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Bird of Ill Omen

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Damien Moyal
Born (1976-09-25) September 25, 1976 (age 50)
Amstelveen, Netherlands
Occupation(s)Singer, lyricist, instrumentalist, songwriter, designer
Years active1992–present
Known forFrontman of Shai Hulud, As Friends Rust, Morning Again, Culture, Bird of Ill Omen, Bridgeburne R, Damien Done

Damien Zev Moyal (born September 25, 1976) is an American singer, lyricist, instrumentalist, songwriter, and designer. Originally from Amstelveen, Netherlands, he relocated to the United States during childhood and was raised in Miami, Florida. Moyal has gained recognition as the frontman for several prominent bands within the hardcore punk, metallic hardcore, and melodic hardcore scenes, including Shai Hulud, As Friends Rust, Morning Again, Culture, Bird of Ill Omen, and Bridgeburne R. Since 2006, he has been based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he established the gothic rock/post-punk outfit Damien Done.

Moyal’s initial musical ventures featured the hardcore punk group U.S. Decline (1992–1993), the hardcore ensemble Insist (1993), the metallic hardcore band Reach (1993–1994), and the groove metal project HandOverFist (1994). He subsequently became the lead vocalist for Culture, a vegan straight edge metallic hardcore band, during two periods: 1994 to 1995 and 1996 to 1998. During this time, Culture released material through labels such as Uprising Records, Good Life Recordings, and Conquer the World Records. Moyal also took part in Culture’s reunion from 2012 to 2016, issuing recordings via Eulogy Recordings. Following his initial departure from Culture in 1995, he co-founded the melodic metallic hardcore band Shai Hulud (1995–1996), providing vocals and lyrics on releases distributed by Revelation Records and others.

While active with Shai Hulud, Moyal also co-founded the metallic hardcore band Morning Again (1995–1996). They recorded for Conquer the World Records and Good Life Recordings before securing a deal with Revelation Records. Moyal appeared at Morning Again reunion performances in 1999, 2002, and 2014. After stepping away from both Shai Hulud and Morning Again, he formed Bird of Ill Omen (1996–1997), a sludge-metallic hardcore band; although he left prior to any studio sessions, his lyrics were later incorporated by the band's second vocalist on releases through Eulogy Recordings. Simultaneously, he joined As Friends Rust (1996–1997), a melodic hardcore side project that disbanded following a demo recording.

In 1997, Moyal relocated to Gainesville, Florida—where Culture had moved—and reassembled As Friends Rust (1997–2002). This group became his main focus over five years with releases on Good Life Recordings, Doghouse Records, Initial Records, Defiance Records, and Equal Vision Records. As Friends Rust reunited once more in 2008 and continues to be active into the 2020s. After Culture dissolved in 1998, Moyal formed Some Sort of Radio (1998–1999), a metal band featuring former Culture members as well as musicians from Assück. In 1999, he launched Bridgeburne R (1999–2000), an old-school hardcore punk side project. Upon leaving As Friends Rust in 2002, he initiated Damien Done—a gothic rock/post-punk solo venture that later evolved into a full band.

Returning to Miami in 2004 led Moyal to collaborate on an acoustic folk duo named Goodnight at the End of the Tunnel with Kaleb Stewart (2005) and participate in Best Wishes (2006), a short-lived metallic hardcore band. After moving to Ann Arbor in 2006, he created Old Man Underground (2008), a DJ duo. He also reunited with former Culture members in the hardcore band On Bodies (2009–2017), releasing music through Eulogy Recordings and Demons Run Amok Entertainment. Since 2022, Moyal has performed with death metal group Ekstasis alongside drummer Fred Estby as well as with heavy metal band Caskette.

Initial Bands: U.S. Decline, Insist, Reach, and HandOverFist (1992–1994)

Moyal's musical journey began in 1992 when he joined the Miami-based hardcore punk band U.S. Decline, invited by drummer Steve Blanchard. Prior to this, most members had performed as Midget Stew but with a different frontman. The revamped lineup featured guitarists Sal Lopez and Francis Alvarez, along with bassist Sky Rheam, who would remain a frequent collaborator with Moyal in later projects. Although U.S. Decline recorded rehearsal demos during Moyal’s tenure, they neither played live shows nor released an official demo until mid-1993, when Scott Pellicane assumed lead vocal duties.

