MRR Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra!

TJPL News Magazine Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

‘BLOOD CROPS’ finds the stage, blows the speakers and shakes the vocal cords. A warm-up song to end all warm-up songs, Moat Cobra open like they are headlining a festival. The power is intense; the flavour sour, deep, and rich. The vocals fly out of the noise as it envelops the room, the drums spraying rhythms left and right for the guitars to catch in their teeth.

The sound buckles, the whine of overdrive dominates into ‘DEVOUR’ a song that slows things down but keeps the pressure on. Moat Cobra have a flare, they have style. The melodies woven through the guitars glitter in the spotlights. They dip down heavy, but they fly up now and again, hitting harmonies, throwing lines and chords in unexpected directions. ‘DEVOUR’ and ‘SINGULARITY’ do this so well. It keeps the album feeling fresh and light, it’s interesting and that reels you back in for more. Hooks are another strength for Moat Cobra. They swirl, they bite, they find the gaps and pounce, dripping venom.

‘BAD STAR,’ ‘GLADIUS VULGARIUS,’ ‘SOFFO CONE.’ These songs all remain in your mind for hours after listening. Their ups and downs all create such wonderful melodies and the vocal capitalises on that, pulling back and letting the instrumental do the work. It keeps the set feeling varied, keeps the band feeling intense. If everything was one note, you couldn’t listen to all of it in one go. With Moat Cobra’s masterful variation, you never want their set to end.

Finalising the album comes ‘PERMIAN.’ A culmination of everything that Moat Cobra has to offer. It’s heavy at the start — thrashing drums fill the void, a scream shatters the silence and the bass/guitar combo begins to charge and groan, a power in the dark. The precipice is in sight, and when the rampaging sound reaches it we go into free fall. The melody is king now, the hook is tight and sharp and the vocal does grand work keeping the sound cohesive. Dips and dives and a splendid performance round out the show. Moat Cobra are an example of how live rock shows should go. They keep things tight, they keep the energy up, but they never sacrifice the music. A flooring performance I wish I was there for, but hey, this album is the next best thing. Astounding.

The deep thrum of grunge, the fire of punk and the bolting upright speed of modern metal all combine to create a magical monstrous concoction in Moat Cobra’s performance, Live at Lou’s. ‘DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra’ is an album recorded live and shipped to us hard and heavy straight from DCxPC, the folks doing the work to bring the underground, overground.

Moat Cobra’s sound is plastered on the walls of the venue. Heavy bass drops, smashing drums that sprint a mile a minute, and guitars that burst into colours unseen. The vocal doesn’t fall off the helter-skelter — an issue which plagues many bands — here, the sonic scream remains tonal, melodic and personable. There is a flavour to it, it’s not just noise. The songs flow out of the room with a tangible texture, it’s a heavy indie lover’s dream.

Buy print copy of the magazine here: https://www.newsstand.co.uk/555-urban-music-magazines/33906-subscribe-to-tjpl-news-magazine-subscription.aspx

York Calling Interviewed Dave from Moat Cobra about Their DCxPC Live & Dead Album

I’ve always been a fan of metal, but I’ve been delving into the extreme metal side of things lately, and Florida band Moat Cobra have really caught my attention. They’ve recently released a cool live album called Live & Dead Vol. 1, which sounds really amazing for something not recorded in the studio! I wanted to find out more, so decided to have a chat with guitarist Dave Moreno – find out how we got on below!

By Jane Howkins

You’ve recently released an album titled Live & Dead Vol.1. What can you tell us about the record?

Yeah, this record started out originally intending to be a 7” record of a couple songs recorded live at one of our shows, but after talking to Scott Pasch from DCxPC Live. He wanted to do a 12” but the only problem was there wasn’t enough songs for both sides, so that’s when he said “Hey have you guys ever put your studio album on vinyl?” Since we hadn’t, that’s when the idea was born to do all live tracks on one side and our studio album on the other side. We dubbed it the Live & Dead series, which this album is the first volume of this series. I believe Scott already has the second Live & Dead release lined up aside from all the other live albums that DCxPC have in the works.

This album features a live set that includes a new song we’ve never recorded and the studio (dead) side has the studio recorded versions of all live songs other than the new one. It includes two songs that aren’t on the live side, so both sides have something a little different for the listener.

How has the reception to the album been so far, and where can it be purchased?

Actually, we’ve been quite surprised at the reception we’ve gotten for this album – pretty much all the reviews have been exceptional and it’s been wild to see reviews come in from all around the world. The album can be purchased online through the label website at dcxpclive.com, as well as on their Bandcamp page, as well as at one of our live shows. This release is limited to 200 copies so definitely grab a copy before they’re gone.

Why did you decide to release a live album? Is this something we can expect more of in the future?

Well this is something that Scott and Mike from DCxPC approached us about – the whole concept of their label is to put out live albums like the old VML live albums from the 90’s. Once they mentioned the idea, it seemed like a no brainer. We believed in the whole idea behind the label and Scott and Mike are our buds, so that’s why chose to do the live recording. As far as in the future, I can see us doing a live album again, but it would definitely need to be completely different songs. For now, we’re working on finishing songs for a studio recorded for an EP. I could definitely see us doing another live album, especially if we get someone like Josh Dobbs to do the recording again, since he killed it.

Do you plan to release any singles?

Yes, right now you can stream our single from the live side of this album called Devour. This is also our newest song that we haven’t recorded in a studio setting, it foreshadows and sets the tone for our new material that we’ve been working on and are excited to share with everyone.

Are there any plans to release a studio album or EP soon?

I don’t know how soon it will be since this album just came out but yes, we’ve got about 3 out of 5 songs done. So once we have the 5 done, we’ll get the songs recorded and put together the EP release. Check out our Facebook or Instagram page for updates on that, I’ll be posting a video of one of the other new songs here soon.

