Verge Of Umbra

Let’s hang out in Central America a little while longer. There are fantastic rock bands coming up around the region–just listen to Guatemala’s Asimov, El Salvador’s Cartas a Felice, Honduras’ Atomic Rose, and Panama’s Cienfue. But perhaps the strongest connective thread comes from metal, which regularly draws out thousands of fans to shows and festivals for massive headbanging extravaganzas. Make sure to check out Voltar, Moan, Dreamlore and Araña from El Salvador, Advent of Bedlam, Totem Costa Rica and Dumah from Costa Rica, and Belizean national heroes Verge Of Umbra. - Remezcla.com

Verge of Umbra is a #NewBreedMetal band from Belize that fuses vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop & reggae with rock & heavy metal. Our influences range from In Flames, Soilwork, Metallica and Pantera, to Cypress Hill and Rage Against The Machine." - METAL BULLETIN ZINE

Central America SIXTH place in the Metal Battle International at the Wacken Open Air. Verge Of Umbra manages to impress Europe with its mix of Reggae and Metal. - CRANEO METAL

Belizean band Verge Of Umbra formally announces the release of their debut album, titled “V.O.U” on March 12th, 2016.

The grand launch party and live performance will be held at Thirsty Thursday’s in Belize City. The album release is being done independently, and is now available on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. Led by vocalists Nello Player, Jenko Veli, Lowell Gillet on Bass, Andres Pineda on Guitar and Faith Madubuko on drums, the group is made up of an eclectic mix of talented Belizean artists.

The talented group’s album is a fusion of genres not necessarily unheard of, but positively charged and unique in its own way. Verge projects not only Reggae, Rap, and Metal, but also incorporates the Belizean dialect and jargon from two of Belize’s well known artists, Nello Player and Jenko Veli as its front men/vocalists. This genre-twisting, mind-altering, dynamic hybrid is sure to set the masses on both a lyrical and musical blaze. Their sound is a homegrown style that nobody has ever done before; their lyrics and rhythm incite tyranny against conventional ideas, forcing you to ponder what you know, all while causing your head to involuntarily nod to the catchy beats.

“V.O.U.” in an acronym with dual meanings: “Verge Of human’s Upliftment” or the “Verge Of our Unraveling.” It nods to our ascension into higher consciousness and peace, or descent into ignorance and war. It is this subject matter that is expounded upon in its lyrical content.

The album boasts three released singles and music videos.

Mixing and mastering was done artfully by Ramir Hernandez, a talented Belizean studying abroad at Oxford Sound and Audio Engineering Institute. The album was recorded at Poconobwy Productions’ studio (Belize City) and the studios of Dale Wallace (San Pedro Town). Album promotion will be done independently, coupled with the continuation of their Central American Tour made possible by N.I.C.H.

For album copies, merchandise and tour information, check the band’s Facebook Page! - The San Pedro Sun

I don’t know when I became the official head-banging reporter – but it’s what I am now, and I wouldn’t change a thing! And now I’m back with some Verge of Umbra news!!
You guys remember when I went to see them film the video for their song “The Meditation” last year. I was there primarily to show support to Lowell, Jenko, Nello, Faith and Andres, but I was also there in hopes of becoming a video vixen (haha) – and get the scoop on the rock scene in the city.

As I’ve said before, Rock/Metal isn’t exactly the driving cultural music force in Belize, but what Verge has created is a sound so unique it can’t help but BE Belize. So, after being blown away by their lyrics and sound, then meeting everyone and being a part of their video filming, there was no way I would miss out on the grand premiere!

Held at Thirsty Thursdays, and sponsored by Digicell, Belikin and Traveller’s Liquors, the party featured an eclectic mix of people who clearly shared one thing in common: a love for rock!

