Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
As people develop it can often take years to positively identify with who we are as individuals & the path we choose to pursue; sometimes going through LONG trials & repetitive errors (& restarts) is part of that journey. The same can certainly be said about musical artists, bands & musicians. In my tenure I cannot tell you how many bands I've seen re-invent themselves over the years even when nothing was evidently wrong; but a TRUE belief in any musical vision begins with unwavering dedication & consistency. I first came to know of the band Westcreek back in 2020 & subsequently the band's debut, 'What's Left of Me' crossed my desk & I couldn't have been more elated. The band's blend of melody, heavy laden riffs, DEEP lyrical content & BIG hooks definitely hooked me. Now, as we embark on 2024 the band is back with their 2nd 5-song EP, 'Lifelines' & has not only embellished their authentic sound but have solidified their musical direction & WHO they are as a band on the front end - easily sidestepping the delays & roadblocks initially mentioned. On the backend the band brought in producer/engineer extraordinaire, Ramon Villarreal to broaden their foundation & have also managed to seamlessly provide the band a bit more flexibility on stage with a new bassist & transitioned guitarist. Though 'Lifelines' is currently not out in its entirety - 2 singles have hit the market in, 'Let Me Bleed' & 'Life Drain' - both obvious standouts. SO, I wanted to work with the band early as we begin the year & give 'Lifelines' the support it so righteously deserves. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the transitions in the live line-up, the development of the new music, recording at Dark Tone (in Houston), the importance of visual media, lyrical themes, when the EP, 'Lifelines' will drop, signing to WakeUp Music, videos & much MORE! To the guys in the band - THANK YOU for a hella crazy night & your endearing respect & friendship. To the RMW Familia around the world - do your research here & look for WC's music. You will become a fan just like me! ~ El Mero Metal #westcreek #lifelines #robbsmetalworks #supportSAmetal
As people develop it can often take years to positively identify with who we are as individuals & the path we choose to pursue; sometimes going through LONG trials & repetitive errors (& restarts) is part of that journey. The same can certainly be said about musical artists, bands & musicians. In my tenure I cannot tell you how many bands I've seen re-invent themselves over the years even when nothing was evidently wrong; but a TRUE belief in any musical vision begins with unwavering dedication & consistency. I first came to know of the band Westcreek back in 2020 & subsequently the band's debut, 'What's Left of Me' crossed my desk & I couldn't have been more elated. The band's blend of melody, heavy laden riffs, DEEP lyrical content & BIG hooks definitely hooked me. Now, as we embark on 2024 the band is back with their 2nd 5-song EP, 'Lifelines' & has not only embellished their authentic sound but have solidified their musical direction & WHO they are as a band on the front end - easily sidestepping the delays & roadblocks initially mentioned. On the backend the band brought in producer/engineer extraordinaire, Ramon Villarreal to broaden their foundation & have also managed to seamlessly provide the band a bit more flexibility on stage with a new bassist & transitioned guitarist. Though 'Lifelines' is currently not out in its entirety - 2 singles have hit the market in, 'Let Me Bleed' & 'Life Drain' - both obvious standouts. SO, I wanted to work with the band early as we begin the year & give 'Lifelines' the support it so righteously deserves. In the interview below you will see us discuss the following: the transitions in the live line-up, the development of the new music, recording at Dark Tone (in Houston), the importance of visual media, lyrical themes, when the EP, 'Lifelines' will drop, signing to WakeUp Music, videos & much MORE! To the guys in the band - THANK YOU for a hella crazy night & your endearing respect & friendship. To the RMW Familia around the world - do your research here & look for WC's music. You will become a fan just like me! ~ El Mero Metal #westcreek #lifelines #robbsmetalworks #supportSAmetal

![DOWNSET (Live) on Robbs MetalWorks 2001
Ready for a REAL treat in the history of the SA metal scene? FIRST, let me say this live footage has NEVER seen the light of day on the internet. I release it today out of the RMW Archive because its just too good AND cool to be tucked away. Back in the early days of RMW – my Crew & I would LOVE to go interview & shoot at the Sunset-Station. The management would always let me stand on the concrete bar to shoot shows & that made for some killer video. [NOTE: Yes, they loved that I was promoting the scene (& their shows), but I ALSO spent A LOT of money at the bar - haha!] I recently ran across this Downset show a few days ago & it reminded about the GREATNESS of this Los Angeles rapcore band. I always LOVED vocalist, Rey Oropeza’s, vibe & how he threw down & worked the crowd. He was totally LEGIT & REAL & full of INTEGRITY,…& this performance back in January 2001 is a testament to that. [NOTE: Rey stops the show at 14:50 cause security were manhandling a fan] This was during the ‘Check You People’ touring cycle & was their last show in Texas & the SA scene came out & represented HARD [NOTE: HUGE circle pit at 34:20 – Rey says it’s the BEST one of the whole tour]; AND, for that reason ALONE I am releasing all 45min I shot that night. I HOPE all our Familia far & wide ENJOY this one! ~ El Mero Metal #downset #robbsmetalworks #empower DOWNSET (Live) on Robbs MetalWorks 2001](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MGwdUM1pmZo/mqdefault.jpg)








