Artist Spotlight ~ True Devil

Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on Detroit hard rockers True Devil!

Unleash your inner demons with Detroit hard rock Hell Raisers – True Devil!

True Devil’s visceral vocals, dueling guitar slayers and scorching rhythm section are everything rock and roll should be – provocative, dangerous, and completely enthralling. Drawing inspiration from Alice In Chains, Pantera, Queens of the Stone Age, Monster Magnet, Velvet Revolver, Motorhead and Danzig – True Devil’s sound is still wholly – or should we say HOLY(!) -their own.

Fronted by former Sever it All lead singer Mark Stebleton, True Devil also features members of industrial cult favorites Crud and outlaw rockers Dead in 5. Now with the release of the band’s high wattage debut singles “Rips My Heart Out,” “Divisible,” and “S.D.o.N.” (produced by Andy Patalan of 90’s hit makers Sponge) True Devil will be bringing their horn throwing, mosh pit inducing ROCK to a venue near you. Witness the raw power and magnetic energy of True Devil because Hell hath no fury like these riveting rock disciples.

True Devil is: Mark Stebleton – Vocals, Dana “Deadly” Forrester – Bass, Brent Hall – Guitar, Jeff Layfield – Guitar and James Trunko – Drums.

We sat down with most of the band ( Dana Deadly Forrester – Bass, Mark Stebleton – Vocals, James Trunko – Drums, Jeff Layfield – Guitar) for a short but fun Q&A!

Band names can have a meaning or it can be a name pulled out of a hat. What’s the story behind True Devil?

Dana Deadly: Hard rock and heavy metal music have always been accused of being Satanic. We decided to name the band True Devil because of what’s going on in America right now. There’s so much division, hatred, finger pointing, anger and blame. The extreme right many of whom are self-proclaimed Christians- are cutting programs for the poor, LBGTQ, women and people of color. The hypocrisy is off the charts. Who’s the real “True Devil” here? Our stickers are printed on mirrored paper – so when you look at it – you see yourself. We each have a choice here – how are we going to act? Are we going to try to improve the world or hurt someone? What will your legacy be?

What are you currently working on?

Dana Deadly : We are currently releasing a new single each month – working with the fantastic producer Andy Patalan – guitarist for 90’s hitmakers Sponge (“Plowed,” “Molly/16 Candles). We’re also working on some new music videos featuring the band (we have 3 epic lyric videos out now – 2 of which feature incredibly cool animation by Ukrainian artist Likozor) and we’re booking shows for the rest of the year.

We love cereal, especially at night. For some odd reason, it seems to taste better then. Do you have a favorite cereal?

James Trunko: When I was a kid, I loved Frankenberry. Now I eat Granola. Times have changed! lol

Mark: Captain Crunch All Berry

Dana: I’m not a cereal fan – but pasta is my Kryptonite. I won’t ever turn down a bowl of pasta – hot or cold – day or night!

What was the first CD/album that you bought and what was your most recent CD/album purchase?

James: My first albums were by The Beatles. The first cd I bought was Megadeth – Peace Sells, But Who’s Buying? I’m currently listening to anything by Gojira – and try to discover new, good music – mostly streaming on Spotify.

Mark: My first album was Black Sabbath Sabotage. It was given to me by a friend. It changed my life!

Dana: My older brother turned me onto David Bowie. Knowing someone like that could exist and create – was transformative. Bowie was truly a musical pioneer – especially when it came to showmanship and theatrics. He wasn’t afraid to reinvent himself or take risks. An extraordinary artist and human.

If music was over today and you had to go into professional wrestling, what would your wrestling name be?

Mark: I was actually a wrestler growing up, and one of the things I loved most was Saturday morning wrestling with my dad. My name when I finally wrestled as a young adult – was Mean Mark Magnus so that would be my name now.

Dana: My wrestling name would be “The Witch” – because the audience could chant “Here comes the Witch Bitch!” when I enter the ring. Plus, I could cast spells on my opponents as part of my wrestling schtick!

If you’re into comics, who is your favorite superhero and why?

Mark: Batman – because I am Batman lol. I also own every Punisher War Journal and Firestorm comic.

Jeff: My favorite superhero would be Wolverine because he is an absolute badass that doesn’t have time for everyone’s shit and is almost indestructible. A second favorite would be Morbius.

Dana: I am more into the Anti-Superheroes of The Boyz. I’m a bit jealous of The Deep because he can hang out in the sea with the Octopuses and whales…but he’s a bit of a sleaze.

If you have any tattoos, what was your very first one and does it have any meaning behind it?

Dana: My hubby (James) and I own 4 tattoo shops In Michigan (Lucky Monkey Tattoo, Ritual Body Art, Lovely Monkey Tattoo & Piercing and Electric Superstition). We could write several books about all the wild stories behind some of our clients’ ink. For me – my first tattoo was a tribal tramp stamp with a black lotus incorporated into the design. I’ve always related to the story of the lotus flower – it’s a sacred symbol representing resilience and strength. Lotus flowers grow in the mud – rising from the dirty depths to bloom and bring beauty into the world.

James: Yes – I have a shoulder-cap piece design which features three skulls and the Conrail Train logo. It’s a memorial to my friend who passed and a tribute to the two of us who survived a crash. One night, my friends and I were coming home from a party, and we passed over some train tracks. It was a crossing with no guard rails that came down when a train is approaching. We were hit broadside by a speeding locomotive with such force that the train couldn’t stop for a quarter of a mile – as it was pushing us – in the car – in front of it. Two of us survived – but tragically, the driver, my best friend – didn’t. Oddly enough, I still love trains and have a mild obsession with them.

Are you a good cook? What’s your best dish to prepare?

James: I’m the Mashed Potato King at our house – my recipe makes hearts melt and stomachs full. lol And, I can make a mean after-gig, cure- any-hangover – egg breakfast!

Jeff: I am really good at cooking especially Greek and Moroccan food.

Dana: I can bake a melt in your mouth chicken thigh that would make Martha Stewart blush.

What are your 5 favorite albums?

James: Anthrax – Among The Living, any Anthrax, really. Any Pantera, any Slayer

Jeff: 1 Type O Negative’s October Rust

#2 Black Label Society’s 1919 Eternal

#3 Corrosion Of Conformity’s Deliverance.

#4 Pro-pain’s Prophets Of Doom

#5 The Cars Self Titled Album

Dana: My music tastes are pretty eclectic so I can’t name just 5. I love hard rock, goth, industrial, reggae, rockabilly and even New Orleans style blues and jazz. Right now, I am streaming music by Love and Rockets, Gary Numan, Ritchie Kotzen, Mark Lanegan (RIP), The Koffin Kats, Return to Dust, VAST, Ministry and Pig. I tend to like music with a darker bent. I also loved the whole grunge era – especially Soundgarden and Alice in Chains. I’m also a fan of Rage Against the Machine and Bob Marley – those artists’ music and message to stand up for what’s right still resonate with me now more than ever.