I sipped a cold $2 Belikin as I mingled, listening to the chatter and appreciating the support for my friends’ band. There were other musicians in the house, including members of Ascenthium, The Remaining and Almost 7. The organizer for the annual rock concert in Benque Viejo, Metalhaven Bash, happened to be at the door pitching in and putting wristbands on us, selling T-shirts and being the welcome committee. I was so heartened to see the support for the guys…and extra happy to hear the boys’ excitement that I’d made it…ALL the way from San Pedro! Way to make me feel special guys!

Oh my goodness, what a cool video! Everyone around me was cheering as they watched themselves and the main characters onscreen…I particularly enjoyed the concept of the video, split as it was into the various temptations facing each band member. Of course, Cricel Castillo, Belize’s top female bodybuilder, was starring in her role as the temptress and head assassin…

Of course, a premiere party wouldn’t be complete without some live music! Verge got onstage and performed a few hits before the nightclub beats took over. I got to see some Belize moshing, and I have to say, I’ll stay away from them! HA!

Congratulations to the boys of Verge (currently on tour in Central America) on the greatly executed, super fun video! This fan appreciates it, and so do the countless others around Belize and the world who have an appreciation for your unique sounds! ROCK ON!

About the Author:
Mary Gonzalez, aka Tia Chocolate, enjoys food, travel and meeting new people – and writing about it, of course! Follow her on Instagram and Twitter, and catch up with her feed on Facebook! - Mary Gonzalez

My name is Lowell Gillett and I come from the Caribbean country of Belize. I am a graphic artist by trade and I play bass guitar in two Belize-based bands called Verge of Umbra and Lasher Zombie. You can mostly find me hanging out with friends behind a grill with a drink in hand. I like the simple things about life; complex things just gives me a headache.



Ø: Lowell, you live Belize. I must admit that Belize is one of those small countries that we up here in the north doesn’t hear too much about. Let us know a little bit more about your country and is there anything that signify your country (for better or/and for worse)?

Belize is still a rather developing country. Formally called British Honduras, we gained our independence in 1981 from being a colony of Britain. Back then the main export was mahogany… tons of it. In fact, our mahogany made the majority of the furniture in Buckingham palace that still exists today. Belize is known as ‘Mother nature’s best kept secret’ for its astonishing beauties and tourist attractions. There are several Maya ruins including the ruin where they found the Crystal Skull. Apart from that, Belize is well known for the blue hole, its great barrier reef (second largest in the world next to Australia’s), its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, and other noteworthy attractions.



Ø: Is it true that you don’t have to pay taxes on services and trade in Belize? Here in Norway we probably have the best health care system in the world but on the other hand we pay taxes on basically everything to keep this going. I have been working in the health care system all my adult life, so I am curious, how does Belize take care of their citizens in terms of public HC systems, schools and so forth?

I will let one of my friends, Jemma Perez, answer this question for you properly as she has also been working in the heathcare system all of her adult life and has first hand149352_10150708183947001_1260988660_n experience:

‘We have a primary health care system that is funded by the Social Security Board under the national health insurance. Secondary and tertiary care level funds come from the ministry of healths annual budget. Belize gets funds from income taxes and from international grants. As it is, our public healthcare services suck due to lack of equipment, technology, staff and quality pharmaceuticals due to lack of funds.’ (Thanks to Jemma Perez! -Ø)



Ø: To me as a musician located in a small village in the northern part of the hemisphere, it’s amazing to see how far out in the world our music reach. Would be great if you could describe your first encounter with the music of BORKNAGAR? How did you first hear about the band?

In its own right, I feel that Borknagar’s music and metal music on a whole was not easy to acquire back in the early nineties. Reason being that Belize didn’t, and honestly still doesn’t have any legitimate music/movie outlets. The stores in the early 90’s did bootlegs of everything in relation to the region. So I’d find mostly local and world music… and a whole lot of reggae. Once in a while, you’d be able to find a very subtle mix tape of 80’s and 90’s popular ballads and rock songs from the likes of Def Leppard, Guns & Roses, Dokken, Whitesnake, etc. That in itself was like finding the holy grail. The real breakthrough with further exploring the vast majority of music available was when dial-up internet reached Belize. I started to do searches and a stumbled upon websites like Century Media and Nuclear Blast. That was where I discovered Borknagar in the sound samples section they provided. Those 30 second clips of Oceans Rise, Winterway, and Dawn of the End alone completely blew me away as it was the first time in my life that I had experienced such different sounding metal music.



