Biography
Sumerlands formed in Philadelphia as a five-piece heavy metal unit drawn from longtime local scene participants. Their style fuses 1970s hard rock foundations with classic power metal elements from the 1980s and 1990s, while guitarist Arthur Rizk supplies the modern production sheen that distinguishes their widely praised approach. An acclaimed demo from 2014 led directly to a deal with Relapse and the release of their self-titled debut album in 2016. Following extensive touring, a lineup shift, and the pandemic, the group welcomed a replacement vocalist and completed the 2022 album Dreamkiller.
Arthur Rizk, already active as guitarist, producer, and engineer with War Hungry, originated the project alongside veteran singer Phil Swanson of Hour of 13 and Seamount. They assembled drummer Justin De Tore from Devil's Dare and Boston Strangler, guitarist John Powers, and bassist Brad Raub, both formerly of Leather. The Guardian Demo appeared in summer 2014, after which Relapse issued the self-titled full-length in 2016. Strong sales opened multiple touring routes throughout the United States and Europe that continued for several years.
Swanson departed on good terms in 2020 to launch Smith & Swanson alongside guitarist Tim Schmidt. Rizk then brought in Brendan Radigan, known for work with Battering Ram, Nachtstille, and previously Magic Circle, to fill the vocal role. Once rehearsals concluded, the band performed select shows that helped integrate Radigan's presence into their established dynamic.
April 2022 saw the release of the Ageless Life EP on Relapse, which contained the original track "Heavens Above" alongside a fresh interpretation of Fleetwood Mac's "I'm So Afraid." The single and video for "Dreamkiller" followed in July. Rizk produced the subsequent full-length Dreamkiller, issued by Relapse in September, after which the group embarked on a North American tour.
Arthur Rizk, already active as guitarist, producer, and engineer with War Hungry, originated the project alongside veteran singer Phil Swanson of Hour of 13 and Seamount. They assembled drummer Justin De Tore from Devil's Dare and Boston Strangler, guitarist John Powers, and bassist Brad Raub, both formerly of Leather. The Guardian Demo appeared in summer 2014, after which Relapse issued the self-titled full-length in 2016. Strong sales opened multiple touring routes throughout the United States and Europe that continued for several years.
Swanson departed on good terms in 2020 to launch Smith & Swanson alongside guitarist Tim Schmidt. Rizk then brought in Brendan Radigan, known for work with Battering Ram, Nachtstille, and previously Magic Circle, to fill the vocal role. Once rehearsals concluded, the band performed select shows that helped integrate Radigan's presence into their established dynamic.
April 2022 saw the release of the Ageless Life EP on Relapse, which contained the original track "Heavens Above" alongside a fresh interpretation of Fleetwood Mac's "I'm So Afraid." The single and video for "Dreamkiller" followed in July. Rizk produced the subsequent full-length Dreamkiller, issued by Relapse in September, after which the group embarked on a North American tour.
Albums
Singles
