ION INDIE MAGAZINE July 2016, Volume 26 | Page 119

SOFTWARE--the company responsible for the DOOM video game franchise. He included some of his music to show how the games had inspired him. The company liked what they heard, and he was contracted to create a song for the game’s newest installment. Ultimately, a company merger lead to his song not being included, but it gave him a stroke of inspiration. He formed Dread Engine as an audio/video company and made original music synced to video of computer games as a way to spread the word. As word spread about what they could offer potential clients, word also spread to listeners, so Dread Engine decided to take the stage. Since then, the groups focus has slowly shifted from a business to music. They have created a 7 song EP and multiple music videos. Combining DIY ethos with technological savvy, Dread Engine has become a completely self-sustaining unit. That can be a lot for anyone to take on while maintaining pro quality. When I asked Stockdale about this, it seemed like just another day at the office… “When working on the sound tracks and contract requests, we had no choice but to seriously dig in and learn how to best leverage the tech we had at our disposal. Rick is the mastermind behind this process for us and he is also the reason we have merged an electronic sound with the remaining members’ primary heavy Metal background.” The band’s self-titled debuted was released in February 2016. It is a 7 song effort that will appeal to a broad spectrum of the Metal masses--from new school Metal fans as well as those who enjoyed “Black Album” era METALLICA. They have also released a series of videos on the band’s YouTube channel ranging from guitar tutorials to official music videos. Despite Dread Engine’s online presence, they are more than just an internet sensation. The group’s live show has been destroying stages all over Columbus. They have becomes one of Central Ohio’s most sought after bands and one of the scene’s biggest champions. When speaking of this, Stockdale said, “This is very important to us, and honestly, if you are in a local band and you expect support from the community but you don't support the community in the first place...you'll be left in the dust.” They have also attracted the attention of many national acts. In the last 6 weeks, they have shared the stage with ILL NINO, BOBAFLEX, MUSHROOMHEAD and POP EVIL. They will be sharing the stage with 10 YEARS on July 12 and will join POP EVIL again on July 17th at “Ink in the Clink”--a festival taking place in Mansfield, Ohio. If you like your music heavy and your musicians engaging, Dread Engine is a band you need to find. The group plans to continue rocking Ohio for the remainder of 2016, with hope of writing and releasing a full length album by the end of the year. Find them today at: www.dreadengine.com