Ø: What is your favorite BORKNAGAR album and why?

Of course, as any other die hard fan of Borknagar would also agree, this is one of the most difficult questions I’ve ever had to answer. Haha. But if I had to go really into it and dig deep, I would say ‘The Archaic Course’. All the songs on it are just remarkably memorable and they all seem to reach into my soul and take me to someplace I’ve never been before; somewhere that I long to be. This might sound silly but whenever it gets cold/chilly here, which is not very cold whatsoever, I would ALWAYS feel the need to put that particular album on just because I think it was meant to play with that type of atmosphere. It takes me away, maybe even to the cold north.



Ø: From my point view good music always connects on an emotional level and very often emotions relates to situations in life. David Sylvian’s “Gone to Earth” is such an example for me- every time I listen to this album- it revokes good memories and profound emotions connected to the birth of my first child. Is there a BORKNAGAR song or an album that has a similar impact on you?

I can definitely relate to your experience. I have favorite songs off every Borknagar album but the one song that is very sentimental and brings out that bliss in me would have to be ‘Winter Millennium’. It’s such a beautifully composed song and, in my opinion, one of your best songs ever made.



Ø: What is your most precious BORKNAGAR item(s)?292557_10150708694127001_840044001_n

My most precious Borknagar item would, without a doubt, be the pendant that was sent all the way from the cold north by Øystein himself as a gift. One of my most precious items period. So precious that I don’t even wear it and keep it locked away somewhere safe. Haha.



Ø: In your opinion, what makes BORKNAGAR stand out from the rest of the bands in the current scene?

I think what makes Borknagar stand out from everyone else in the scene is the different chord progressions, if you want to get technical. Of course, everyone brings marvelous talent to the table but the deep rooted sound comes from the guitar chord progression and the way the riffs are constructed. I still yet have to hear a band that can even come remotely close to sounding like Borknagar. I think I’ll be waiting for a very long time.



Ø: You also have a tattoo that looks “slightly familiar” to me, tell us about it?

Yes. Slightly familiar. Haha. Well, it was in the workshop for a very long time. I have two tattoos; one was from way back in my rebel days that didn’t turn out so great in 580551_10150713306547001_118860350_nthe end, (luckily its hidden away on my leg) and the other is of the Borknagar dragon, which came out exactly how I wanted it to. I am a huge fan of ink but also I am very, VERY picky about tattoos and won’t let any idiot touch my skin. Hence why I had to think deeply about getting this tattoo. It wasn’t about the image itself; I knew I wanted it because it holds much meaning for me and symbolizes my life’s struggle and bliss through Borknagar’s music. It was more about getting the right artist to execute what I wanted. And without disappointment, he did a marvelous job.



Ø: Obviously, there is no sun without a shadow. Is there anything regarding BORKNAGAR you don’t like?

I would have to admit that the ONLY thing I don’t like about Borknagar is the thought that I’ll probably never get to meet any of you and see you play live. And that’s not even your fault. Haha. It’s just so expensive for someone living here to travel to Europe to go live out their dreams of meeting the band they admire most. My best bet would be to get to see you in the USA. That is closest and most affordable; I’m sure you’re not planning a Central American tour and stopping in Belize anytime soon. Haha. Then again who knows. Maybe I get lucky and hit the lotto here? That probably still wouldn’t be enough.



Ø: If there is anything in specific you are wondering about regarding BORKNAGAR- now is your chance to ask?

Specific thing I would like to ask is if Borknagar would by any chance be touring the USA or Central America anytime soon?

Ø: Honestly, I don’t know but I hope so in not too distant future. South and Central America are definitely on the top of my personal wish-list when it comes to touring/live. But as usual, in order to make that happen we need to deal with this puzzle of a thousand pieces….haha..guess you all know the drill by now…:-)



Ø: Beside music, what brings your “life in balance”?

