The Diablo Swing Orchestra

And we all thought the Kinks were controversial...

With such an original sound, I can't help but be impressed by this group. I think I'd call them a modern metal band, but they do something different than the others: rather than draw inspiration only from other metal bands from the past 20 years, they reach back MUCH farther. As a result, when you take your first listen to The Diablo Swing Orchestra, expect to hear Jazz, every type of Metal possible (and yes, that includes the many variaties found in the ground), Flamenco (and if you listen hard enough Flamingo), Opera, as well as numerous other genres, all with orchestral undertones. In an attempt to help us all understand exactly why they sound like they do, get ready for a DSO history lesson that rivals the story portrayed in the movie National Treasure...

Shockingly, the Diablo Swing Orchestra has historical roots dating back as early as 1501! History tells the tale of an almost mythical orchestra that played like no other. With music so seductive and divine, the ensemble overwhelmed audiences all over the country. For many fans the orchestra presented them with a fresh view of life, and a new way to cope with everyday struggle.

In fact, they gained such a following that the church felt threatened. The church witnessed their influence over the people decrease, and as a result, began to depict the orchestra as treacherous, saying their intentions were anything but righteous. The orchestra's extensive use of the then prohibited tritone interval (also heard in the opening guitar part of  "YYZ" by Rush), as well as their excessive lifestyles, were not looked mildly upon. During church services priests slandered the music saying it was an insult to Christ himself. However, when this attempt to reduce the orchestra's popularity failed, the church began to use more desperate measures in order to regain its former power. The Devils orchestra became the slogan they used and the members were accused of being everything from devil worshippers to the spawn of Satan. My only question is, how the heck did they get so well known back then without a myspace page?

When even these efforts proved futile, the church ultimately framed the orchestra members for a murder and a ruthless manhunt ensued. For the following two years, the orchestra lead the lives of outlaws and were forced to perform in barns and outhouses (weird, those are exactly the type of venues my band plays), where only a strictly limited number of people were allowed to attend. I know from experience that time on the run can be taxing, and even The Devil's Orchestra got tired of it. Eventually they decided to throw in the towel... but not without a bang. These bad-asses publicly announced their final show. The moment it was over, and in front of a crowd of thousands, the orchestra was promptly taken into custody, sent to prison, and eventually sentenced to death by hanging.

But before the sentence was carried out, all the members signed a pact stating that their descendants were being given the task of reuniting the orchestra in 500 years. In doing so, they were to continue the work of spreading thought-provoking music. Six envelopes were therefore sealed and given to trustees of the orchestra to pass on to family members.

Fast forward to Stockholm, 2003: By mere accident two of the original orchestra descendants meet in a music shop and began to discuss music. It later shows that they both have received a strange letter from some ancient relative containing instructions on how to reunite The Devils Orchestra. They both become very excited and though some genealogy they managed to find all of the remaining successors in a period of three months. Together they answer to the name of Diablo Swing Orchestra and are determined to honor the legacy of their ancestors.

I told you this would be dangerous...

Check out some of their music here. Also, if you really dig DSO, you might enjoy the L.A. group Elvis Schoenberg's Orchestre Surréal.