In 1993, Moyal and Rheam initiated Insist, a Miami hardcore outfit with a heavier sound. The band included future Makeshift and Sunday Driver vocalist/guitarist Alex Martinez, guitarist Manny Avila, and drummer Doron Lev. Insist’s live presence was limited to a single performance on September 11, 1993, sharing the stage with U.S. Decline and other groups; they also recorded an unreleased rehearsal demo.

By October of the same year, Moyal, Rheam, and Avila departed Insist to establish Reach, a metallic hardcore band. This ensemble incorporated drummer Louie Long and co-lead vocalist Joel Pelkey—both formerly of Organized Pain alongside guitarist John Wylie. Reach performed once in November 1993 alongside bands such as Sloth and Tension—the latter featuring Wylie and Matt Fox, who would later collaborate with Moyal in Shai Hulud.

In the summer of 1994, Moyal briefly fronted HandOverFist, a groove metal project formed with ex-Trauma members guitarist John Paul Guy and drummer Alex Garbutt.

Culture (1994–1995, 1996–1998, 2012–2016)

In September 1994, Moyal became the vocalist for Culture, a metallic hardcore band from Pompano Beach, Florida. Founded in December 1993 by former Timescape Zero and Ego Trip guitarist Richard Thurston alongside drummer Joshua Williams and original singer Mark Mitchell, Culture had undergone several lineup changes including three different vocalists before Moyal’s arrival. The group also included ex-Tension and Organized Pain guitarist John Wylie. By 1994, Culture had released both a demo tape and a 7-inch single while preparing to record their first full-length album with producer Jeremy Staska.

With Moyal joining the fold, Culture embraced veganism and straight edge principles. They recorded their debut album Born of You with Staska but were dissatisfied with the initial results. Consequently, they rewrote material and re-recorded the album twice more over two months. The lyrics reflected Moyal’s personal challenges during this period. The finalized album was signed by Conquer the World Records and released on CD and vinyl in June 1995. Subsequently, Culture recorded four new tracks for compilations as well as a split 7-inch with emo band Roosevelt on Intention Records; one song also appeared on Uprising Records' compilation Ceremony of Fire.

Disagreements with guitarist Wylie led to Moyal’s exit prior to the album’s release. Louie Long took over vocal duties for touring before original singer Mark Mitchell returned. Born of You enjoyed success and was reissued multiple times through labels such as Good Life Recordings, Demons Run Amok Entertainment, and Contraband Goods. Following an unsuccessful 1996 tour supporting the Deforestation EP—which featured lyrics by Moyal—Culture relocated to Gainesville, Florida and invited Moyal to rejoin as vocalist.

Upon rejoining Culture, Moyal helped secure contracts with Belgium's Good Life Recordings and Chicago's Toybox Records. In December 1996, the band revisited two earlier songs for a planned 7-inch EP (which later appeared as bonus tracks on Heteronome). Early in 1997 involved short U.S. tours, recording sessions for a split release with Belgian metallic hardcore band Kindred, and preparation for the Heteronome EP. Summer tours included appearances at festivals like Syracuse Hardcore Festival and Indianapolis Hardcore Festival followed by a European tour supporting their split release.

After returning from Europe, original guitarist Thurston and drummer Jason Dooley departed; they were replaced by former Morning Again bassist Christopher "Floyd" Beckham and Roosevelt drummer Timothy Kirkpatrick. This lineup recorded seven tracks at Goldentone Studio with Rob McGregor for an unreleased release titled Reborn of You. A European tour planned alongside Gang Green was canceled due to objections over Culture’s straight edge philosophy; instead, Culture played at Chicago Hardcore Festival and Gainesvillefest in late 1997. A North American tour supporting Shutdown in early 1998 was cut short due to vehicle problems. Following a final European tour mid-1998 including Ieperfest appearances, Culture disbanded.

Between 2012 and 2016, Culture reunited intermittently. In September 2012, Eulogy Recordings issued From the Vaults: Demos and Outtakes 1993–1998, containing twelve tracks featuring Moyal’s vocals. In March 2015, the band recorded a new EP for UK label Carry the Weight Records.

