These Are They have set a September 14 release date for their sophomore full-length, Disposing of Betrayers. The album was recorded at Belle City Sound in Milwaukee, WI with producer Chris Wisco (Michael Angelo Batio, Dirge Within, Jungle Rot) and mixed and mastered by Dan Swanφ (Hail of Bullets, Edge of Sanity, Nightingale) at Unisound in Φrebro, Sweden.
The five-piece band began writing Disposing of Betrayers soon after the 2009 release of their debut album Who Linger. These Are They have increased speed, aggression, and power to create perhaps the strongest death metal release to come from the city of Chicago in years. Combining the classic style, with new elements and modern ideas, Disposing of Betrayers is sure to impress even the most stubborn of death metal fans.
These Are They pay tribute to death metal pioneers (and fellow-Chicagoan's) Devastation, with a cover of their classic track, "Cranial Hemorrhage." Making this even more special, These Are They invited original guitarist Erv Brautigam and vocalist Duane Rasmussen to join them on the recording. Erv created a blazing solo for the song (which was not part of the original track) and Duane lent his vocal talent, which became the first time key members of Devastation have "reunited" in over 20 years.
Keeping with their Chicago pride, These Are They have taken on Chicago's history rich with organized crime. The lyrics throughout Disposing of Betrayers re-imagine events - all taken from factual newspaper articles which still resonate throughout the city today. Some based in fact, some in fiction, but all for the fascination in the history of Chicago's lore.
"The process of writing this CD was quite unique," said vocalist Paul Kuhr. "We knew exactly where we needed to go musically. The lyrical subject matter had to be approached more carefully. Taking a topic like Chicago crime history, and still making it a death metal record, posed more of a challenge for Steve and me, who wrote all the lyrics. I think the crushing production, aggressive riffing and drumming, and the interesting topic all came together to create what I feel is an amazing recording. I'm quite proud of this one."
Guitarist Steve Nicholson added, "Growing up on the streets of Chicago, it's "underworld" was always present. The streets were tough. Shady characters were a part of life, and you knew who was friend or foe. The dangerous subject of this collection had to be approached with tact. Along with the brutal deliverance of the music, we feel the final result will "Massacre" the metal listener."
