paul plays Gibson guitars with Soldano head and cabs, Seymour Duncan and Bare Knuckles pickups and MXR pedals.
Lorenzo (Zo) Delvecchio, Guitars
Dallas Sita, Bass
With a musical career that when written about could start with "Once Upon a Time" just as well as the biblical "In The Beginning " Dallas' bass playing and emergence into the new As Darkness Dies line-up is the story of a 4 string bass Ronin galvanized by the persistence of time.
International Award-Winning Rock Video Artist as Atrium 's original live bass player, Dallas has also worked with the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp and jammed with such legends as Vinny Appice, Sebastian Bach, Gary Hoey, Rudolph Schenker, and Matthias Jabs just to name a few
Through The Years
2016
IN MEMORY OF FRIEND RAYMOND SCOTT JR. & NEW VISION
The unexpected death of friend and former bandmate Ray Scott in early 2016 sparked a creative fire in Martin O’Brien. He began writing new material in tribute to Ray, and by late 2017 began forming a new lineup to relaunch As Darkness Dies. Longtime guitarist Paul Coleman returned and Harry Blackwell stayed on drums. Guitarist Jeff Miles joined the band, along with bassist Rob Viola.
This lineup produced a new album between 2018 and 2021, with sessions concluding just before the pandemic. The band’s sophomore album “World of Decay” was released in 2023 to positive reviews.
The unexpected death of friend and former bandmate Ray Scott in early 2016 sparked a creative fire in Martin O’Brien. He began writing new material in tribute to Ray, and by late 2017 began forming a new lineup to relaunch As Darkness Dies. Longtime guitarist Paul Coleman returned and Harry Blackwell stayed on drums. Guitarist Jeff Miles joined the band, along with bassist Rob Viola.
This lineup produced a new album between 2018 and 2021, with sessions concluding just before the pandemic. The band’s sophomore album “World of Decay” was released in 2023 to positive reviews.
SLEEPY HOLLOW CONFIRMS
SUNLESS SKY, POWER THEORY, PSYCHOPRISM And More for Hollowfest 2016.
SUNLESS SKY, POWER THEORY, PSYCHOPRISM And More for Hollowfest 2016.
NORTH EAST ROCK REVIEW
"This is where the Connecticut bands started hitting the stage, first up was an outfit called As Darkness Dies. These guys were good, with a solid turnout by some of their most ardent supports. A solid heavy metal band that has influences in their music of New Wave of British Heavy Metal."
"This is where the Connecticut bands started hitting the stage, first up was an outfit called As Darkness Dies. These guys were good, with a solid turnout by some of their most ardent supports. A solid heavy metal band that has influences in their music of New Wave of British Heavy Metal."
MANIC MOSH
2015
FRENZY FIRE (UK) AND METAL GODS TV
As Darkeness DIes - Album Review (9/10)
Read Frenzy Fire | Read Metal Gods
As Darkeness DIes - Album Review (9/10)
Read Frenzy Fire | Read Metal Gods
HEAVY METAL MAYHEM RADIO SHOW (New York)
Interview with Andy Purchia. December 6, 2015.
Interview with Andy Purchia. December 6, 2015.
METAL TEMPLE (Greece)
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (Excellent)
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (Excellent)
NECKBREAKER
THE METAL MAG
Interview with Andy Purchia. November 2015.
Interview with Andy Purchia. November 2015.
METAL HEAD (Italy)
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (7/5/10).
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (7/5/10).
POWER METALAs Darkness Dies - Album Review (7/5/10).
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (8/10). October 30, 2015.
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (8/10). October 30, 2015.
METAL UNDERGROUND - The Austrian Metal Webzine
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (5/5). November 1, 2015.
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As Darkness Dies - Album Review (5/5). November 1, 2015.
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TONY CORNER - Spins from the Bins
FF to about 1:44 for the ADD portion. October 21, 2015.
FF to about 1:44 for the ADD portion. October 21, 2015.
METAL MAG
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (100/100). October 1, 2015.
As Darkness Dies - Album Review (100/100). October 1, 2015.
METAL UNDERGROUND
Details of Self-Titled Debut Release Available from As Darkness Dies. September 23, 2015.
Details of Self-Titled Debut Release Available from As Darkness Dies. September 23, 2015.
METAL UNDERGROUND
Pure Steel Records Inks Deal with As Darkness Dies. June 30, 2015.
Pure Steel Records Inks Deal with As Darkness Dies. June 30, 2015.
ANTICHRIST MAGAZINE
As Darkness Dies - Signed Worldwide Deal with Pure Steel Records. June 30, 2015.
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As Darkness Dies - Signed Worldwide Deal with Pure Steel Records. June 30, 2015.
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METAL FORTRESS RADIO (97.1 FM/MetalFortressRadio.com)
Interview with Paul Coleman. July 2, 2015.
Interview with Paul Coleman. July 2, 2015.
BRAVEWORDS - ADD SIGNS WITH PURE STEEL
As Darkness Dies - Life Incomplete Trailer Streaming. July 7, 2015.
Read ADD Signs with Pure Steel | Read Incomplete Streaming
As Darkness Dies - Life Incomplete Trailer Streaming. July 7, 2015.
Read ADD Signs with Pure Steel | Read Incomplete Streaming
METAL CAGE
As Darkness Dies (CT) Posts Sampling
As Darkness Dies (CT) Posts Sampling
2012 - 2014
On September 26, 2014 while opening for Overkill, Graven Image announced that they will be changing their name to As Darkness Dies. In addition to the name change, they further announced they are in the final stages of a new album that’s being produced by Obsession vocalist, Mike Vescera and is set to release in Spring of 2015.
Metal Underground Metal News:
As Darkness Dies New Moniker For Graven Image As Band Launches New Chapter
September 30, 2014
September 30, 2014
METAL-RULES
Obsession & Graven Image @ La Respuesta, San Juan, Puerto Rico
September 30, 2013
FIREBRAND MAGAZINE
The Future Started Yesterday: Album Review
December 2012
Contact Us
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ABOUT
Formed in 2009, signed to Pure Steel Records in 2015 and now the powerful 2025 lineup includes Stet Howland, Chalice, Paul Coleman, Zo DelVecchio and Dallas Sita.
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(Band photos courtesy of Tonya Barnes Photography)