Divine Heresy
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Dino Cazares, John Sankey |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Key people | Dino Cazares (guitarist), Tim Yeung (drummer), Joe Payne (bassist), Lauren Hart (vocalist) |
| Products | Heavy metal music albums |
Divine Heresy is a heavy metal group from the United States, established in Los Angeles, California by guitarist Dino Cazares, founder of Fear Factory, alongside drummer John Sankey from Devolved. While the band's roots trace back to 2002, its official formation took place in 2006. The current roster features Cazares, drummer Tim Yeung—formerly of Vital Remains and currently with World Under Blood—bassist Joe Payne, who previously played with Nile, and vocalist Lauren Hart. Tommy "Vext" Cummings was removed from the band following an onstage dispute on April 26, 2008. After conducting auditions, Travis Neal, known for his work with The Bereaved, was announced as the new vocalist on August 14.
Their first album, Bleed the Fifth, launched on August 28, 2007, moved 2,700 units during its debut week. The record garnered favorable critiques; Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic remarked it "achieves an almost flawless blend of affirmation and innovation," while Dom Lawson from Metal Hammer commended Cazares for delivering "a precise strike."
Formation (2002–2007)
Following his departure from Fear Factory in 2002, guitarist Dino Cazares searched for a drummer who would fit well with his vision. His initial collaborations with John Sankey (Devolved) and Nick Barker (Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir) were unsuccessful due to visa complications. Subsequently, he enlisted Tim Yeung, formerly of Vital Remains. Together, Cazares and Yeung produced early demos, which they forwarded to Cummings for vocal tryouts, impressed by his intense and fervent delivery. For the bass parts, Tony Campos (Static-X) contributed to three tracks while Cazares handled the remainder. Eventually, after auditions, Joe Payne—ex-bassist of Nile—was brought on as the permanent bassist.
'Bleed the Fifth' (2007–2008)
Recorded in early 2007 and produced by former Machine Head guitarist Logan Mader, the debut album Bleed the Fifth embodies a rebellious attitude, with lyrics penned by Cummings that explore personal adversity alongside themes drawn from the Book of Revelation, natural catastrophes, warfare, and terrorism. Cazares described the project as a strong statement against critics.
Upon its U.S. release on August 28, 2007, Bleed the Fifth sold 2,700 copies during its first week. It received commendations: Metal Hammer gave it an 8/10 score for its concentrated approach; Allmusic emphasized its skillful balance between innovation and reaffirming Cazares' artistic direction; Blabbermouth.net labeled it "a formidable effort with enduring hooks"; and About.com praised both the musicianship and production quality.
Following the album's completion, Divine Heresy secured a North American contract with Century Media Records along with a European licensing agreement through Roadrunner Records. Cazares preferred Century Media due to their allowance for artistic freedom, contrasting with Roadrunner's commercial expectations he experienced during his tenure with Fear Factory. Nonetheless, Yeung noted that Roadrunner showed limited enthusiasm and favored a label offering stronger commitment.
Departure of Tommy Vext (2008)
Lead vocalist Tommy Vext departed from the group following a confrontation on stage on April 26, 2008. Dino Cazares explained that Vext was dismissed after a disagreement during a live performance, where Vext wished to cut the set short to protect his voice for an upcoming show. The band proceeded with additional songs beyond what Vext regarded as the final track, sparking a dispute and physical conflict with Dino, which led to Vext's immediate removal. In a subsequent interview, Vext criticized Dino's ego and affirmed that leaving was a crucial move for his professional growth.
Bringer of Plagues and hiatus (2009–2015)
Divine Heresy's second album, following 2007's Bleed the Fifth, introduced new frontman Travis Neal, previously associated with Pushed. Released on July 28 via Century Media Records, Bringer of Plagues was co-produced by Dino alongside Dirty Icon members Logan Mader and Lucas Banker.
By November 2010, Divine Heresy had been removed from Century Media's artist roster. Dino revealed that he and drummer Tim Yeung were composing new tracks during intervals between Fear Factory tours. On January 26, 2011, bassist Joe Payne exited the band. Later in 2012, Payne encountered legal troubles related to marijuana distribution.
Dino announced on May 10, 2011, intentions to release a new album in 2012 coupled with a US east coast tour. Nonetheless, by August 2012, he expressed doubts regarding Tim Yeung's return as drummer due to other professional obligations.
In an interview dated July 27, 2015, Dino confirmed he was the sole remaining member and stated that Divine Heresy was inactive because of his commitments with Fear Factory.
On January 24, 2020, Dino shared news of former bassist Joe Payne’s passing at age 35; no details about the cause were provided.
Return from hiatus and new lineup (2022–present)
On August 1, 2022, Dino Cazares revealed the addition of Lauren Hart from Once Human as the band's new lead singer. He also disclosed that he is currently composing fresh material and will handle all guitar and bass parts in the studio recordings. More than a month later, Gabe Seeber, known for his live performances with Decrepit Birth, was announced as Divine Heresy's new drummer.
Current members
- Dino Cazares – guitars (2005–present), bass (2005–2007, 2022–present)
- Lauren Hart – vocals (2022–present)
- Gabe Seeber – drums (2022–present)
Former members
- Jose Maldanado – vocals (2005)
- John Sankey – drums (2005)
- Tim Yeung – drums (2006–2012)
- Tommy Vext – vocals (2006–2008)
- Joe Payne – bass, backing vocals (2007–2011; died 2020)
- Travis Neal – vocals (2008–2013)
Live members
- Risha Eryavec – bass (2006–2007)
- Jake Veredika – vocals (2008)
Discography
- Studio albums
- Bleed the Fifth (2007)
- Bringer of Plagues (2009)
- Music videos
- "Failed Creation" – 2007
- "Bleed the Fifth (Tommy Vext Version)" – 2007
- "Bleed the Fifth (Travis Neal Version)" – 2008
- "Facebreaker" – 2009