Bludgeon - Biography BLUDGEON World Controlled Mark Duca – Vocals / Guitars Ryan Blazek "BLAZE" - Drums Carlos Alvarez - Guitars Chris Studtmann "CS" – Bass Bludgeon is a unique metal entity from Chicago that is not afraid to cause mayhem. The first band signed to Magic Circle Music, Bludgeon takes extreme metal by the balls and doesn’t let go. Their sophomore album, “World Controlled” is a brutal assault on the senses that is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of death, thrash, hardcore and speed metal. Bludgeon has earned several distinctions in their relatively young career. When Manowar bassist and Magic Circle Music founder Joey DeMaio discovered the band, he agreed to produce their debut album, Crucify The Priest - an honor never before bestowed upon a band other than his own - and signed them to his label. DeMaio then introduced the band to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, who recognized that the band had immense potential and agreed to distribute their debut album worldwide. Such signs of confidence from metal elite speak volumes about Bludgeon. The Bludgeon beast is no stranger to touring. Having performed at the Metal Meltdown III in Asbury Park, NJ and as support act to the legendary Manowar on the Warriors Of The World Tour 2002, Bludgeon is a band that has spread the crusade of metal. On the new album, World Controlled, Bludgeon further evolves the sound and attitude that helped them to make such an impressive start. By incorporating hardcore influences into their already powerful death/thrash metal sound, the band has reached a new level of anger and brutality. Vocalist/guitarist Mark Duca explains, “I always write what I feel; half the record was written when I was going through pain and suffering. But I don’t see that as a bad thing.” Songs like “Carnage Begins” and “Consumed By Anger” illustrate the thoughts and feelings of a band that faces the challenges of everyday life with the aggression and persistence needed to come out on top. “You have to suffer to move forward. It’s like you have to prove how faithful you are.” Bludgeon has not only grown musically, but the lineup has also changed. This evolution was not an easy process, but it truly helped to shape the lyrics and themes of World Controlled. “The band was going through personal problems with the lineup change when I was writing the lyrics,” says Duca. “I felt like people were trying to control me and that is where the album title comes from. You might go through changes, but Bludgeon will always stay true to metal.” Here is what the press is saying about BLUDGEON: “On World Controlled, Chicago’s Bludgeon delivers a pummeling that’ll rattle the most veteran death/thrash fan. Brutality unleashed!” – UNRESTRAINED! Magazine "If ever a band was aptly named, it's Bludgeon. This band is brutal power rock personified." – Hit Parader Magazine A track listing for World Controlled comprises 1. Unholy Murder 2. Carnage Begins 3. Bitter Emptiness 4. Consumed By Anger 5. Infidel 6. World Controlled 7. Save Your Servant 8. Refuse The Truth 9. Hunt Or Be Hunted 10. Awakening 11. Out Of Reach World Controlled also contains approximately 20 minutes of video footage showcasing the Bludgeon production cycle.