Your music has an extreme metal sound. What/who influences you most as artists? What have you been listening to recently?

What influences us can range from art, music, nerd culture and current events, but musically since we do draw from different styles of heavy aggressive music, our influences can range from hardcore punk, death metal, sludge and mathcore. So bands like High on Fire, Trap Them, Botch, Slayer, Black Flag, Converge and Death. Lately I’ve been listening to the new Dead Heat, Outer Heaven, Great Graves, Spy, Bully and Rancid albums.

Do you have anything else exciting coming up?

The next exciting thing we got coming up is our record release show on October 5th, which should be a banger since we’re getting some of the best punk and metal bands in central Florida.

You’re based in Florida, which is known for its death metal. What is the local scene like at the moment?

The scene is alive and kicking here in Orlando, from punk to death metal. We’re lucky to live somewhere that has a thriving underground music scene and community, with great venues that get a lot of local, national and international bands. With Death being from Orlando and being innovators of death metal, their influence can still be felt in the death metal scene here, and there are plenty of bands here churning out awesome old school influenced death metal. Definitely check out these killer death metal bands from Orlando; Blunt Force Trauma, Trash Panda, Intoxicated and Gnarcoossee.

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

No not currently, but if you know of any promoters that want to book us in the UK we would love to go headbang and pummel your ears haha.

Any last words for the fans?

Yeah, big thank you to all those that have supported us and helped us with this release and thanks to all that have bought copies of the album already. Make sure to follow us on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Facebook and Instagram. Oh and thank you York Calling for the interview and the opportunity.

Testing Melodies Reviews DCxPC Live Vol. Moat Cobra

"DCxPC Live & Dead Vol." by Moat Cobra - A musical masterpiece, beyond any genre.

By Suvam Poddar

"DCxPC Live & Dead Vol." by Moat Cobra doesn't fail to flirt with your neurons & psyche. Not many albums; especially metal bands have such diverse musical rollercoaster. Moat Cobra is a metallic, punk-rock band formed in 2013 in Orlando, Florida. They have their own language of music that screams creativity and it's gripping, it's electrifying and it's thrilling. The album is a mix of live recordings named 'Live' and studio recordings named 'Dead,' all pressed on limited 200 copies of violet vinyl. 'Live' version offers a garden of music while the 'Dead' version offers ocean of music.

The drums played alongside bass gives a different kind of high, as if you're lost in a rock-metallic psychedelic trance.

The very first track hits hard and dwell us into a world of hardcore metal. Brett Beavers's screaming vocal texture is unbelievable, it's fierce. The emotional depth & versatility adds to the intense listening experience. The guitar seems to have imparted life, it's sick. The riffs by Dave Moreno are nasty & spine chilling. Vocals & guitars aside, I'm absolutely all in for the drums, played by Al Serrano and bass played by Roberto Oppenheimer. Not all the tracks flow seamlessly within the narrative, and the genre could be a little more overwhelming for some listeners but most of the tracks are raw, euphoric & full of energy. "DCxPC Live & Dead Vol." by Moat Cobra takes you further deep into Moat Cobra’s world with the studio version of the same tracks and it showcases the creativity of the band.

I love the concept of mix recordings. It's intriguing & fresh. "DCxPC Live & Dead Vol." by Moat Cobra is aggressive, and the aggression is bang on evident with each & every track. You can't miss it if your preferences & likes are anywhere close to rock & metal. With a blend of fierce energy & wild compositions, the album offers a thrilling experience of unapologetically bold music.

Cage Riot Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

By: Craig Claro

We heard Moat Cobra dead and we were happy. And when we heard them live, we were even happier.

Ok, so I love this whole concept of Moat Cobra's release "Blood Crops" from the album DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra. It covers so many bases. Live and Dead is the coolest newest play on words for track releases for me. The obvious ones of being live and one being studio ("dead" for those of you who didn't catch the bus) are just plain cool. But take it a step further and think...one day we will be dead and the recordings live on... and both will become dead versions never to be recreated. Maybe I sound like a teenager, but I gotta say if you try to coin a new industry term it's not that common and not that easy.... so this one is a big win for me. Also, I ALWAYS look to see if a band can pull off the sound they create in a studio in a live setting. I used to find and freak out over live versions of Judas Priest, especially the guitar work. I don't want to appreciate someone for something they didn't create. If you need massive automation to make a sound, I might listen, but I probably won't throw major props your way unless I feel you can do it right now, in front of me. So now it's all right there in the same place. I used to have to go to Youtube and search "live version Freewheel Burning '', but Moat Cobra was like "shit, let's put all this in the same location and show the fans what we do. So yeah for me it fucking matters. I don't want to be Milli Vanilli'd ever again (younguns google this for fun).

Alright so guess what...yep the band kicks ass live and dead! We chose the single "BLOOD CROPS" (live) to share with you. I felt the clarity in the track was impressive. I was able to turn this up to eardrum piercing and possibly damaging volumes and it was clear enough to hear every pluck of the bass, the snapping of the drumsticks and for one moment that (really killer) feedback that only hardcore shit needs in a live setting that somehow adds to the ambiance (this word and hardcore should not coexist but lol they kinda do). The way the vocals are delivered is absolutely fantastic. Singing while screaming is just harder than anything to me. To keep in tune and tone and then be understandable and yet sound like singing and not just screaming is what I look for. Also, this song gives me Black Sabbath vibes that literally drive me insane.

