Consent of Kings

Consent of Kings is likely the only metal band in East Hampton - perhaps even on the entire East End.

But these East Hampton High School students don't let the dearth of a local metal scene keep them from making the music they love. Instead, it invigorates them in the face of the many challenges that come up for them as not only a metal band in the area, but also as a young band.


The group started out three years ago as Blackout, changing its name to Consent of Kings a little over a year ago and finalizing its line-up of Dylan Sanicola (lead guitar, vocals), his sister, Georgia Sanicola (vocals), Josiah Schiavoni (bass, back-up vocals) and Dylan Field (drums). Since then, they've played over 60 shows, finding some very creative ways to get their music to the public. They often play the all ages Crossroads Coffeehouse, a monthly showcase of local bands sponsored by Crossroads Music in East Hampton, as well as shows for EHHS and the YMCA. The group has also aligned itself with the Southampton Youth Bureau, playing shows for the town's various youth-oriented events. It most recently played at the Southampton Fourth of July parade.

The tricky part for the group was getting their music exposed to an older crowd, which has been difficult, since everyone in the group is underage. But they started playing open mics at local bars, at first at Tom McBrien's in Hampton Bays, and then eventually The Stephen Talkhouse, accompanied by one of their parents, usually Charles Sanicola, de facto manager and roadie. They start their open mic sets with classic rock and blues covers, getting themselves into the good graces of the older audience members before sneaking one or two of their original songs into the set. "It helps them learn how to play to the crowd and win them over," Sanicola said. "Then, at the end, they play originals, once they've got the crowd. The best thing for a musician is to learn how to adapt to a situation. That's what really helps you grow as a band together."

He added, "But you can see them come to life when they play their own music."

Dylan Sanicola said the Talkhouse has been imperative to their local popularity. There, they've met local, seasoned performers who have become fans and who also give them tips on how to become better musicians and on recording their first, self-titled CD. In fact, they'll be holding their CD release party at the Talkhouse on July 17.

And while most teenage musicians - if not most musicians of all ages - will turn inward when finding inspiration for their songwriting, Consent of Kings does it very differently. All of their songs are about historical events, religion or the current political climate. Their song "Wasted Life" is based on the true story of two Iraqis - one a Suni, the other a Shiite - who fell in love and was condemned by their families when they found out about the couple. The woman was stoned to death.

"We try to do things differently," Schiavoni said.

"All bands talk about today is 'my girlfriend this or that,'" Dylan Sanicola said.

"And being in love," his sister added. "It's all the same stuff. Bands today are all consumed with rap and what's playing on MTV."

As they prepare for the CD release, the group is also excited about looking beyond the East End music scene, where it's currently a major player, to become part of a more cohesive metal scene in New York City and, perhaps, beyond. Before the summer is over, they plan on contacting clubs in Manhattan in order to branch out. During the past year, they've already played in New Jersey and upstate New York.

Tickets to their CD release party are $15 and can be purchased at www.Stephentalkhouse.com. For more information on Consent of Kings, go to www.myspace.com/consentofkings.

- Tiffany Razzano of Dans Papers

East Hampton thrash metal band Consent of Kings has 255 friends on MySpace and the group’s profile includes six performance videos, six tracks available for download, and nearly 100 photographs of members, including some recent shots in East Hampton’s South End Cemetery. Consent of Kings is managed by Charlie Santicola, father of singer Georgia Santicola and her brother, Dylan, who provides the band’s lead guitar and vocals. Their music is dark and aggressive and songs like “Demonic Possession,” “Hero” and “Enraged” are reminiscent of late 1980s thrash from the likes of Metallica and Megadeth. - Oliver Peterson