Based out of Athens, GA, Ashes to Omens formed in late July 2017 as a 4 piece and have influences from Breaking Benjamin, Nothing More, Audioslave, Iron Maiden and more. Not long after their formation, vocalist James Branton was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer and underwent treatment for it.
The band quickly released their debut single “The Screws”, in August of 2017 and accompanied by a music video in February 2018. After overcoming cancer, Branton added a 2nd guitarist to the band and they became a 5 piece. Their self-titled debut album hit the indie charts in June 2018 and catapulted them to the number one position for Rock on Reverbnation in Athens where they have held consistently for 13 months.
Not long after the release of their album, they began work on their 2nd album. The first release was “The Conflict Within”. It was featured in Georgia Music Spotlight as being “energetic, straight ahead hard rock”. Full of monolithic mid-tempo hard rock riffs, anthemic (Slash-esque) guitar solos, and gritty, commanding vocals with the ideal level of attitude and energy for the genre. As well as getting a stellar review of their most recent single, “The Conflict Within” in Rawckus Magazine.
In July-August 2018, the band opened for legendary Cinderella frontman, Tom Keifer to a sold-out crowd at Innovation Amphitheater to an over-whelmingly positive response and left with the crowd on their feet. They have also shared the stage with several national acts, including REHAB, Hallow Point (Missouri) and Demon In Me (Cali). They are currently tracking their 2nd album with the incredible Led Belly Studios in Dawsonville, GA with engineer, Matt Washburn. Ledbelly is responsible for several releases from national acts, Mastadon, Artemis Pyledriver, Legion X and many more. The album will be produced, mixed and mastered by Justin Davis of American Music out of Seattle, Washington. Justin is known for his amazing work with Lullwater’s most recent album.
Mike Wagner is a 30+ year broadcasting veteran interviewing the most interesting guests from celebrities, actors, singers, writers to the most interesting people today! Mike is currently a weekend host on KFYR radio in Bismarck, North Dakota playing the greatest songs of all time every Saturday from 6-10a and Sundays from 2-6p Central time. Tune in to KFYR AM 550, KFYR.com, 99.7 FM, and iHeart Radio. You can also listen to the Mike Wagner Show on Soundcloud, Spreaker, Anchor FM and Spotify.
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