There's a lot to say about a song's "journey". The purpose is to make me want to keep listening and not get bored with a repetitive storyline (aka the supporting arrangement) and the guitar and drum work here is just stellar. The drops and fills and running all over my grey matter as we speak. I am on listen number 10-ish of this track and most of the time I don't have time for that much because this is a job and I have to do more than one review a week lol. I find that I cannot track the location of where I am in the song (in a good way) because it literally moves like a jackrabbit all over and then pulls you close and rolls and rips you up making you thrash. My favorite part of the song is 1:28 and the next phase. It feels like I am an engine and I'm being revved up and then rip some rubber and spin in one donut and then dramatically stop (very specifically in a 68 Camaro, matte black, some rust). This is some heavy-ass music and feels incredibly genuine and is a well-rehearsed and dedicated band. This resulted in an impressively well-performed and entertaining live version and here it is "throwing props" the way of Moat Cobra. I am scheduling an ENT doctor appointment for the hearing loss and sending Moat Cobra the bill btw.

Check out this quote from the band "This is DCxPC Live's newest format: Live & Dead! Instead of 100% live: Side A of the vinyl is live and Side B is dead (studio)! Only 200 of these were pressed on violet vinyl."

Moat Cobra hails from Orlando Florida's and mixes class metal, sludge, and hardcore punk into their own unique blend of swamp metal.

DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra Featured in York Calling’s “The Pit” #3

DEVOUR (Live) is a track from Moat Cobra’s new album release, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra. It’s a wonderful album for extreme metal fans, sounding extremely brutal throughout. Despite being live, the production quality on this track sounds immense, and I can only imagine how fantastic these guys are live! The energy never lets up, featuring huge drum beats and buzzsaw riffs that will absolutely rock your socks off. The screamed vocals are really intense, soaring with passion over the heavy music. These guys are certainly ones to watch!

Skylight Webzine Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Prepare to be blown away by the unbridled force and raw intensity of Moat Cobra’s latest live album, “DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra.” Clocking in at 14 tracks, each averaging around 2 minutes and 30 seconds, this record wastes no time in delivering a relentless barrage of Hardcore, Punk, Metal, and Math Rock music. From the moment you hit play, you’ll find yourself engulfed in a maelstrom of energy that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. The sheer power of Moat Cobra’s performance on this live album is palpable. Captured in all its unfiltered glory, the band’s energy radiates through the speakers, making it feel as if you’re front and center in the middle of a chaotic and electrifying concert experience. The decision to record this album live adds an extra layer of authenticity, showcasing the band’s raw talent and their ability to ignite the crowd. One of the standout features of “DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra” is the diversity of musical styles seamlessly blended into each track. The band transitions effortlessly from blistering Hardcore to frenetic Punk, and then dives into complex rhythms characteristic of Math Rock. This genre fusion is a devotion to Moat Cobra’s versatility and musicianship, keeping listeners on their toes as they venture into uncharted sonic territories. The vocalist’s passionate delivery is a force to be reckoned with. With screams that seem to emerge from the depths of their soul, they propel the band’s lyrics to the audience with unapologetic fervor. The raw emotion in their voice further amplifies the album’s impact, allowing the listeners to connect with the music on a visceral level. Despite the brevity of each track, there is no shortage of substance on this album. Moat Cobra manages to pack an astonishing amount of intensity and complexity into each song, leaving no room for filler or dull moments. The constant onslaught of powerful riffs, thunderous drums, and impassioned vocals creates an unforgettable sonic experience that demands your attention from start to finish. “DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra” is not for the faint of heart, as it commands the listener to fully immerse themselves in its raucous atmosphere. However, for those who crave raw and unfiltered energy, this album is an absolute must-listen. Moat Cobra has crafted a live record that captures the essence of their live performances, providing a glimpse into the chaotic and electrifying world they create on stage.

Illustrate Magazine Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Get ready to throw yourself into the heart-pounding world of hard-core rock if you want to listen to more of Moat Cobra and see them unleash their spine-chilling 14-track album, “DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1.” From the very first track, you’re thrown into the midst of Moat Cobra’s hard-hitting sound. The hoarse intonation of the vocals reverberates in your ears, sending shivers down your spine. Gritty guitars take on a life of their own, driving off their course with an unyielding and rebellious spirit.

But it’s not just the vocals and guitars that will leave you in awe; the thumping drums are like a heartbeat that brings the entire album to life. The music becomes a cathartic release with every beat, and you find yourself pouring out all your pent-up frustrations like molten magma, consumed by the fiery energy of the band.

“DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1” is a blast furnace of rock-n-roll energy that shows no signs of slowing down. The live versions of the songs capture the raw intensity of Moat Cobra’s performance, giving you a taste of what it’s like to be front and center at one of their electrifying shows.

But the journey doesn’t end there. The album takes you deeper into Moat Cobra’s world with the Dead (studio) versions of the same seven songs. In the studio, the band’s creativity and artistry are on full display, showcasing their ability to craft a sound that’s both polished and unapologetically authentic.

In conclusion, “DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1” by Moat Cobra is a must-listen for any rock enthusiast. It’s a high-octane ride that will leave you breathless, invigorated, and ready to rock.

InfoMusic Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Check out Moat Cobra's original album titled "DCxPC Live Dead Vol 1 Presents Moat Cobra". The masterpiece to discover exclusively on the official Info Music website.

Written by InfoMusic

For the past few weeks, the new album by the music group Moat Cobra has delivered a breathtaking sonic explosion. Titled “DCxPC Live Dead Vol 1 Presents Moat Cobra”, it is with several tracks that they lead us. These guys deliver powerful guitar riffs, raw drums and dynamic melodies. With the rock voices, we are on an energetic and super powerful vocal performance. The more we listen to them, the more we have this desire for destruction and liberation. 

This album is ideal to evacuate in us the anger and the frustration that we can feel every day. From then on, we leave in the company of this incredible album.

Indieoclock Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Por: Tati Teixeira 

A DCXPC traz mais uma grande edição,  dessa vez com a banda Moat Cobra,  o punk ressurge cheio de atitude e riffs incríveis.