Shai Hulud (1995–1996)

In the late summer of 1995, Moyal teamed up with guitarists Matt Fox and Dave Silber, along with drummer Jason Lederman, to establish the metallic hardcore group Shai Hulud.[1][2] Shortly thereafter, Steve Kleisath replaced Lederman on drums, and rhythm guitarist Oliver Chapoy joined when Silber transitioned to bass duties.[3] This formation recorded six tracks under producer Jeremy Staska at Studio 13 in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and their inaugural performance took place on October 31, 1995.[1][4]

Rob Moran, working as an A&R representative for Revelation Records’ subsidiary Crisis Records, obtained the demo tape and secured a contract for the band in early 1996.[5] Nevertheless, conflicts arose between Moyal and Fox that resulted in Moyal voluntarily leaving the group during spring of that year.[6][1] He then suggested fourteen-year-old Chad Gilbert as his successor.[1][7]

Lyrics penned by Moyal were featured on two out of three tracks from Shai Hulud’s initial EP, A Profound Hatred of Man (released February 18, 1997), and appeared on four of nine songs on their first full-length album, Hearts Once Nourished with Hope and Compassion (released November 4, 1997), both issued through Crisis Records.[8][9] Additionally, the track "Sauve Qui Peut" from these original recordings was included in August 2001 on the Plea for Peace/Take Action compilation released by Sub City Records and Asian Man Records.[10]

All recordings from the original 1995 sessions were eventually compiled in A Comprehensive Retrospective: or How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Release Bad and Useless Recordings, which was announced in 2000 and released on January 25, 2005 via Revelation Records and Fox’s label At Dawn We Wage War.[11][12] This collection included demo versions, four rehearsal recordings featuring Moyal’s vocals, as well as a telephone message from Moyal addressed to Fox.[11][4] Furthermore, the original version of "Hardly" was issued on a Various Artists compilation by Australian label Trial & Error Records in 2005.[13]

Subsequently, Moyal provided guest vocals on Shai Hulud’s track "Medicine to the Dead," which appeared on their fourth studio album Reach Beyond the Sun, released February 15, 2013 through Metal Blade Records.[14][15]

Morning Again (1995–1996, 1999, 2002, 2014)

In December 1995, while still a member of Shai Hulud, Moyal was invited to become the vocalist for a new metallic hardcore group formed by former Culture members guitarist John Wylie and drummer Louie Long. Despite previous disagreements between Moyal and Wylie, they sought to mend their relationship, which inspired the lyrics of Morning Again's debut track, "Turning Over".[16] The band’s roster also included guitarist Michael Wolz and bassist Eric Ervin. They rapidly composed five songs and recorded their first EP, The Cleanest War, at Studio 13 in January 1996 with producer Jeremy Staska.[17] Two months later, they recorded two additional tracks for a self-titled 7-inch vinyl released by Intention Records on May 1, 1996; shortly after, The Cleanest War was issued on CD and vinyl through Conquer the World Records on May 15.[17] To support these releases, the band toured the US East Coast, Midwest, and Canada.[1][18] Upon returning from the tour, Moyal was dismissed due to ongoing tensions with Wylie.[16]

Morning Again quickly attracted international attention and became the first American act to sign with Belgian label Good Life Recordings in late 1996.[18] Good Life released the compilation Hand of Hope in January 1997, which included all tracks featuring Moyal’s vocals.[18] These songs were later reissued on the CD compilation Hand of the Martyr, co-released by Eulogy Recordings and Alveran Records on April 30, 2002, coinciding with a reunion performance.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Moyal’s vocal contributions were once again compiled on the 12-inch vinyl release I, issued by Germany’s Demons Run Amok Entertainment on September 25, 2015.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Moyal has sporadically reunited with Morning Again for live performances.[16] In December 1999, he participated in two secret shows under the aliases Hand of Hope and Cleanest War in Florida. On June 15, 2002, they reunited once more as Hand of Hope at Orlando Magicfest. His final live appearance with Morning Again occurred at Ieperfest in Belgium on August 9, 2014.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Fork in the Road and Bird of Ill Omen (1996–1997)

Shortly after departing from Morning Again, two months later, Moyal established Fork in the Road, a sludge metal/metalcore band based in North Miami that was soon renamed Bird of Ill Omen. The lineup comprised guitarists Joseph Simmons (later associated with Morning Again, Culture, As Friends Rust) and José Martinez (later Poison the Well), bassist Thomas Rankine (who would join As Friends Rust and Further Seems Forever), and drummer George Rios (previously part of Floor and Brethren). Martinez, Rankine, and Rios had previously collaborated in the emo band Crestfallen.

