Deathblow

Deathblow originated in Winston-Salem, NC, in summer 2004, establishing a stripped-down, metal-edged hardcore approach designed to inject substantive lyrical content into a local scene otherwise dominated by sheer sonic force. Vocalist Paul Genet (Azazel, Aria) and drummer Jeremy Stowers (Azazel, End of All, Killwhitneydead) assembled the initial lineup by bringing in bassist Josh Mclaughlin (Outrun the Storm) and guitarist Chris Sheets (Seneca). Drawing inspiration from Earth Crisis, 108, Hatebreed, and Warzone, the band delivered its debut EP, Strike Back, in mid-2005 on Closed Casket Activities. Extensive touring ensued, after which Deathblow aligned with the regional label Tragic Hero Records to issue its first full-length, Thicker Than Blood, in early 2007.