Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
There's much to be said about interpersonal chemistry; because whether its found in a romantic relationship OR on the basketball court OR between METAL musicians it is an appeal that can't be forced, bought or coerced; that's what makes it so SPECIAL! AND, inherently the MOST beautiful part of it ALL is that it occurs when you least expect it & then progress begins. When I think of Houston based band, Chironex, this disposition comes to mind, as guitarist, Alex Davis, bassist, Skyler King & drummer, Nick Bockelman have been honing their craft for the better part of a decade with dynamic (yet heavy) compositions which incorporate intricate drumbeats, an array of complex guitars & vivid stories of the wild. So, as the band withstood the trials of covid, work commitments & life's liabilities, the years slowly crept up upon them; then, the unexpected occurred with the introduction of vocalist, Donnie Sage, to give this 'killer hand' of a band a TRUE voice & vortex. What arose from that musical coalition has undoubtedly birthed one of my favorite releases of year with 'The Crucible Of Brutal Opposition'. Released on March 19th, 2025, TCOBO crossed my desk early in the year & I was immediately drawn to the unique blend of complex song structures, Donnie's wide range (& varied styles) & above ALL, how TCOBO captured the band's ferocious hunger. Songs like, 'Swagu Beef', 'Arguna' & my fave, 'Blood Of The Beast' resonated with me & captured my attention (& heart). I knew I wanted to get them on the show & share their work with our extended Familia. SO, on August 23rd, 2025, the entire band dropped into the RMW Studio to discuss it ALL. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the formation/evolution of the band, their sound, the recording of TCOBO in Dallas, lyrical themes, touring, videos & sordid wildlife stories! To the RMW Familia be SURE to get this one in your hands at bandcamp OR by messaging the band - you will LOVE it! To Alex, Nick, Skyler & Donnie - THANK YOU for sharing your story with us. I look forward to the next chapter. ENJOY ALL! ~ El Mero Metal
There's much to be said about interpersonal chemistry; because whether its found in a romantic relationship OR on the basketball court OR between METAL musicians it is an appeal that can't be forced, bought or coerced; that's what makes it so SPECIAL! AND, inherently the MOST beautiful part of it ALL is that it occurs when you least expect it & then progress begins. When I think of Houston based band, Chironex, this disposition comes to mind, as guitarist, Alex Davis, bassist, Skyler King & drummer, Nick Bockelman have been honing their craft for the better part of a decade with dynamic (yet heavy) compositions which incorporate intricate drumbeats, an array of complex guitars & vivid stories of the wild. So, as the band withstood the trials of covid, work commitments & life's liabilities, the years slowly crept up upon them; then, the unexpected occurred with the introduction of vocalist, Donnie Sage, to give this 'killer hand' of a band a TRUE voice & vortex. What arose from that musical coalition has undoubtedly birthed one of my favorite releases of year with 'The Crucible Of Brutal Opposition'. Released on March 19th, 2025, TCOBO crossed my desk early in the year & I was immediately drawn to the unique blend of complex song structures, Donnie's wide range (& varied styles) & above ALL, how TCOBO captured the band's ferocious hunger. Songs like, 'Swagu Beef', 'Arguna' & my fave, 'Blood Of The Beast' resonated with me & captured my attention (& heart). I knew I wanted to get them on the show & share their work with our extended Familia. SO, on August 23rd, 2025, the entire band dropped into the RMW Studio to discuss it ALL. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the formation/evolution of the band, their sound, the recording of TCOBO in Dallas, lyrical themes, touring, videos & sordid wildlife stories! To the RMW Familia be SURE to get this one in your hands at bandcamp OR by messaging the band - you will LOVE it! To Alex, Nick, Skyler & Donnie - THANK YOU for sharing your story with us. I look forward to the next chapter. ENJOY ALL! ~ El Mero Metal
