Dead River Kings are Mark O’Hare, Rich Heward, Jake Carr-Smith, Marc Walsh and Connor Turnbull, five individuals brought together by a mutual love for all things heavy metal and a common goal, to provide an anthem for the downtrodden. The band were formed in early 2017 on the murky banks of the River Tees, in an area known for its once bustling, and now dying industrial heartbeat.

Influenced by all corners of rock music, from Black Sabbath to Dream Theater, Tool to Def Leppard, the foundations were set through multiple discussions and meet ups and After a handful of jam sessions, it became clear that the band’s sound was heading in one clear direction. A Down tuned, sludgy and uncompromising approach to song writing with a clear emphasis on the power of the riff. Couple this with catchy vocal hooks, untethered, frenetic drumming, earth shattering bottom end rumble and a triple headed guitar attack, Dead River Kings provide a fresh take on heavy music.

The band sparked immediate attention on the local scene, playing a handful of impressive live shows and planting the seed to local promoters and venues as well as starting work on a handful of demo tracks with Nil by Mouth recordings.

It was 2018 that saw Dead River Kings take big steps, and promote their brand to a larger audience, through competing in the Bloodstock Metal to the Masses competition, as well as landing some impressive support slots, playing alongside Deever, Fahran, Samarkind and Massive Wagons.

Currently recording their debut EP, again with Nil by Mouth recordings, which is set to be released in the coming months, the band are prepped and ready for a busy year, with a series of shows booked up and down the country and many more to be announced, Dead River Kings are set to make 2019 their best year to date.