At one point, drawing and painting helped me quite a great deal as far as brining me some sort of tranquil in life. Then I made the crucial mistake of going into the field professionally and, over time, developed an underlying bitterness towards everything that I do concerning artwork. I still really do appreciate art and all the emotions and stories it brings forth, of course. So, honestly speaking, music is the only thing I can think of as of late. And I’ve thought about this question for a few days already.



Ø: How is the current metal community in your area, if there is any at all?

In my area, the city which is the central area of my country, there is not much people that listen to metal. I know of a few from way back when I started listening and we’re still closely knit. You can find more avid metalheads going further north and east. I’m thinking this is so because both parts border Mexico and Guatemala which has a more prominent metal scene. There are a few local bands here namely Ascenthium, The Remaining, Death Suppressor, 307570_525486324136373_442772149_nPandemonium, and the two bands I’m in named Lasher Zombie and Verge of Umbra. I’m sure there’s more that I’ve not mentioned or heard of. What I find is that the scene nowadays is being polluted with all this ‘core’ nonsense. Personally, it’s not my thing but I find that scene kids always TRY to ‘school’ me on metal music and I find that very irritating and disrespectful.



Ø: I became more or less involved with the international underground scene back in ’88- ’89. It was all about reading fanzines, trading tapes(demos), sharing flyers and re-using stamps. (I was actually caught by my local post office…ha!). When most active I got like 10- 12 letters from all corners of the world every day. Speaking of that, I cannot remember that I had any contacts from Belize at that time. Do you know if there was any underground scene in your area back then and what kind of impact do Facebook and social media alike have on the scene in your country?

At that time in the late 80’s, I doubt there was any ‘scene’ per say. I would have been around 10 years old at that time and completely oblivious as to what was going on around me musically. I know for sure we had the exposure of MTV (when they used to actually play music) in the early 90’s. That was a huge step in learning about and listening to alternative and rock bands. And, of course, there was ‘Headbangers Ball’ which was the primary source of exposure for metal bands on MTV.



Ø: I know you play bass and also play in a local band. Tell us about it! What are your goals?

I play bass for two local bands named Lasher Zombie and Verge of Umbra. Lasher Zombie’s theme and sound leans more towards death/thrash. I have a lot of fun playing bass for this band as my band mates, Andy and Alfonso, give me limitless creative freedom. We don’t play very often, as in we play only once a year at an annual even held 321257_401456786601003_1630519039_nhere in Belize called Metal Mayhem. Reasons being that Alfonso currently resides in Mexico and Andy is in Belize but the northern region; I currently live in Belize City which is in the central region. We have an album out called ‘Back From Death’ that can be downloaded for free at Torn Flesh Records. Like I said, we don’t get together too often, but when we do, we put off a hell of a show. My other band Verge of Umbra is rather recent. I would classify the genre more rap/reggae/metal. We try to merge the three genres as clever as possible and create something unique and catchy. There are five members in this band; me on bass, Andres on guitar, Gerald on drums, Jenko on rap vocals, and Nello on singing vocals. The reason we have two different vocalists is because of the dynamic range of each vocalist. Jenko is primarily a rapper and producer who is very much accomplished and has been in many projects over the years. While Nello, who is also a producer, is well known here in Belize as a diverse singer and performer. His reggae/dancehall style of singing is very well composed with well-placed harmonies as he is unique in this genre. Now combine those two forces with die hard metalheads on guitar, bass, and drums with years of musical experience. We recently did a music video shoot for our first single called ‘All the way down’ that has yet to be released. However, you can hear this single on Soundcloud. The goals for both bands would be to make as much memorable music as possible, play out as much as we can, build a loyal fan base, and get more exposure, not only in Belize, but all over. So if anybody likes what they hear, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Haha. Both bands have Facebook pages respectively.