Live at Lou's com os talentosos Moat Cobra é a nova edição do DCXPC, com 14 faixas de muito punk rock o disco nos revigora e representa o gênero de forma espetacular.

A primeira faixa é a enérgica Blood Croops, com guturais incríveis,  bem feito e que trazem muita expressividade a música é libertadora,  tem muito poder e originalidade,  uma música do tipo que nos faz sentir vivos.

Devour é a segunda canção instrumental que tem a cada do punk, somado com uma letra forte e expressiva, essa canção ao vivo é uma sensação única, essa faixa ficou perfeita e tem a vibe que nos conquista.

Bad Star traz uma guitarra densa, com pegadas até do metal core, os vocais brilham novamente deixando a canção intensa, carregada de energia e muita atitude,  essa é uma das melhores músicas do disco na nossa opinião. 

A quarta faixa é pura energia,  cheia de atitude,  poderosa e extremamente impactante,  uma canção cheia de emoção,  mais uma grande experiência musical.

Sem mais spoillers,  vocês precisam ouvir esse trabalho,  é uma música na sequência da outra, todas mexem com a gente e são libertadoras, essa edição do DCXPC é densa, transborda qualidade e talento,  uma das melhores.

Ouça aqui:

https://moatcobra.bandcamp.com/album/dcxpc-live-dead-vol-1-moat-cobra

versão inglês 

DCXPC brings another great edition, this time with the band Moat Cobra, punk resurfaces full of attitude and incredible riffs. Live at Lou's with the talented Moat Cobra is the new edition of DCXPC, with 14 tracks of very punk rock the disc invigorates us and represents the genre in a spectacular way. The first track is the energetic Blood Croops, with incredible growls, well done and that bring a lot of expressiveness the music is liberating, it has a lot of power and originality, a music of the type that makes us feel alive. Devour is the second instrumental song that has every bit of punk, added to a strong and expressive lyrics, this live song is a unique feeling, this track was perfect and has the vibe that conquers us. Bad Star brings a dense guitar, with even metal core footprints, the vocals shine again leaving the song intense, full of energy and a lot of attitude, this is one of the best songs on the record in our opinion. The fourth track is pure energy, full of attitude, powerful and extremely impactful, a song full of emotion, yet another great musical experience. Without further spoilers, you need to hear this work, it's one song after another, they all move us and are liberating, this DCXPC edition is dense, overflows with quality and talent, one of the best. Listen here: https://moatcobra.bandcamp.com/album/dcxpc-live-dead-vol-1-moat-cobra

Muse Chronicle Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Moat Cobra is one of Florida’s best metal bands blending class metal, sludge, and hardcore punk into their own unique style of swamp metal.

“This rare gem must not be missed by metal enthusiasts seeking a fresh and invigorating listening experience.”

Moat Cobra’s vinyl release, “Moat Cobra: Live & Dead,” offers an electrifying experience for fans of metal and punk rock music. With Side A showcasing their live prowess and Side B delving into their studio compositions

Side A kicks off with “Blood Crops,” a high-octane track that sets the stage for the energetic live experience. Followed by “Devour” which elevates you even further, ramping up the intensity with its furious pace and power-packed delivery, leaving the listener craving more. Next up “Bad Star,” delivers a robust and hard-hitting groove, showcasing the band’s ability to craft dynamic compositions effortlessly. “Singularity” has hints of punk in it and “Gladius Vulgarius” has an impeccable instrumentation, which is beautifully layered. With “”Soffo Cone” you wouldn’t know what hit you.

The Live side ends with a bang with “Permian”. Aside from the tracks already on live side, the dead side features the Prelude which sets up the track Lick the Knife which is perhaps my personal favourite from the album, it has your heart racing from the get go and will keep you hooked till the end.

With only 200 copies pressed on violet vinyl, this rare gem must not be missed by metal enthusiasts seeking a fresh and invigorating listening experience.

The Musical Road Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

By Kamil Bobin

DCxPC Live's newest format, "Live & Dead," is an innovative and exciting release that showcases the Moat Cobra's versatility and prowess. This limited edition 12" vinyl features a unique concept, with Side A capturing the raw energy and intensity of their live performance while Side B presents their studio sound with meticulous production.

The vinyl's violet color and limited pressings add a sense of exclusivity and collectability to the release, making it a must-have for fans and vinyl enthusiasts alike. Preorders for the vinyl began on July 14, creating buzz and anticipation among Moat Cobra's devoted following.

The first single from the album, "Devour (live)," sets the stage for what's to come. This live rendition captures the band's energy and raw emotion, immersing the listener in a visceral and thrilling experience. The powerful blend of classic metal, sludge, and hardcore punk creates a unique and distinctive style that the band calls "swamp metal."

On Side B, the studio recordings showcase Moat Cobra's meticulous attention to detail and their ability to refine their sound. The transition from the live performance to the studio recordings provides a well-rounded listening experience, giving fans a taste of both the band's raw energy on stage and their polished studio work.

Moat Cobra, hailing from Florida, is renowned for their exceptional mix of metal, sludge, and hardcore punk, creating a sound that is entirely their own. Their signature swamp metal style embodies the essence of their roots, drawing inspiration from their surroundings and musical influences.

In conclusion, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra is an exciting and unique release that showcases the band's musical prowess and versatility. The vinyl's concept of live and studio recordings on separate sides adds an extra layer of intrigue, while the limited violet pressings make it a collectible gem for fans. With their blend of classic metal, sludge, and hardcore punk, Moat Cobra's "swamp metal" style is a force to be reckoned with in the Florida metal scene. For fans of intense and dynamic metal music, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra is a must-listen that offers an unforgettable musical journey.

