Originally Posted on Nov.13th, 2023
Today I’m going to be telling you about Heavy Metal Band Tyrants by Night!
Here’s there story in their own words.
Current Line Up :
Matt O’Rourke – Vocals, Guitar
Mike O’Rourke – Drums
Aron O’Connor – Guitars, Vocals
Skylar Voegele – Bass, Vocals
Their Backstory:
“Tyrants was formed back in 2014 by myself and my brother Mike O’Rourke, and we’ve had more line up changes than Megadeth. I won’t go into all of them but only the important ones.”
“The first line up consisted of us two, Aron O’Connor and a dude named “Bass Player”. That incarnation of the band lasted a few years and eventually we all went our separate ways. After taking a year or so off, Mike and I decided to record all the music we had written throughout our lives, Not even thinking about having a band again but just to have the music recorded. We kept the name Tyrants by Night, released the collection songs and called the album “A Test of Patience”. After a few months, we figured we should probably rebuild the band and start playing shows again.”
“In the first incarnation of the band Aron sang. With him being gone, I took over the “singer” role. I called up my buddy Jay Dumas to see if he would be interested in playing guitar. The bass player spot was filled out using the bassist from the cover band I was in at the time. We played one show with him and gave him the boot. After getting rid of him, I called a lifelong friend Skylar Voegele to fill that spot. Due to family and work reasons, My brother had to leave the band, leaving us drummer-less. I found Josh Govang and he played drums for us for a couple years, until eventually Mike’s life allowed him to come back to the band. Earlier this year, Jay Dumas decided to step away from the band and Aron O’Connor is now back in the band. Like I said, there have been quite a few people in and out of the band throughout the years.”
Artist or Bands that inspire their sound:
“Metallica, Iced Earth and any band with Jon Schaffer’s name attached to it.”
Their writing process and inspiration for their music:
“Writing varies from song to song. Some songs come out of nowhere all at once and some take time. Others have been a group effort with a combination of riffs and lyrical Ideas. Inspiration can come from anything but usually starts with a Riff. We are a “Metal” band, but I don’t like labels or anything that limits the creative process.”
I love their songs “Under Wicked Skies”, “Judgment” and “The Order of Annihilation”. The inspiration behind those songs:
“Under Wicked Skies” Main melody riff was an idea from Jay Dumas. Together we sat and pieced together the song structure. The lyrics in the verses are pretty twisted and some of the most personal lyrics I’ve written. I was in a rough spot and just let out what I was feeling at that time. It’s probably our most “radio friendly song”.”
Listen to “Under Wicked Skies” on Spotify:
“Judgment” has been around for decades and has had various different recordings and versions throughout the years. The way it was recorded on the album “A Test of Patience” is the way the song was originally written. The way we play it live is very different from that version. We are actually in the process of again recording it. From the first couple of mixes I’ve heard, this will be the last time we’ll have to do it.”
Listen to “Judgment” on Spotify:
“The Order of Annihilation” is just a fast ass kicking Heavy Metal song and was the first song I wrote after all of the songs that were on “A Test of Patience” were finished. The lyrics again were a collaboration of Jay and Myself.”
Listen to “The Order of Annihilation” on Spotify:
What they want their audience to feel and experience at one of their live shows:
“Tingly feelings in their genitals… In all seriousness though, we want the energy we bring live to resonate with our fans. We want people who have never seen us before or who’ve never even heard of us to be completely blown away. We leave it all on the stage each and every time we perform and the crowd response we receive is indicative of that. To put it in short, we are 100% meant to be a live band.”
Weird stories from the life of a band (lol):
“I was in a band where we played a show and after, our singer took a shit on a drunk couple that was making out on the floor. They were so drunk they didn’t even notice and just kept going at it. It was in the back parking lot of a tattoo shop.”
The writing process of their new song, “The Tyrants Reign”:
“The Tyrants Reign” was one of those songs that came all at once. The lyrics for the song were a collaboration with myself and Jay Dumas.”
Listen to “The Tyrants Reign” on Spotify:
Which local artist would they would like to work with:
“Avalon Dies, Shredmill, Parannoyd, and Good Vibrations.”
The overall message of their music:
“MAKING METAL GREAT AGAIN.”
What the future holds for “Tyrants by Night”:
“More shows, new music, new videos, A live album and new merch. We have a bunch of songs written and we are working on getting those songs recorded so we can release them ASAP. With having Aron and Skylar back in the band, this is the tightest and strongest lineup we’ve ever had. Both of those dudes are incredible musicians. Skylar has taken over booking, social media and is pretty much our manager. Aron’s an amazing guitarist and there’s only two other people on the planet that can play guitar like him. I’d say I’m pretty spoiled to have my brother and two lifelong friends in the band.”
What I love about “Tyrants by Night” is how they are not afraid to play around with their sound. One moment you’ll get a song that’s just balls to walls in your face, and then the next moment they’ll surprise you by doing a beautiful ballad that brings you to tears. I appreciate their emotional honesty in their songs but also wanting to have fun in the same breath.
Their musicianship is so incredibly strong as well. With their guitar playing that shows no mercy, amazing drums that drive the energy of these songs and the wonderfully diverse vocals that have a passion, urgency and vulnerability behind what he’s singing.
I truly believe this band has a wonderful future ahead for them, and I for one cannot wait to see the evolution, while I head bang along to their songs for years to come. And this is why they are my Artist of the Week!
For more information about “Tyrants by Night” please visit their site:
——–Vegas Music Scene