Vultures Gathering is a Melodic Metal project that originated back in 2021. Vultures Gathering is a collaboration between vocalist-Chaz Bond(Biogenesis, Letters To The Blind, Jacobs Dream), lead guitarist-Ryan Roebuck(Motivik, Ritual Servant), and rhythm guitarist-André Chiang(Shamash, Necromanicide). To be more specific, this is a hybrid form of Metal fusing Melodic Metal with Hardcore. There are a couple of different vocal styles going on here. On the Melodic Metal side of things, the vocals take on a traditional Chaz Bond Queensrÿche style vibe, similar to his previous work with Jacobs Dream. However, on the Hardcore side, we find a different beast where Chaz's delivery takes on an extremely harsh bloodcurdling-Hardcore vibe with his heavy screams. 
       Chaz Bond gives us some insight into how the band formed: "It all began in a galaxy far far away. From Andre that is. A longtime friend of mine, Dave Hulsey, contacted me. He told me that this Malaysian death metal band wanted some clean melodic vocals on a guest spot. He put me in touch with Andre. We hit it off quickly to the point where Andre pitched the idea of doing a side project with me that would be in the Swedish Gothenburg vein. Melodic, somber...deep lyrics. Really right up my alley. We quickly came up with the first song. After that, Andre introduced me to Ryan. Once he was in the fold we spent a day or two pouring over a long list of names. Vultures Gathering is biblical, catchy and ominous much like the times we are living in. So let's take the walk shall we?"

       Not long after forming, the band entered the studios and began work on recording material for their new Metal project.

       In 2023 Vultures Gathering released their full-length debut studio album titled 'The Hunt' on Roxx Records. With this release, we find that each of the band member's musical parts were all recorded in their personal studios within their homes. Andre lives in Malaysia, Chaz resides in Ohio, and Ryan Roebuck hails from Atlanta. This release was Produced by André Chiang with the Executive Producer being Bill Bafford. The album's Design & Layout was handled by Scott Waters at NoLifeTilMetal. The record was Mastered at Bombworks Sound by Rob Colwell. 
       This debut release is somewhat of a concept album with the lyrics mostly centering around the Bloodgood cover track "America". The lyrics point out some problems in America and how it is in a bad state right now with Vultures gathering. Much of the idea behind the albums concept, as mentioned above, can be found in the lyrics of track-3 "The Hunt": "Like Vultures flying above in the sky, watching and waiting for another spirit to die, vultures gathering to prepare for the feast, billions of walking dead from west to east, the spiritual decay of our modern day, a Godless wasteland the vultures prey."

       Chaz Bond has had a history of experimenting with hybrid vocal styles over the years including his work with Biogenesis. I feel like the vocals on this project by Chaz could either draw the listener in or cause them to quickly run away. Either way, one has to respect the no compromise attitude and the originality of Chaz's work! 

       The guitar section is managed by lead guitarist-Ryan Roebuck & rhythm guitarist-André Chiang. The shred is a mix of melodic guitars, Thrash, 80's & 90's noodling, and Power Metal riffs. Ryan also delivers up some tasty solos for guitar aficionados. 

Lyrics are Christ centered and sincere as one can see in the following excerpts:

THE HUNT
Like Vultures circling in the skies
Guarding them from all that will expose their lies
Like Vultures flying above in the sky
Watching and waiting for another spirit to die
Vultures Gathering to prepare for the feast
Billions of walking dead from West to east
The spiritual decay of our modern day
A Godless wasteland the Vultures prey


THIS DARKENED EMBRACE
I'm falling faster and faster
Can't seem to break my fall
I'm crying out
But no one answers my call
The pressure the pain
Like starting over
While standing alone in the rain

I need to hear your voice
I need your healing
God, I want to see your face
Please set me free
From this Darkened Embrace

I lay it at your feet
My heart is incomplete
Only through your grace
Can I escape this Darkened embrace
This Darkened Embrace


IN PARADISE
The Son of Man hanging on a Roman cross
Through the brutality of man
For the souls of all
He would pay the price
At the place of the skull

The only Man who is without shame
Demons tremble when they hear His name
The only One who has the right to blame
One man crucified to his left and one to the right
Before the arrival of death
One of the men shouts with his dying breath

Please remember me
When You come into Your kingdom
Please remember me… please. Remember me
Please remember​


CANDLE WAX
She falls to her knees
She looks to the sky
She feels His spirit
She hears that voice
She once heard long ago
My child, come back to me
It's time to put out the candle
It's time to put out the candle
It's time to put out the candle one last time


A KNOCK ON THE DOOR
I am knocking at the door
I am calling your name
I am reaching out my hand
I am always knocking at your door
Will you let me in
Always knocking at the door

It is to you I am looking for
Will you invite me in

Another day passes you by
After many years of what and why
I know the chains that hold you back
And the lies that keep you from me
The truth is I'm never far from you
I am just a word away
I am just a word away from you
Come to me and I shall give you rest​


TRUTH BE TOLD
Our time is running out
Tear down the walls of doubt
The time for the truth is now
A false untruth many will tell
An atheistic seed born of Hell
The truth is right now before us
Look deep into the eye of creation

The truth is in the breath
Of life that we breathe
And in the reflection staring back
And in the grace of the sacrifice

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

       Vultures Gathering is for fans of Biogenesis and ​Queensrÿche. If you are looking for something a little different & off the beaten path, then you are in the right place. 'The Hunt' is a unique and solid offering from VG that delivers! Help support the band and Christian Metal music by picking up your copy of 'The Hunt' today!

Musicians:
Chaz Bond(Jacobs Dream, Biogenesis) - Lead Vocals 
Ryan Roebuck(Motivik) - Lead Guitars, Acoustic Guitars
André Chiang(Shamash, Necromanicide) - Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums

Additional Musicians:
​Zharlie Gustavsson - Vocals on "Candle Wax"