Lelahel Metal Interviews Moat Cobra

jeudi 27 juillet 2023

Interview Moat Cobra

Moat Cobra, born from the Orlando punk and metal scene, has been on a journey of musical evolution since 2013. The band's sludgy, chaotic, and metallic sound incorporates elements from hardcore, punk, and even death metal. With a new EP on the horizon and a unique live and studio release, Moat Cobra's blend of aggression and melody continues to captivate listeners and push the boundaries of the metal genre. As they navigate life's challenges, the band remains dedicated to their labor of love, hoping to share their diverse sound with audiences far beyond their hometown.

1.    Can you tell us about the origins of Moat Cobra and how the band came together in 2013?

This band really came out of a couple friends that all played in other bands in the local Hardcore Punk and Metal scene in Orlando Florida. Me (Dave Moreno) and Jordan Douglas, our original Drummer, had about 3 songs written and two of those songs ended up being “Blood Crops” and “Soffo Cone” but after jamming the songs with a couple random people interested in playing with us and having a few friends coming out to jam on the songs we ended up bringing in our friend Jeff Stamborski on bass who played in another band with Jordan in Orlando called The Products, a local thrash punk band, and Brett Beavers on vocals, from Destructonomicon another local thrash punk band, and that solidified the core beginning lineup of the band. As we kept writing songs, recorded a three song demo and started playing shows, our bass player jeff moved to Australia for a job opportunity he couldn’t turn down, which lead to us to getting our friend Jeremy Ashe, a local tattoo artist and contributor to hardcore and metal scene over the years, to take over on bass and after falling out with our drummer, Jordan, we got Al Serrano from Motivated by Silence, a local melodic deathcore band, to finish the recording process of our first studio album Deimos, which is one the B side to this record, but after releasing our first album came the pandemic and prompted the exit of Jeremy after he moved to the coast of Florida. That’s when we got Roberto, who we call “Open,” to fill the bass position but sadly he just had to move a couple weeks before the releasing this album so we’re gonna continue as a three piece until we find the right person for the gig especially after having Open in the band and him raising the bar on bass for us as a band and being an all around good dude.

2.    Moat Cobra has experienced some lineup changes over the years. How has this affected the band's sound and dynamics?

Well, when we first started writing songs we really didn’t know what our style was really going to be we just wanted to do something a little different from what we had all been doing in our other bands since jordan was playing thrash punk and I was playing in a band called Aella, a mathy hardcore punk band. We both liked sludgy bands like High on Fire and Eyehategod so we wanted to incorporate that into the sound and since we all had a punk background, including the rest of the guys in the original lineup, we wanted to mix in our punk roots in the sound as well. As I mentioned before “Soffo Cone” and “Blood Crops” were our first two songs, “Blood Crops” is our first attempt at a sludgier style and “Soffo Cone” was our attempt at mixing hardcore punk with like a sludge groove breakdown. It was as we kept getting new guys that the sound kept evolving. Once we got Al we could start incorporating blast beats and more double bass parts and by the time we got Open, he was able to take the songs we already had from Deimos and make them his own and add a lil more nuance and character to the bass lines which you can hear for example in the live version of “Bad Star” which has Open’s bass parts verses on the studio side that has Jeremey playing bass on it. Now with our newest song “Devour” you can hear a glimpse of what we’ve been working on with our sound, incorporating not only the sludgy hardcore punk elements but also adding elements of death metal, and mathcore influenced by bands like Trap Them, Converge and Botch.

3.    You've had members from various local Orlando bands. How has this diverse musical background influenced the band's style?

It has influenced our style, as I mentioned before as a new member came into band, each of their own musical influences comes through in their playing. We’ve all gotten better and grown as players as well while playing in this band and I’m sure there’s still a couple other influences we haven’t messed around with yet and some that everyone will hear in the future.

4.    Your debut full-length album "Deimos" was released in August 2018. Can you share the creative process behind that album and any memorable experiences during its recording?

Sure, what we normally do for writing songs is I come to the band with a rough skeleton of a song from start to finish on guitar and then we work on writing and adding the drum parts, followed by bass and last comes the vocals. Of course as we start adding drums and bass, some of the parts in the song change, either extending or shortening parts, adding or taking always parts, even when we start adding vocals lastly there will be times where we’ll want to extend a part or something like that. For the Deimos album, 2 of the songs, “Soffo Cone” and “Blood Crops” came from our two song demo, which were re recorded for the album with Al and Jeremy. The rest were written after the demo recordings were done and right before we went into the studio with Jeff McAlear, an awesome recording engineer that’s worked with bands like Sevendust, Shroud Eater and Hollow Leg to name a few and he’s also a kick ass drummer for Junior Bruce, one of our favorite local sludge metal bands. As far as stories from Recording that Album; the studio we recorded at is run by Scott Angelicos the singer of an influential hardcore band called Bloodlet, if you’ve never heard of them you should look them up, and he’s also in Junior Bruce and hollow leg, but after a day of recording vocals; Brett, Jeff McAlear, Scott and I (Dave) all went bar hoping around Deland Florida where the studio we recorded at is located and after hopping from several bars and ending up at river house restaurant where we had some killer fried catfish, and took over the jukebox there blasting slayer, much to the disappointment to all the retired older folks that where scattered throughout the restaurant/bar, we kept circling back to talking about the album and Scott wanted to do guest vocals on one of the songs so we cashed out and headed back to the studio and recorded a few takes of guest vocals and that’s how we got the guest vocals on “Blood Crops” for the Deimos album, even though Scott did vocals on three of the songs we ended up liking the “Blood Crops” vocals the most so that’s what’s on the album. The next day we had a laugh about it as we nursed out headaches and it was also a “wait did that happen” moment since we were fans and I grew up listening to Bloodlet haha.

