XIII

XIII are a Metal band hailing from the city of Hull. Starting out in the spring of 2007 by vocalist/guitarist Dan Murray & bassist James Oxtoby. Eventually the need arose for a drummer and then rookie, now maestro, drummer Alex O'Dwyer filled the spot with ease. In later months Mark Storr would be added as second guitarist, completing the line up. In March of 2009, the band released their first, self-produced 7 track CD, "Unlucky For Some", which has garnered a widely positive reception. The band then formed indie label Death Certificate Records to release a new 5 track CD. The 2nd E.P launch took place on the mighty Friday the 13th August 2010. The E.P went down successfully with both fans and local critics, who were able to buy it on I-Tunes. The band supported NWOBHM legends Blitzkrieg in October 2010, their aggressive attitude on the day brought on by issues outside of the band influenced the power and intensity of their set which to this day is one of the hardest and heaviest sets to date. By November 2010, the band seemed to have comes to a standstill both recording wise and the search for shows to play. Drummer Alex suggested that Paul Brady, a friend and fan of the band try his hand at managing the band to which the rest agreed. Getting straight to work with the management role Paul secured the band some local gigs and eventually landed them a gig with American Thrash titans Bonded by Blood & Lazarus A.D. In the March of 2011 With spirits in the band revitalised, the band went back into the recording studio to record their début album ‘North of Nowhere’ as well as playing around the country. The bands live performances grew stronger with every show, playing with the likes of Skyclad, Sworn Amongst and Hecate Enthroned in the April of 2011 at the Metieval Festival and at the Springboard Festival in Cottingham, in which some people stated that XIII “Stole the show” at both. July 2011 saw the band been hand picked to support one of the UK's most promising upcoming bands Malefice who are signed to Metal Blade Records. The band received a more than favourable review from the local press and carry on expanding their fan-base. With the Thrash label looming over the bands head, the band have experimented with different sounds and styles to remove themselves into one genre as the bands own personal tastes have changed since they first formed. In April 2012, the band became a 3 piece with the departure of Mark Storr, leaving the 3 original members. July 21st saw the band release their début album 'North Of Nowhere' with a more adventurous and confident sound than ever.