During late 1996 and early 1997, Bird of Ill Omen developed material for their first full-length album while performing locally alongside bands such as Shai Hulud, Morning Again, Discount, Strongarm, Vision of Disorder, Earth Crisis, Zao, and Cavity. By late 1996, Moyal divided his efforts among Bird of Ill Omen, As Friends Rust, and Culture. The lineup shifted when former Morning Again bassist Peter Bartsocas replaced Martinez in November 1996; additionally, second vocalist Rob Ogman joined. In March 1997, Simmons was dismissed following his joining Morning Again; Andrew Logan from Crestfallen took his place. Disagreeing with Simmons’ removal without his consultation, Moyal chose to leave the band.

At that stage, six songs had been written with Moyal’s input for their debut album. New vocalist William Shane Post utilized Moyal’s original lyrics on three tracks for Bird of Ill Omen’s release Self, Dare You Still Breathe?. This album was released on CD by Eulogy Recordings in February 1998; subsequently issued on 12-inch vinyl by Think Tank Records in July 1998; and later pressed on cassette by Contraband Goods in October 2021. The album featured band logos created by Moyal that were consistently used across various releases and merchandise.

As Friends Rust (1996–1997, 1997–2002, 2008–present)

In September 1996, while still active with Bird of Ill Omen and having recently rejoined Culture, Moyal established the melodic hardcore group As Friends Rust in Davie, Florida, alongside guitarist Henry Olmino, bassist Jeronimo Gomez, and drummer Matthew Crum.[19][20] The band's name originated from lyrics penned by Moyal in 1995 for a track initially meant for Shai Hulud but later used by Bird of Ill Omen.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name During November 1996, they recorded six tracks with producer James Paul Wisner; three of these were featured on a demo tape.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name By early 1997, this initial lineup disbanded as Moyal concentrated on Culture and Bird of Ill Omen, while Olmino, Gomez, and Crum pursued other projects such as Red Letter Day and The Rocking Horse Winner.[19]

After relocating to Gainesville, Florida, Moyal reassembled As Friends Rust with members from Culture.[21][20] In March 1998, the band recorded "Home Is Where the Heart Aches" with producer Rob McGregor, featuring backing vocals from Hot Water Music members.[22] This song, combined with prior recordings, was released as their debut EP The Fists of Time through Good Life Recordings in July 1998.[22]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Moyal was responsible for the cover artwork.[20] To support the EP, the group embarked on a five-week US tour during June and July 1998 alongside Discount and Dillinger Four,[20][23] performing at festivals including More Than Music (Ohio) and Wilkes-Barre Festival (Pennsylvania).[23]

Following personnel changes, As Friends Rust recorded "The First Song on the Tape You Make Her" with McGregor; this appeared on a split release with Discount issued by Good Life Recordings in December 1998.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Between December 1998 and January 1999, they toured Europe with Discount and Swedish band Purusam.[20]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In spring 1999, they signed with American label Doghouse Records and recorded six tracks at Goldentone Studios alongside McGregor.[24] These songs were issued as a self-titled EP in September 1999; however, Good Life mistakenly promoted the European edition under the title God Hour.[25]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In June 1999, As Friends Rust toured along the US East Coast with acoustic artist Keith Welsh,[24] appearing at festivals such as Wilkes-Barre Summer Music Festival and Syracuse Hell Fest.[26] This was followed by a five-week European tour in July and August 1999, including performances at Good Life Midsummer Hardcore Festival (Belgium), Festival Hardcore (Spain), and Ieperfest (Belgium).[26] Plans to tour jointly with Hot Water Music were canceled due to disagreements.[24] In October 1999, Japanese label Howling Bull Entertainment released Eleven Songs, a compilation spanning various years.[27][28] The band appeared at Gainesvillefest in December 1999; however, a scheduled tour was canceled.[24]

Early in 2000, As Friends Rust toured with Fast Times and Good Clean Fun and performed at several festivals including The Copper Sun Indie Records Winter Festival (Pennsylvania), Detroit Festival (Michigan), and Krazy Fest 3 (Kentucky).Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Doghouse Records reissued The Fists of Time: An Anthology of Short Fiction and Non-Fiction in June,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name followed by a four-week US tour supporting Strike Anywhere.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This tour featured appearances at Mixed Messages Festival (Minnesota) and Pheer Festival (Maryland); however, a planned Hellfest performance was canceled.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Good Life Recordings invited the band back to Europe in July for shows including Dour Festival (Belgium) and Metropolis Festival (Netherlands).Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In August 2000, they completed a five-week European tour with crossover dates alongside Grade and Ensign; notable appearances included Ieperfest and TurboPunk Festival (Poland).Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Internal conflicts during this tour resulted in three members departing.[29]