 5.    Moat Cobra has had the opportunity to open for some notable bands. Could you tell us about your most memorable experiences sharing the stage with other artists?

Yea, probably the two biggest shows and probably the most memorable, as well, has been when we got to open for High on Fire and the time we opened for Soulfly. The High on Fire show was interesting because that was our third show and we had been playing as a three piece since Jeff Stamborski had just moved to Australia and that show was a sold out and it was one of the times I’ve seen the most amount of people crammed into Will’s Pub here in Orlando, this venue has a rather small stage and if you know or have seen High on Fire, you know they have a lot of gear and amps and speakers haha so all of their stuff took up all the space on the stage so all the bands that opened had to set up and play on the floor but that ended up being pretty cool having everyone so close in your face while you play and it ended up being an absolutely amazing show. The time we opened for Soulfly was memorable because that was another show that was packed and even early since we played second out of the six total bands for that show but during Incites set, which is Max Cavalera’s sons band, some guy tried to stage dive and to be fair he was a lil bit of a bigger guy… yea well the crowd didn’t catch him, they let him hit the hard floor and incites set had to be cut short so paramedics could come stretcher the guy out of the crowded venue as the whole crowd sang the Ole soccer chant haha… the show eventually went in and Soulfly crushed it.

 6.    "Devour" is the first new song in four years since your debut album and the first written with Roberto Oppenheimer on bass. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and its significance for the band?

Yea, we’re so glad that everyone will get to hear what Open adds to the old songs and “Devour.” He really did work his ass off to not only learn the old and new songs but to really make the bass lines their own thing and not be so much of just following the guitar lines. As far as inspiration, I wanted the guitar work to be fast, intense and chaotic but come to a head with final groove riff. Since this was also the first new song we wrote together, we wanted to make it somewhat short and to the point. As for vocally the song is based on a painting by Goya called “Saturn Devouring His Son” and how it represents the current status of our current world and times, we seem to be… devouring ourselves.

 7.    The band is working on a new EP. What can fans expect from this upcoming release, and is there a specific theme or direction you are exploring?

Yea, we’re hoping to get 5 song done and then start the recording process, right now we have about 4 songs. We actually originally recorded 2 new songs when we recorded the live set with Josh for DCxPC but that night was the first night we had played the other new song called “Doom Weaver” and by now we’ve made some changes to it since that was now about a year ago. These new songs will be some of our most technical and most diverse work yet and “Devour” might be one of the more Aggressive faster songs out of the bunch but we definitely have some slower melodic songs in the mix as well. Stay tuned to our socials, we’ll be posting some video of us playing “Doom Weaver” since we have some footage from our last couple shows.

 8.    The DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra series showcases live recordings during the pandemic. How did this idea come about, and how has the response been from your fans?

Well, this all wouldn’t of happened without Scott and Mike of DCxPC Live, they started the label during the pandemic when people were live-streaming shows from empty venues which eventually turned into them putting on shows after things started to open up and having them recorded and put on vinyl. Since both of our bands Call in Dead and Moat Cobra had played several show together so we were close and once Scott and Mike started doing DCxPC they had mentioned that they wanted to record one of our shows and put it out, so it seemed meant to be and we as a band were stoked. Originally this was going to be a 7” but after talking to Scott he wanted to do a 12” and then asked if we had ever pressed our studio album Deimos on vinyl, which we hadn’t, so he mentioned the idea of putting out album on one side and the live set in the other… which at that point seemed like a no brainer, haha. Any time we talk to people about the concept behind this album seem to love it, it exposes people to a new band and not only do they get to hear what they sound like live and raw but then also get studio recordings as well, it’s the full package starter pack for a new listener.

 9.    The album covers for the DCxPC Live series pay homage to the VMLive album covers of the 1990s. What led to this creative decision, and how do you choose which live shows to release?

That would definitely be more of a question for Scott and Mike from the label, I’m pretty sure that came from an idea that Scott had. As far as the Botch 061502 12” album recorded at their initial final show in 2002 being picked for a preorder giveaway just came from Scott asking us what Live metal 12” album did we like, so we figured that was going to be for the giveaway.

The album covers for the DCxPC Live series pay homage to the VMLive album covers of the 1990s. What led to this creative decision, and how do you choose which live shows to release? This is Scott from DCxPC Live answering this question. I loved the old VMLive series from the 1990's, so I thought it would be rad to pay homage to them and play on the nostalgia that I feel when I see one of those albums. It also keeps the covers simple, which means it keeps production costs lower, and doesn't get slowed down by bands taking months to design a cover. As for which shows. It's a combination of things. Sometimes it's local bands, sometimes I dig a touring band, sometimes reach out to bands who had live albums that never came out on vinyl or sometimes I run into a band somewhere, and I give them a card, and they figure out how to record it in their area. The most important things are that I dig the band and they are good people. I'm not so worried if they are touring monsters or the biggest band. I want to document the scene that I love, in the way that I love it most--live!

10.  Alongside the live recordings, you have a unique concept of including a "dead" (studio) side. Can you elaborate on how this dual-sided release enhances the listener's experience?

I think this can enhance the listeners experience because in getting the studio album the listener can hear the finer details in the songs, especially if it’s on that’s on the live side as well. Also giving the listener to pick for themselves which version of the songs they like better whether it’s the live or studio version since the live versions are slightly different from the studio versions. Both sides also have songs that aren’t on the other side so listeners have something on both sides that isn’t on the other.

11.  Moat Cobra has been recognized as "Band of the Week" by Orlando Weekly and nominated twice for "Best Metal Band" in their yearly awards. How do these accolades impact the band's motivation and creative process?

