Music Monday is ready to jam out with an amazing hard rock band, Traitors Gate!
This crew started back in 2016 when Ken Mansfield (guitar) and Ryan Cyran (vocals) group Gypsy Saints disbanded, which opened new paths for the gentlemen to explore. Both wanted to go into the heavier versions of music as it would fit Ryan’s vocal style and energy better. They started forming the band by asking Colby Dees (bass), of Vault7, to join after seeing him play, saying “His stage presence and abilities were exactly what they were looking for, they actually stole him from the band he was in.” After the band’s first album had been recorded the original drummer departed, and soon after Jayce Keffer (drums) joined! “After several auditions Jayce came in and absolutely killed the audition. Which Jayce’s arrival the personality conflicts the band experienced with the former drummer were now non- existent.” The band concluded.
Traitors Gate was not the first name they had chosen, but rather, As Castles Burn, which MusicMonday agrees is a badass name, but the band found it was not appropriate for their style of music. The group looked towards the members’ personal heritage finding that Ken was born in England and Colby lived there for some time, which they wanted to give a nod to and found it had excellent imagery. The band decided to go with Traitors Gate, “In the middle ages, the actual Traitors Gate located in London, England is where people [were] brought for treason or heresy etc., Their stay would often end with a beheading.” A lot of the band’s merch and stage set-up bonds relatable imagery with this frightful past!
The band’s musical influence is divided among all types of music, but all the members can agree they all like heavy music. Ryan was involved in the punk scene in California/Boise and toured with several bands both nationally and around Europe. Ryan brings the punk vibe not only to his physical performance but also with his vocal prowess. Colby is a veteran player who has played in many different types of projects which he taps into to help form the unique song structure and arrangements. Ken, also a veteran player, brings the feel of country, blues, and hair bands to Traitors Gate. Jayce is the “baby” of the group as Traitors Gate is his first foray into performing outside of his basement studio! His drumming truly keeps the band on track.
Music Monday has been very fortunate to see Traitors Gate up close and personal during their amazing set on the Knitting Factory stage opening up for In Flames. While taking photos for the band they completely melted our faces off with their intensity and pure energy!This is a band that simply put leaves every ounce of who they are as musicians on the stage and leaves absolutely nothing behind. “We take a lot of pride in being professional when we show up. We’re on time and prepared! We are 3 instruments and a singer striving to have the huge sound you expect of a larger band. Everyone has to bring their A game because there’s nowhere to hide.” Colby stated. If you hear that this band is playing near you drop everything you are doing because they will leave you wanting more and leave the crowd cheering for that alluring encore.
