Origin:	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Page online:	November 5, 2017
Last update/review:	October 1, 2022

Sumerlands

Sumerlands is a Philadelphia who slipped under the radar with their self-titled 2016 debut album, garnering heaps of praise for their classy, moody, faintly prog-tinged traditional metal style (think early Queensryche as a rough soundalike). While clearly 80's-inspired, they somehow manage to sound quite original and not like the hoards of so-called retrad bands that continue to make the rounds. Vocalist Phil Swanson's vocals are a revelation, his mid-range voice lending an air of majesty while rarely going for the higher notes (here the Queensryche comparison falters, Swanson sounds nothing like Geoff Tate, though several have noted an early Ozzy similarity). The future seems bright for this band.

Current Members

Brendan Radigan

vocals

Arthur Rizk

guitars/keyboards (Eternal Champion, guest for Unto Others)

John Powers

guitars (Eternal Champion)

Justin DeTore

drums

Former Members/Guests

Phil Swanson

vocals (ex-Hour Of 13)

Brad Raub

bass (ex-Eternal Champion) RIP: May 29, 2024, age 36

Discography

Sumerlands
2016 Relapse

The Seventh Seal
The Guardian
Timelash
Blind
Haunted Forever
Spiral Infinite
Lost My Mind
Sumerlands

Phil Swanson
Arthur Rizk
John Powers
Justin DeTore

Dreamkiller
2022 Relapse

Twilight Points the Way
Heavens Above
Dreamkiller
Night Ride
Edge of the Knife
Force of a Storm
The Savior's Lie
Death to Mercy

Brendan Radigan
Arthur Rizk
John Powers
Brad Raub
Justin DeTore