Ø: Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything you would like to say, state, reveal, promote or even rebel against. The stage is yours!

I would like to say a huge thank you to my favorite band in the universe… Borknagar!!! You all have no idea what you’ve done for me musically over the years. I cannot begin to appreciate everything your music has done for me. I hope you keep on making majestic music that touches our soul every time. Thank you for this opportunity to be a part of the Amazing Fan project. As far as promoting goes, I would like to kindly ask everyone to check out my bands at the links below. It would be very much appreciated. Thank you all!!! \m/ \m/

www.facebook.com/vergeofumbraVerge of Umbra - Borknagar

The day I heard ‘The Meditation’ by Verge of Umbra started out like any other work day. It was a blip on my newsfeed well before my first cup of coffee, so I didn’t get to listen to it till late into the day. I should have pressed play immediately. Who needs caffeine when you have this tune to get your adrenaline revved up?!

Allow me to preface this entire story with the fact that I am a metal enthusiast – as in, I love rock/metal and it is my go-to genre of choice – but, I am not an expert. I appreciate a good combination of drums (the drums man!) and guitar and pounding bass – it all blends into a backdrop that sometimes far surpasses the quality of lyrics even – but lyrics matter too! With the exception of, oh, I don’t know, country (?)…I listen to pretty much anything. But my first foray into music came with Guns N Roses, Nirvana and Metallica. I would say that two out of the three really cemented my love for rock. Not exactly the typical Belizean musical experience – believe me, I know!

I mean, we’re talking about a musical genre that is not considered a part of Belizean culture. I think we’re mostly known for the Punta, Brukdong, contemporary Garifuna, soca and some Spanish mezclados. Heavy metal isn’t exactly our driving cultural force – but you’d be surprised to know that a lot of Belizeans are fans of rock. And Verge of Umbra is a band that encompasses solid guitar riffs, pounding drum beats and excellent lyrics in a style that is, well, Belizean.

The Meditation is as unique as you can get: Kriol lyrics delivered with the verve of two dreadlocked vocalists head-banging their soul out in a rap fusion that blends reggae for a unique sound that if anything, at least stops you in your tracks. It’s interesting, it’s moving, it’s a sound unlike any other, it’s Belizean. Its lyrics speak to a broad cross-section of the population, and it highlights talented songwriting beautifully.

I asked Verge to share a little bit about their work and influences.
We’re a live band that fuses vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop & reggae with rock & heavy metal. Our influences range from In Flames, Soilwork, Metallica and Pantera to Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Cypress Hill and Wu Tang Clan.

We were treated to a taste of their original work during a promotional visit in San Pedro. While at Fido’s, they performed “All the way down” to the delight of fans in attendance.

NOW:
Verge is putting the finishing touches on their (currently) untitled debut album due on June 29th, 2014. Working hard on this album are Nello Player, Jenko Veli, Lowell Gillett, Andres Pineda and Faith. Below is a little bit about each member – get to know them!

Nello Player – Reggae Vocals: Born Kernelle Parks, Nello Player has always been around music. Both parents were avid music listeners. Nello used to spend his free time dee-jaying and singing reggae and dancehall music, which ultimately became the genres of his liking. Music is now a mainstay and career for the Verge of Umbra vocalist; with influences from Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Israel Vibration, Bounty Killa, Shabba Ranks and many other reggae and dancehall acts, this versatile artist can roll with the best of them.

Jenko – Rap Vocals: Jenko’s musical influences are Wu Tang Clan, Cypress Hill & 90s hip hop. He officially came on the scene as one third of the Belizean hiphop/reggae group called the Henchmob, opening shows for international artists such as Lady Saw, Beenie Man, Mr. Vegas and Sean Paul. From 2006 to 2010, Jenko has been the MC in the New York City based hip hop rock band called A Broken Code sharing the stage with the likes of Ninjasonik, Bazaar Royale, Keith Murray, Vida, Cornel West, Viva Mayday, Lil’ Cease, Mirk and Game Rebellion in the Source Magazine’s Ghetto Metal movement. Jenko is the only MC whose vocal delivery goes back and forth between “Ebonics” and Belizean Creole, further making the band like no other.