It’s definitely let us know that we’re doing something right, and keeps us pumped to keep going. It also gets the band more attention and we can see a bump in everything when we get mentions or write ups from the Orlando Weekly. Even though we’ve been nominated for best metal, now 3 times counting this year, we have never won it and this years winners haven’t been announced, which I believe is in August, maybe this is our year! Haha.

12.  With a sludgy, metallic, chaotic, hardcore sound, how do you push the boundaries and maintain a distinct identity within the metal genre?

We push more boundaries playing live, since we have a diverse sound we sometimes fall into somewhere between punk and metal we can play punk shows and we can play metal shows but we still stick out a bit but we bring people together from other genres where sometimes those boundaries aren’t crossed.

13.  How has the band's musical vision evolved over the years, and what direction do you see Moat Cobra heading in the future?

The sound has definitely evolved over time from the punk sludge foundation to more of a technical mathy metal but still mixed in with punk and sludge, while also adding a hint of death metal. Each new member brought a slightly higher skill set so eventually the songs started to get more technical with timing and song structures. In the future you could here us use possibly some cleaner tones, other than just heavy distortion and messing around with more melodic passages to break up some of the intensity a bit.

14.  What has been the most challenging aspect of being part of Moat Cobra, and how have you overcome those challenges as a band?

The most challenging aspect is simply life, haha. Since we have real jobs and families, life can get in the way sometimes but we do well with managing it and whatever money we make from shows or merch we put that money back into the band that way things do cost us purely out of pocket and that really helps keep the band going. It’s a labor of love, but we keep trudging forward.

15.  Apart from music, what other forms of art or external influences inspire the band's creative process?

I’m sure for each of us it’s different, I know for me it’s mostly music itself since I’m constantly looking for new music, new sounds regardless of genre, also paintings if I get to go to an art museum when in a new place or if there’s a local art show from a local artist I know, all that can inspire me. For Brett it’s probably also anything to do with outer space and current events/status of the world and art, like paintings as well, since he’s based songs off that too. Al I’m inspired by other drummers and watching them do clinic videos and probably mixed martial arts, haha, and Open is inspired by gear and recording technology.

16.  What are your aspirations and goals for Moat Cobra in the next few years, and what can fans look forward to in the future?

Our goals are to get this record out hopefully sell all the copies we have and let that help fund recording our new EP and give people some completely new songs and a studio version of “Devour.” I really think people are gonna hear the progression we’ve made and really dig into the material. Hopefully we get to start sprinkling in a few more shows a year outside of the greater Orlando area, since we’ve started to get a couple more out of town show offers.

Metal Asylum Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

DC x PC Live & Dead Vol 1 Presents Moat Cobra

Posted on July 24, 2023

DCxPC is a collaboration that books and releases music from live shows for multiple bands and they have one goal and that is to release music by bands they love. “No contracts, no record deals, just a faith in the punk rock community.” The collaboration has already released fourteen recordings, with many more in the pipeline.

Live & Dead is a new format for DCxPC, with live recordings on one side (of the vinyl) and dead (studio) on the other and this release for Moat Cobra is the first released in this format.

So now we know a bit about the team behind the release, what about the band it is showcasing? Moat Cobra is a sludge metal, hardcore band from Orlando in Fl, consisting of members Brett Beavers on vocals, Dave Moreno on guitar, Al Serrano on drums and Roberto Oppenheimer on bass, and was formed in 2013.

The first half of the album (the live part) is raw and energetic, just like any live show should be. The guitars are heavy, and the drumming is energetic and the vocals, complete with screams and growl, are totally awesome. The energy and passion for the music that the band has is clearly heard in the live part of this album and this would also be heard by the audience at the time of recording.

The “dead” part of the album, the studio recordings, is just as fantastic as the live part, and really shows the talent that these guys have. Not quite as raw as the live t performance, there is still a grittiness about the recordings that really makes them stand out.

The guitars are pounding, riffs really hitting you in the stomach and the drumming is hard and frantic, once again showing how energetic and vigorous the music really is. Meaty basslines show through more on the “dead” part of the recording, adding an extra groove that is perhaps missing from the “live” part, but showing that this band really is a force to be reckoned with.

The lyrics are more audible in the dead parts of the album, although this is to be expected due to the nature of live and recorded performances, but the vocals are just as strong on both the live and dead parts.

Releasing both live and recorded songs on one release is a great way to introduce a band to the listening public and I think it is a system that really works, as the listener has the advantage of hearing the band in both settings.

Another great release by DCxPC and by a band that is now firmly on my radar. Great band, great production, great album! Be sure to check out both Moat Cobra AND DCxPC for other releases and recordings!

Rock Charts Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

By Will Lisil https://rockcharts.news/artist/artists/rock-americana-metal-and-more-the-best-of-the-latest-releases/

Hailing from the distinctive music scene of Orlando, United States, MOAT COBRA has proved itself as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal genre.

Their unique concoction features a mix of classic metal, sludge, and hardcore punk, effectively creating a signature blend of what can only be called swamp metal.

This unparalleled style can be fully appreciated in their album, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra.

Drawing inspiration from well-known artists like Slayer and Black Sabbath, Moat Cobra brings unprecedented energy to the world of metal.

Their anthemic and powerful male vocals, combined with thrash-laden guitar riffs, are compelling and will surely delight any fans of US-based hardcore punk and heavy metal culture. “Their music is like a tidal wave of pure, unadulterated energy,” declared a critic, showcasing MOAT COBRA’s impressive talent.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Moat Cobra’s exhilarating swamp metal sound. Check it out and visit their website, or follow the artist on SoundCloud. So go ahead and give them a listen and while you’re at it, be sure to like and follow our playlist for more amazing tracks!

