 Release:
High Roller Records
30.01.2026
Release:
FORTRESS are a traditional heavy metal band, formed in Whittier, California in 2016. After an initial EP, they issued their debut album "Don’t Spare The Wicked" on High Roller Records in 2021. To differentiate between all those bands bearing the same name, it was decided to use the moniker FILI BIBIANO’S FORTRESS from now on, relating to the band’s founding member (who is also playing with Intranced).
"Death Is Your Master" is the second FORTRESS album. Apart from Fili Bibiano, who is handling guitar, bass and synth on the record, there is Joey Mancaruso on drums and Juan Aguila on lead vocals. The album was recorded mostly at Fili Bibiano’s own Black Light Studio in Gardena, California, and at Brothers Marc Studio in Gardena. It was produced by Fili Bibiano.
New vocalist Juan Aguila (taking over from Chris Nunez) is doing a great job on "Death Is Your Master". However, Nunez himself is still to be heard on the song "Blackest Night".
"This time around I just played what came to mind,” comments Bibiano on how the new album "Death Is Your Master" came about. “It was a natural process in which if it sounded good and felt good, I would proceed. I’d say 'Death Is Your Master' is different from what you will hear from other bands out right now and once you hear it, you will be able to differentiate us from all the other bands. If you want to hear something different, listen to this album. I focus on quality and not quantity. I also like to leave the audience wanting more, and so far, it works!"
Just like on the debut album, the guitar playing on "Death Is Your Master" is once again outstanding, Fili Bibiano’s neo-classical guitar runs are one of the biggest trademarks of the FORTRESS sound. He agrees: "Not many people are implementing this style of playing so I want to keep it alive and hopefully inspire people to bring this style back. I still play the blues and everything else when I feel like it. I just think it’s a waste not to display my true talent as a musician. Some people say it’s too much shred. I really don’t care. I play from the soul and that’s my art."
"Night City" - Official Track Stream: https://youtu.be/CsGyNOVEeSE
Tracklist:
1. Flesh And Dagger
2. Savage Sword
3. Fugitive
4. Night City
5. Blackest Night (Feat. Chris Nuñez)
6. Maze
7. B.Y.O.D.
Line-up:
Fili Bibiano - Guitar, Bass, Synth
Juan Aguila - Vocals
Joey Mancaruso - Drums
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