BEGINNING as a recording project between friends it did not take long for Vampire Death to record their first album.

Now the Bradford-based band is preparing to support the American Singer and songwriter Michale Graves, former frontman of the well-known American punk band Misfits,in their home city.

Vampire Death recorded ‘Horror Soul’ in November of 2016, after getting together in the summer of that year. Going by their weird and wacky band names, the line up at the times was Count Rockula (Jonjo McColgan) on vocals, Moshferatu (Simon Rourke) on bass and guitar, with Countess Bashery (Emma Luby), Fanghoul (Aldo Delle Rose), and Kursed Woods (Kurt Wood) on drums.

Today the doom/horror/punk band band has a different make-up, with frontman Simon Rourke still on vocals and guitar, Emma Luby on drums being joined by bass guitarist Ben Snowden, whose band name is Klankenstein.

The band, whose members are from Bradford and Keighley, began as a recording project among friends and evolved from there. Their first gig was at the Cricketers Arms in Coney Lane, Keighley.

“We’ve also played at The Exchange Music and Arts Centre in Keighley and the Trap Door club night at the University of Bradford,” says Ben. “We practice at Jam on Top in Dalton Lane, Keighley.”

He adds: “We are a trio of the most rockin’ dooms - we’re rising from the grave to rock the undead!”

The band is currently busy recording their second album named ROCK! HORROR! PUNK!

“Simon is a prolific song writer who pulls out riffs and melodies from his song book,” says Ben.

Michale Graves is most well known as the lead singer for the 1990s re-incarnation of Misfits from 1995 to 1998 and again from late 1998 until late 2000. He has also released several albums as a solo artist.

Their gig takes place on February 3 at Trash in Sackville Street, Bradford.

Says Ben: “Vampire Death is honoured to support the legendary Michale Graves. Misfits is a great inspiration to us and many others. Their music means so much to people, it’s the energy, the songs and the magic of the band that keeps their legacy alive. We can’t wait to share a stage with this great music icon. It’s a really big gig for us and for Bradford.”

Support acts on the night include So long Until The Séance, Shane Pain and Damage 66.

Simon and Emma are also members of the Keighley-based doom/metal/thrash band Arkham Witch, who are are signed to Metal on Metal Records based in Italy. Arkham Witch have toured across the UK as well as Sweden, Dubai, Germany, Malta and Belgium, playing doom and heavy festivals. Simon and Emma were also in the cult doom/metal band Lamp of Thoth who have a great European following.

*The gig is on Saturday February 3 at Trash, 1 Sackville St, Bradford BD1. Tickets are available from skiddle.com

*To listen to the band visit vampiredeath.bandcamp.com