Originally concocted as a side project to King Fowley's old school Death Metal thrash attack, Deceased; October 31 began the first demo days immediately after Brian Williams was brought on board. Fowley and Williams clicked right away on a personal and songwriting level. Reminiscing about the glory days of 80's Heavy Metal and how they wanted to make their own mark with the traditional aspects that define the genre. This was the mid 90's mind you and finding other members could be quite the task. Years before the trendy Power Metal boom, meeting musicians that wanted to play Heavy Metal was hard enough, let alone the style Fowley and Williams desired. Keep in mind that they lived (and still do) about 6 hours away from each other. The burning ambition that churned between the two could not be put on hold and in 1996, the "Voyage To Infinity" cassette demo was recorded, marking the only O31 release with Casey Sayles (bass) and Frank Bauguess (rhythm/acoustic guitar), local friends of Brian Williams. Oblivion Studios, the same studio that will spawn Deceased's zombie thrash classic "Fearless Undead Machines" years later, would be the studio of choice and practically every session that followed.
The demo showed a mixture of Thrash, Power, subtle Doom and Classic Heavy Metal that could be compared to bands like Nasty Savage, Attacker, Killer, Griffin, Exciter and the endless list of unappreciated cult legends. Appropriate covers of "Child of the Damned" (Warlord) and "Harder Than Steel" (Jag Panzer) further proved that the intentions of October 31 derived from true Heavy Metal, loud and proud. This line-up however didn't last very long as a local scene friend of King Fowley joined for the permanent bass position, Jim Hunter (Revelation/While Heaven Wept/Blacklord/Twisted Tower Dire/every band in the vicinity of Northern Virginia). An old friend of Brian Williams, Kevin Lewis, began his first attempt at the rhythm position and the writing process but quit the band shortly before it was time to record the first full-length, 1997's "The Fire Awaits You". Leaving all the guitar parts to Brian Williams, left to figure out all the guitar tracks that he never played, "The Fire Awaits You" was still a defining record for October 31. The production is modest yet effective. The opening track, "The Warlock", takes everything that was so greatly intense from the Whiplash "Power and Pain" album, the majority of "The Fire Awaits You" churn an atmosphere being dark, heavy, melodic, and most importantly, memorable. Another obscure cover landed on Side B, "Day of the Saxons" from Witchkiller. The CD was released by RIP Records while the vinyl didn't come out officially until 1999 by Fowley's own Old Metal Records.
Kevin Lewis returned once again in 1998, attempting the full-time rhythm guitar position as the "Visions of End" EP writing and recording process began. Completely finished in under a week, "Visions of the End" is still one of my favorites and a most impressive EP. Despite one of the most ridiculous and maybe only covers of Lizzy Bordern's "Give 'em The Axe" that I've ever heard (mostly due to Fowley's interpretation of the vocals), this is arguable the greatest October 31 release. Full of pure energy yet never straying too far from that dark, doomy vibe and building their epic qualities with tracks like "The Legend of the Haunted Sea". Old Metal Records released "Visions of the End" on CD and again in 1999 with a different cover. Attached was the long out of print "Voyage To Infinity" demo already mentioned. Around this time the decision was made by King Fowley to have a live singer, being more comfortable with the drum duties for shows yet keeping his vocal position for the studio only. Once again, old friends of both Fowley (Chuck Parsons) and Williams (Shawn Pelata) were chosen among the fight for Metal supremacy. Parsons, having a more characteristic but rugged voice, showed energy on stage, but lacked the real abilities of a strong Heavy Metal singer and showman; Pelata being the mirror opposite, great voice-no stage presence. October 31 played a handful of shows with each vocalist around this time but under the demanding role that being in O31 calls for, going their separate ways was in order.
In 2000 "Meet Thy Maker" was released. Rip Records put out the original CD while Metal Blade Europe released the "Visions of the End" bonus CD version. What should have been possibly their best at that point, consisting of a bigger production, more keyboards, melody and acoustic sections, "Meet Thy Maker" suffered from a quirky final mix and many of the moments on the album being much too melodic for Fowley's street vocal style. Still, tracks like "For There is War!" showed that October 31 were not about to slow down. A cover of Saxon's classic "Power and the Glory" near the album's end has become a staple in closing their live set. Also that year, RIP put out the reissue of the "Visions of the End" EP with the original cover art but still being inferior to the 10 track 1999 Old Metal Records release, which made for a pretty pointless reissue.
October 31 had landed on many compilations, played every dive on the east coast, recorded two more cover songs "I Don't Know" (Ozzy/guitar solo courtesy of Deceased's very own Mark "Chainsaw" Adams) and "Public Enema Number One" (Iron Maiden) along with just as great an accomplishment as any, playing the Wacken Open Air Festival in Germany. