Minnesota melodic metal quartet bring new album to F–M area
Dearly Departed celebrated their full-length release at TAK Music Venue in Dilworth, MN.
Up-and-coming Minnesota melodic metal act Dearly Departed hosted their “Extinction” album release show on Aug. 31 at TAK Music Venue in Dilworth, MN.
Opening for the band were two local favorites, Cascades and High Hopes.
Cascades played a set of new songs, largely stemming from the emotions experienced following the death of friend and bassist, Carter Amundson in early 2019.
Their latest song, “Ride Home”, according to frontman Matthew Hughes is about the ride back to Fargo after Amundson’s funeral.
Toward the end of their set, Hughes opened up about his struggles with depression and alcohol abuse that inspired “End of Session”. He sang the entirety of the song on the floor surrounded by the supportive crowd.
The band has been active after taking a breather to process their grief earlier this year. After the release of their latest EP “F.Y.B” dedicated to Amundson, Cascades added Grazing bassist Michael Ruebke to the group.
Respected Fargo emo/hardcore standby High Hopes took to the stage following Cascades. The band hasn’t released any new music since their “Plain to See” EP in 2016.
The band just wrapped production of their third EP with All Poetic Audio. Their current single “Psych” became the first new song they’ve played live in three years.
Minnesota hard rock up-and-comers Wildview, followed High Hopes as the first touring band appearance.
Wildview has been busy touring on their debut album “Life is Life” containing songs in the strain of beefed-up 2000 alternative rock hits.
Frontman Tony Naylor exudes the stage presence of Buckcherry, and definitely has no qualm about showing off his chiseled physique.
Dearly Departed took to the stage last, playing through a set largely consisting (unsurprisingly) of brand new songs.
“Extinction” proves how all-around impressive the melodic metal act is. Vocalist Jesse Peabody possesses a truly impressive range, singing the high melodic choruses and earth-scrapping breaks.
Peabody isn’t the only person of note in the band, all four possess serious skills in their respective areas.
Peabody also jokingly pointed out that drummer Jordan Rasmussen resembled Jesus and bassist Hunter Bring could be Elon Musk’s brother.
The night was very special to the band, and they left everything on the stage.
On the band’s Facebook page prior to the show the band looked forward to their next chapter, “We packed so much of our hearts and minds into making “Extinction” happen. Before this record we didn’t know half of what we do now about running a band as a business, live sound, merch, recording, and well, anything.”
The post continued, “We’re in this to go as far as we can and to do it took a lot of commitment, friendship, heartbreak, and sacrifice; and we know it’s just the beginning.”