Headbangers News Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

EDM Rekords Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Moat Cobra, the hardcore rock band known for their high-energy and raucous live shows, is releasing their first-ever live and studio hybrid album through DCxPC Live’s innovative new "Live & Dead" format. DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra is a 14-track collection, with 7 live cuts and 7 studio tracks, providing fans a glimpse into the raw power of the band’s live performances as well as their meticulous craft in the studio.

The live tracks capture the band at the height of their powers. Opening with a furious version of "BLOOD CROPS," the band tears through the live songs "DEVOUR," "BAD STAR" and "SINGULARITY," with the singer screaming his vocals front and center in the mix. The electric guitar screams solos and power chords, pushing each other to new heights of technical proficiency. The drummer attacks his massive drum kit with barely controlled chaos. By the climax of "PERMIAN," the final live track, audience and band alike are in a state of pure rock euphoria.

In contrast, the studio tracks showcase a more polished and precise side of Moat Cobra. The change from the live tracks is noticeable, but the energy and attitude remain consistent. Moat Cobra knows how to work a studio to achieve maximum impact.

With "DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra", Moat Cobra, and DCxPC Live have created an inventive new format that gives fans a full 360-degree view of a hard rock band at the peak of their craft. Both the live and studio tracks have a complementary effect, showcasing the musical skill and high-energy performance style that has made Moat Cobra stand out in a crowded field. 

DCxPC Live & Dead proves Moat Cobra can deliver rock music as an immersive experience, from the studio to the stage and back again. By including both live and studio tracks, the album is a rock fan’s dream and one of the most compelling hard rock releases of the year. Filled with screaming vocals, shredding guitars, and hard-hitting drums, DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra is loud, grungy hardcore rock art.

Get ready to let loose and rock out - head over to your favorite streaming service now and follow the band for more of their exciting live songs and upcoming music releases.

Good Music Radar Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Moat Cobra started a tremor the first time they performed. Unknowingly, they have been noticed in the indie rock and metal community for their dedication to rocking out hard, every time. Their 2018 album Deimos was the indicator for that, and they release their live song called Devour today. The live recording will fill you with all the fury, for the right reasons. 

The dynamite entry is exactly with the song deserves. The tempo goes into an instant overdrive, creating a vacuum of silence and a great canvas for enjoying the single. For a 2-minute thrash track, they have nailed every beat and the vocals as well. The riff’s dark transitions will remain with you, even the double bass is relentless through the song. Energy is boundless in the way they have composed this single. DCxPC brings some brilliant artists to showcase their showmanship, and Moat Cobra have delivered. You can hear more of their compositions on their Spotify, for this track is a trailer to what they have released. They have a new release lined up, and as a new fan, I can’t wait. 

Appalachian Snake Charmer and Permian are some of the favourites from the album Deimos. Make sure you follow Moat Cobra and horns up when you’re listening to this thrash gem. Until the next single, Devour should be your playlist repeat!

Listen to Devour here: https://open.spotify.com/track/3z0LY9hLVzDzlLywnZPlqT?si=4ebee1e3d2f74da3

Mesmerized Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1Moat Cobra

DCxPC Empowers Moat Cobra’s New Live and Studio Album

• Gabriel Mazza

Joining the DCxPC family, Florida’s metal outfit Moat Cobra has released a mixed live and studio album, showcasing their punch, charisma and absolute class. For the uninitiated, DCxCP is an American underground record label that has been quite active recently. Their ethos is mainly to highlight live recordings in the punk and metal communities, although – as with Moat Cobra – some studio material has started slipping through the tracks. A good thing, a sign that the project is growing. 

Moat Cobra feature on the label’s latest effort, titled ‘DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 1 Presents Moat Cobra’. In it, the keen listener will rejoice in the sludge and hardcore punk so fiercely championed by the group. Seven live tracks open the record, letting us catch a glimpse of the sheer power Moat Cobra has to offer. The live side feels more punchy and gritty, a sign that the studio version might be more polished, in that sense. 

Honestly, this is a fantastic record. Scouted by DCxPC, the Florida punk outfit manage to pack energy and charisma into a record that feels raw, yet complex and multi-sided. The contrast between the live and the dead (studio) sides is particularly entertaining: Moat Cobra certainly behave in the studio! 🙂 

Orlando Weekly Reviews DCxPC Live Vol. 1 Moat Cobra

Moat Cobra launch new vinyl series from Orlando record label DCxPC

Orlando metal-punks' concert and studio sounds pressed to vinyl

By Bao Le-Huu on Wed, Jul 26, 2023 at 4:00 am

DCxPC has been one of the more unique Orlando music labels to emerge in recent years.

Launched during the pandemic when in-person concerts were on indefinite pause, the punk-centric imprint began by organizing band livestreams and recording them for vinyl and digital release. They’ve since gone on to specialize in live records, documenting the Orlando music scene on the very streets where it happens.

But DCxPC’s latest release debuts a fresh format and introduces a deluxe and dynamic product line for the pioneering label. Their new Live & Dead series now pairs full studio recordings on one side of the record with live sessions on the other.

For Volume 1, they’re spotlighting underrated Orlando metal punks Moat Cobra. Side A packs seven live tracks from an Uncle Lou’s show and Side B gathers seven studio cuts from Moat Cobra’s 2018 debut album Deimos, memorializing them on vinyl for the first time. Side A also features single “Devour,” a live peek at their first new material in five years.

One thing this face-to-face format inevitably highlights is the contrast between a band’s live and studio executions. To the credit of both the band and Danger Room Recording Services’ Joshua Dobbs, who recorded their set, Moat Cobra’s stage savagery lives, breathes and slays in these recordings.

DCxPC’s Live & Dead Vol. 1 Moat Cobra is available on limited-edition violet-colored vinyl on Bandcamp and DCxPC’s website (dcxpclive.com).

It’s currently streaming only on Bandcamp and Soundcloud.