Lowell Gillett – Bass: Lowell’s biggest musical influences include Stuart Hamm, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorius, Steve DiGiorgio, Cliff Burton, and Dominique ‘Forest’ LaPointe (among many others).

“I’ve been playing the bass guitar for over 15 years now. My influences over the years from different genres of music gave me the opportunity to play in different bands; from country right down to death metal. Being a part of Verge gave me the versatility to compose and combine different genres of music into one unique sound. With the help and drive from the rest of Verge, I can bring forth the pounding low end along with bursts of slapping and tapping to the table that helps mold our sound.” Lowell’s favorite song on the new album is ‘Chaos Sequence’.

Andres Pineda – Guitar: Influenced by Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, In Flames, Paul Gilbert, and Jason Becker, just to name a few, Andres studied classical guitar performance at San Jacinto College in Houston, Texas, USA. He has had the pleasure of playing with the late great Andy Palacio (OMG, so JEALOUS!!).

In Verge, Andres plays full on heavy metal yet catchy guitar riffs and solos that when supplemented and complemented by Lowell’s driving bass, gives the band its unique sound. Andres’ favorite track is ‘Darkest of Days’.

Faith – Drums: African, born and raised in Nigeria, Faith’s father taught him how to play drums from the age of 6 till he was 10. 6 years ago, he arrived in Belize and was introduced to rock. The first ever rock song he heard was Papercut by Linkin Park. Says Faith: “[I] can’t forget thinking about the way the drums drove that song. I wanted to do stuff like that, so I began playing along to everything from classical rock to heavy metal and everything else in between. I couldn’t believe it when Verge of Umbra asked me to come on board with their newest project, and also as a touring drummer!”

Faith’s influences as a drummer are Chris Adler (Lamb of god), Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and Daniel Erlandsson (Arch Enemy). He says, “Two things I always strive for in whatever piece I play are power and control. The rest – technicality, speed and all-round awesomeness – just happens after that. The upcoming album from Verge of Umbra carries one heck of a punch all the way through from vocals to guitar to bass to drums; that being said, the one track for me that encapsulates the spirit of that album would be ‘Kings of the Sun’.” - My Beautiful Belize

One of the best groups in the Central American region seeks to enter the Salvadoran music scene. Verge of Umbra brings its themes as a cover letter and hopes to visit El Salvador to download its power.


Verge of Umbra has already gained much recognition internationally.

A unique and different musical proposal is offered by the group Verge of Umbra, a band that wants to make its material known to the Salvadoran public that follows the genres of metal, reggae and rap.

Formed in 2014 into sister Belize, this group is now expanding its music to the Central American level. El Salvador has become one of the most important settings in the genre, so she is interested in presenting her songs.
The members of this group knew each other from university, and after several years of friendship they decided to do a musical project together.

Guitarist Andrés Pineda, vocalist Jenko Veli, drummer Faith Madubuko began to form the now consolidated group. The first step was to choose a name, “it was decided based on what we were talking about in the songs (…) of the duality of nature. Love / hate, light / dark, Sun / Moon ”, Veli explained in an interview.

They are also known as VOU: Verge of Human's Upliftment or Verge of Human's Unraveling / On the brink of human uprising or On the brink of human collapse, in its interpretation in Spanish.
“From the days of university, Andrés and Lowell were very interested in listening and playing metal. Jenko also loved metal, but leaned more towards hiphop, "added the group.

Verge of Umbra has toured internationally and visited countries such as Guatemala, Nicaragua, Germany (they participated in the Wacken Open Air 2017, where they ranked sixth worldwide, a unique achievement) and Cuba (there they played at the Patria Grande Festival).

The ensemble recommended listening to two of their songs: “Road to Trova” and “Streams from the Surrogate”, to learn about their musical and rhythmic approach. - www.ELSALVADOR.COM