Los Angeles-based metal band, Dawn of Ashes, is a nightmarish aural version of a gory horror film. The four-piece plays heavy blackened death metal, with a touch of melodic metal--courtesy of the band's use of keyboards. Live performances are where Dawn of Ashes stands apart: costumes, makeup, fake blood and other props are used to reflect the horrific nature of the music and lyrics. The result is far removed from the over-the-top, cartoonish schlock of a band like Gwar, for example, as the group instead hopes to create a genuinely disturbing scene for its audiences. In the Acts of Violence, the band's debut LP, was released in 2006.
