Having just headlined the incredible Devastation on the Nation tour with I Am Morbid, David Vincent is now on the brink of an exhilarating journey – the first US tour with his band VLTIMAS. For Vincent, a veteran of the extreme metal scene, this moment is charged with anticipation and excitement.
“We’ve been doing VLTIMAS for seven years now, and I’m the only American in the band, so I’m looking forward to being able to play these songs in my home country,” he says.
The tour, which spans 19 dates across the United States, will kick off in Houston on February 10 and wrap up in New York City on March 2. VLTIMAS will be joined by Greek symphonic death metal titans Septicflesh and US black metal upstarts Stormruler – do not miss their set.
“We waited until we found an opportunity that was going to be a good match. I believe Septicflesh is that match,” Vincent explains. “I’m a fan of them personally and have been since I first heard them. Plus, we’re friends, and that really helps.”
VLTIMAS is an extreme metal band with international roots. The band’s lineup consists of Norwegian guitarist Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (Aura Noir, RUÏM, ex-Mayhem), American vocalist David Vincent (I Am Morbid, Terrorizer, ex-Morbid Angel), Canadian drummer Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy, Tribe of Pazuzu), Dutch bassist Ype TVS (ex-Dodecahedron), and Portuguese guitarist João Duarte (Corpus).
Their debut album, Something Wicked Marches In (2019), blended black and death metal and showcased the seasoned brutality of its members. With apocalyptic themes, razor-sharp riffing, and primal intensity, the record offered a cathartic, genre-defying assault, cementing the supergroup’s status in extreme metal.
Their latest release, Epic (2024), is a ferocious album merging blackened death metal with atmospheric grandeur. The album’s relentless aggression and mythologically charged themes, woven through intricate riffing and visceral vocals, solidify into a bold, cinematic exploration of darkness power.
As VLTIMAS prepares for their US trek, Vincent and his bandmates are gearing up for the road. “The guys are flying in this week. We’re going to have a few rehearsals here at my studio,” he shares. He also shares that the setlist will be split roughly 50-50 between their two albums.
Despite the excitement, touring presents significant logistical hurdles. “They will all need a work visa, which can be costly. You have to consider the expenses involved in obtaining the visa and hiring an agent to manage the process. Then there are the flights and other related costs. Essentially, you start the tour already in debt. Ultimately, no one is going to get rich from this tour, especially us.”
Still, Vincent’s drive to perform remains unwavering. “Even after all these years, I tour and play live because I love it. If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t do it,” he says. “What better drug is there than being able to move folks with your music?”
Touring is as much about endurance as it is about passion. Vincent, now in his late fifties, remains mindful of his health while on the road. “I lead a pretty clean lifestyle. I get as much sleep as possible. Sleep is what gets me through,” he states. “The weather is obviously cooler, which means people are likely more susceptible to catching a cold or flu. That’s a concern for me, so I need to ensure I get plenty of sleep and take care of myself. If I don’t, it could jeopardize my instrument’s performance.”
As a frontman, Vincent relishes the freedom he has with VLTIMAS compared to his previous roles. “It’s absolutely liberating to focus solely on the vocal instrument for one band and let that be your thing. I mean, I can definitely create a lot more atmosphere when I’m not in jail tied to a static mic stand,” he laughs.
“When I’m playing bass and doing vocals, I don’t have the ability to roam and be a rogue,” he adds, referencing his need to multitask on stage when playing bass. With VLTIMAS, he can now fully engage with the audience in ways he can’t with his other projects.
Live shows also serve as a proving ground, where VLTIMAS has the chance to convert new listeners. “I love winning over people, I really do,” Vincent admits. The band’s blend of aggressive, intricate compositions and dark atmosphere promises an immersive experience for those who attend.
For Vincent, every day presents an opportunity for growth. “A day in my life where I don’t have a new story or something I’ve learned is a day that I’ve cheated myself,” he reflects. His journey in extreme metal has been one of persistence, adaptability, and passion.
“I’m proud of my steadfastness in the face of adversity,” he says. As he takes VLTIMAS across the United States for the first time, that unwavering determination continues to propel him forward.
With an album that captures the raw power of extreme metal and a tour that promises to showcase their formidable live presence, VLTIMAS is poised to make a lasting impression on American audiences. For Vincent, it’s another chapter in a storied career that refuses to slow down.