Moyal then rebuilt the ensemble by bringing in former Culture bassist Christopher "Floyd" Beckham, ex-Twelve Tribes drummer Alexander Vernon, and future Rehasher bassist Guillermo Amador.[29] This lineup recorded two tracks released as Morningleaver / This Is Me Hating You by Doghouse Records in March 2001.[30] Following additional changes, they recorded their debut full-length album Won in July at Wisner Productions with James Paul Wisner producing.[31][32] Matthew Crum contributed percussion while Chad Neptune of Further Seems Forever provided backing vocals.[31][32] The album Won was released in October 2001 via Doghouse Records (US), Howling Bull Entertainment (Japan), and Defiance Records (Europe).Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

To support Won, As Friends Rust toured across the US during summer 2001 alongside Vangard, Keepsake, and Further Seems Forever,[33]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[34] although the final leg was cut short due to the September 11 attacks. They also performed at Orlando Magic Festival (Florida), Furnace Fest (Alabama), and Philly Music Festival (Pennsylvania).[34] From October to December, the band toured Europe with Strike Anywhere,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name coinciding with British label Golf Records reissuing Eleven Songs on CD.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name A London concert in November was filmed and later released on DVD by Punkervision in December 2002.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[35] Their last show of 2001 took place at Gainesvillefest.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In February 2002, As Friends Rust recorded six songs at Wisner Productions for Equal Vision Records;Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[4] tensions within the group led Moyal to record his vocals separately.[36] One week later he departed from the band citing dissatisfaction with touring commitments and focusing on academic pursuits but encouraged continuation under the same band name.[36]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name At that time, tours had been scheduled for the remainder of the year.[36] These final recordings were released as A Young Trophy Band in the Parlance of Our Times by Equal Vision Records (US) and Defiance Records (Europe) in May.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Beckham initially assumed vocal duties until Adam D'Zurilla joined. The group completed summer tours but changed their name to Salem by September.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In March 2008, Moyal announced As Friends Rust's reunion featuring six European shows including Ieperfest plus one US date in Gainesville,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name showcasing their classic lineup from 1998–2000.[37][38] By 2011 they began demoing new material but remained dissatisfied with it.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In June 2014 they toured Japan supported by Endzweck, Noy, and Nervous Light of Sunday;Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[39] Japanese label Cosmic Note issued a best-of compilation titled Greatest Hits?, featuring selected tracks from 1996–2002 curated by Moyal.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[40] Later that year Indonesian label D'Kolektif released it on cassette; Dutch label Shield Recordings followed up with a vinyl edition in April 2015.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

As Friends Rust performed three shows during 2015—including Saint Vitus (Brooklyn), Groezrock (Belgium), and The Fest (Gainesville).[39]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name German label Demons Run Amok Entertainment issued The Porch Days: 1998 to 2000, compiling studio recordings plus previously unreleased live tracks from that period on vinyl in May.[41]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name They played three shows in 2019—one in Brooklyn and two at Hamburg's Booze Cruise Festival,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name then recorded two new songs which were released as the Up from the Muck seven-inch vinyl by Unity Worldwide Records in July 2020.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name In September 2021 Moyal revealed that work had commenced on a new full-length album.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Bridgeburner R (1999–2000)

During the summer of 1999, Moyal established the hardcore punk group Bridgeburne R, featuring As Friends Rust's bassist and backing vocalist Kaleb Stewart, drummer Bill Clower from Radon, and former Speak 714 guitarist Eryc Simmerer. In September 1999, they recorded eight tracks at Goldentone Studios, including titles like "T.V. Gone Awry," "Girls Up Front!," and "Hardcore Means I'm Not Allowed to Smile." These recordings were eventually released a year later by the Belgian label Genet Records as the band’s only album, What Do You Know About Bridgeburne R? 1986-1992 The Singles Collection.

