Mike D'Antonio

Career

D'Antonio's writing influences include old New York Hardcore bands like Cro-Mags, Leeway, Madball, Agnostic Front, along with some Swedish metal acts. He cites Cliff Burton of thrash metal band Metallica and Harley Flanagan of the Cro-Mags as personal influences.

D'Antonio's formed his first band Overcast in 1990 in Boston. Overcast's first 7-inch, Bleed Into One, was released in 1992 through Exchange Records. The band's first full-length, Expectational Dilution, was released in 1994 and is considered a groundbreaking effort as many claim that Overcast are the pioneers of the metalcore scene. Their final full-length, Fight Ambition To Kill, was released in 1997. This release was followed by nationwide touring with Shai Hulud and Disembodied. However Overcast eventually split up in November 1998.

Following the demise of Overcast D'Antonio collaborated with Aftershock guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz. Dutkiewicz, now playing drums, recruited guitarist Joel Stroetzel from Aftershock and vocalist Jesse Leach to Form Killswitch Engage in 1999. The groups self titled album was shortly released a year later in 2000. But their big break came in 2002 with their sophomore album Alive or Just Breathing. The group then continued with success with their next two albums The End of Heartache (2004) and As Daylight Dies (2007). The group have been considered one of the more influential bands in the Metalcore genre and have released 9 total albums, along with being nominated for 3 Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance.

All of Killswitch Engage's album artwork and tour merchandise is designed by D'Antonio, who is a graphic artist. D'Antonio's company, DarkicoN design, produces artwork for bands such as Shadows Fall, Unearth, All That Remains, New England Metal and Hardcore Fest and Crowbar.

On April 29, 2006, D'Antonio reunited with his former Overcast bandmates to play at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. The band then announced and re-recorded archive material and two new tracks, produced by metal producer Nick Raskulinecz, under the name Reborn to Kill Again. The group has also played sporadically during the 2020s.

D'Antonio's latest side project band is Death Ray Vision, which he formed in 2010 alongside former Overcast bandmate Brian Fair. Their first EP was released in 2011. They have since released 3 albums.

Equipment and influences

D'Antonio uses his signature Ibanez basses and an EBS bass rig.

Discography

Overcast

Main article: Overcast (band)

• Expectational Dilution (1994)
• Fight Ambition to Kill (1997)
• Reborn to Kill Again (2008)

Killswitch Engage

Main article: Killswitch Engage discography

• Killswitch Engage (2000)
• Alive or Just Breathing (2002)
• The End of Heartache (2004)
• As Daylight Dies (2006)
• Killswitch Engage (2009)
• Disarm the Descent (2013)
• Incarnate (2016)
• Atonement (2019)
• This Consequence (2025)

Death Ray Vision

• Get Lost or Get Dead (EP) (2011)
• We Ain't Leavin' Till You're Bleedin' (2013)
• Negative Mental Attitude (2018)
• No Mercy from Electric Eyes (2023)

References

References

1. "Killswitch Engage - Mike D'antonio Bass Gear Rig and Equipment".
2. "Rock Eyez - Mike D’Antonio (Killswitch Engage) Interview".
3. MetalSucks. (2018-10-16). "Every Metalcore Musician in the World Save for Alex Varkatzas Agrees: Atreyu Didn't "Invent Metalcore"".
4. MetalSucks. (2011-02-17). "DEATH RAY VISION: NOT QUITE AN OVERCAST REUNION, BUT PRETTY CLOSE".
5. "Overcast (3)".
6. "Killswitch Engage".
7. "Review of Killswitch Engage - Alive Or Just Breathing - Reissued (2 Discs) {{!}} Metal Review".
8. True. (2025-01-30). "Melodic Metal Masters: The Legacy of Killswitch Engage".
9. "Happy 20 Years to Killswitch Engage. – Heavy NYC {{!}} The Official Website for All Heavy Metal News in the NYC Area".
10. Singer, Quentin Thane. "Jesse Leach Talks 'This Consequence' And 25 Years Of Killswitch Engage".
11. "Mike D'Antonio Grammys.com".
12. "Mike D'Antonio: From Bassist to Graphic Designer, From Killswitch Engage to Baptized in Blood".
13. Blabbermouth. (2006-04-28). "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Bassist Talks About OVERCAST Reunion".
14. "Overcast Concert & Tour History {{!}} Concert Archives".
15. "Comb Magazine – Exclusive Interview: Mike D'Antonio of Killswitch Engage & Death Ray Vision".
16. "Death Ray Vision".