To promote this release, the band crafted a fictional backstory portraying themselves as a defunct Texas hardcore outfit active from the mid-1980s through the early 1990s. The album’s liner notes indicated it was a compilation of songs from rare late 1980s and early 1990s releases, including split 7-inch records with Born Against and Nausea. Additionally, the press materials claimed that Bridgeburne R had headlined tours alongside prominent acts such as Black Flag, Bad Religion, Negative Approach, Biohazard, and Nuclear Assault between 1985 and 1994.

In support of the album, Bridgeburne R conducted a three-week European tour from September to October 2000 with American hardcore band Fall Silent. Notably, Stewart departed the group one week prior to the tour and was succeeded on bass by Mykel Tre Beaton.


Rubbers and Damien Done (2002–present)

Following his departure from As Friends Rust in February 2002, Moyal embarked on a solo project initially named Rubbers, which was soon rebranded as Damien Done. He signed with Belgian label Good Life Recordings. Moyal took on vocals and acoustic guitar duties while enlisting drummer/keyboardist Matthew Crum (The Rocking Horse Winner), electric guitarist Juan Montoya (Floor, Cavity, Torche), and guitarist/bassist James Paul Wisner, who also produced the six-track debut EP Love Thongs released in September 2003. Although planned for an April 2004 CD/DVD release, this EP remained unreleased for more than ten years.

While awaiting the release of Love Thongs, Moyal expanded Damien Done’s lineup by adding former I Hate Myself drummer Jon Marberger, ex-Shai Hulud and Cavity drummer Jason Lederman, former Dashboard Confessional bassist Dan Bonebrake, and ex-Glasseater guitarist Ariel Arro. Collaborating with Arro, Damien Done recorded a cover of Integrity's "Eighteen" for Escapist Records’ tribute compilation issued in February 2007.

Eventually retitled Stay Black, the EP saw its official release in July 2016 as a 12-inch vinyl through German label Demons Run Amok Entertainment. Concurrently, Demons Run Amok released a 7-inch vinyl featuring two new songs with contributions from drummer Timothy Kirkpatrick (Moments in Grace), bassist Mike Hasty (Walls of Jericho), and guitarist Juan Montoya; Hasty also served as producer for this session.

In December 2016, Moyal reformed Damien Done with drummer Benjamin Moore (Child Bite), guitarist Andrew Dempz (Earthmover), and bassist Laura Jane Leonard. The following year, the band signed with California-based Mind Over Matter Records and released a 7-inch single containing "Curious Thing" alongside a cover of Killing Joke’s "Primitive." Their first full-length album, Charm Offensive, was issued on 12-inch vinyl by Mind Over Matter Records in March 2018, with European distribution managed by Belgian label Hypertension Records. To promote the album, Damien Done conducted a nine-date European tour in August 2018 that included performances at Ieperfest as well as venues across Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, and England.

On February 14, 2020, Damien Done released the digital EP Baby, Don't Hearse Me, followed by an 11-inch screen-printed vinyl edition through Mind Over Matter Records. Shortly thereafter, they issued the digital EP To Night in May 2020; tape editions were released by Contraband Goods while Mind Over Matter and Speedowax Records co-released double 7-inch vinyl versions. November 2020 saw the arrival of Demos from the Year 2020, a three-track EP featuring early versions of songs destined for their forthcoming full-length album Total Power.

In February 2021, Damien Done put out a cover single of Iggy Pop and David Bowie’s "Nightclubbing." On January 31, 2023, they unveiled "Pray for Me," the lead single from Total Power, with the full album scheduled for release via Mind Over Matter Records on May 19, 2023.

On Bodies (2011–2017)

In 2011, Moyal reunited with former Culture bandmate Richard Thurston to establish the hardcore outfit On Bodies, a collaboration initially conceived in 2009. The duo recorded nine tracks for their debut EP Planet Hospice, with Thurston performing all instrumental parts. Shortly thereafter, they secured a contract with John Wylie's label Eulogy Recordings.[42] For the EP's live performances in February 2012, the group expanded to include drummer Julio Marin and guitarists Richard Walbert and Chad Kishick.[43] Planet Hospice was released on CD through Eulogy Recordings and on vinyl via American Enemy Records.[44]

Their sophomore EP, The Long Con, comprised five tracks and was issued on vinyl in May 2013 by German label Coffee Breath and Heartache,[45] before being re-released on vinyl by the American label Irish VooDoo in March 2015.[40][46] Irish VooDoo also handled the vinyl release of their third EP, Unremarkably Mortal, in August 2015. This recording was once again created as a duo, with Thurston managing all instrumentation.[47]

In March 2015, On Bodies toured Japan to promote a compilation CD titled Unremarkably Mortal + The Long Con, issued by Cosmic Note.[40][48] At that time, the lineup consisted of Moyal (vocals), Thurston and Zachary Colina (guitars), Josh King (bass), and former Culture drummer Joshua Williams. Later in 2015, Williams was succeeded by Boone Haley and King by Megan Schroer. The German label Demons Run Amok Entertainment released the compilation on vinyl in September 2015.[43][48]

Ekstasis (2022–present)

In April 2022, Moyal joined forces with Canadian multi-instrumentalist David Williams to create the death metal band Ekstasis. They recorded a four-track demo featuring "Magmatic Decimation," "Paralyzing Impermanence," "Holes," and a cover of Morgoth's "Eternal Sanctity." This collection formed their debut EP, Paralyzing Impermanence, which was released on cassette and digitally through American label Unspeakable Axe Records on October 28, 2022. Prior to this release, Swedish drummer Fred Estby became part of the band.

Other bands and guest contributions

Moyal's lesser-known ensemble Some Sort of Radio was active briefly between late 1998 and early 1999. The lineup included guitarists Joseph Simmons and Robert Proctor (of Assück), bassist Gordon Tarpley, and drummer Bradley Bulifant. Named after an unreleased As Friends Rust track, this group never recorded in studio nor performed live.

Moyal collaborated extensively with Kaleb Stewart beyond their work in As Friends Rust and Bridgeburne R. In 2002, Moyal co-produced Stewart’s band Grey Goose's Love EP—originally intended for Good Life Recordings but ultimately shelved—and contributed vocals. In January 2005, they formed the acoustic folk duo Goodnight at the End of the Tunnel, releasing the single "Lately It's the Cross," produced by Moyal. Later that year, Moyal produced Stewart’s acoustic project Bread Riot while also providing vocals and synthesizer parts.

Shortly after departing As Friends Rust in March 2002, Moyal lent guest vocals to Gainesville pop punk band Loyal Frisby’s track "Deceitful Happiness and Made Up Pain," recorded at Goldentone Studios and featured on their split CD.

In September 2003, Moyal invited guitarist Juan Montoya to contribute to Damien Done’s Love Thongs EP; Montoya returned the favor by featuring Moyal’s guest vocals on Pandabite’s song "Painkiller," recorded that same month and released on their EP Doom Box.

Before relocating to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2006, Moyal briefly played with Miami metallic hardcore band Best Wishes alongside guitarists Richard Walbert and Ariel Arro, bassist Chad Kishick, and drummer Brian Ray.

Throughout 2008, under the alias DJ Done, Moyal co-hosted Old Man Underground—a series of classic punk and metal club nights held in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti alongside Nik Fortman (Dead Nik).

Moyal contributed guest vocals to Belgian metalcore act Deconsecrate’s track "Planetary Holocaust" from their 2015 album Nothing Is Scared (Good Life Recordings). In 2016, he appeared on French metalcore band Lazare’s song "Mass Murder of Clear Minds" from From Hate... With Love (Terrain Vague).

In 2019, Moyal provided vocals for American artist Nathaniel Shannon & The Vanishing Twin’s track "Mater Suspiriorum" featured on their concept EP The Three Mothers, released by Aqualamb Records in 2020. In 2021, he contributed guest vocals to American electro-pop artist La Femme Pendu’s song "La Somnambule" from her album Vampyr.

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AbridgedPauseBlogBirdofIllOmen
  2. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  5. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :10
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :13
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  9. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  10. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :8
  12. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  13. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  14. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  15. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :9
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AbridgedPauseBlogIntentionRecordsInterview
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :12
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :142
  21. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AbridgedPauseBlogCulture
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :153
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :14
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :25
  25. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :40
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :16
  27. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :102
  28. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :43
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :17
  30. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :432
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named bookletWon
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :19
  33. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :20
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :21
  35. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :62
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :22
  37. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :33
  38. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :37
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :23
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :29
  41. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :24
  42. ↑ ...
  43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :30
  44. ↑ ...
  45. ↑ ...
  46. ↑ ...
  47. ↑ ...
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :31
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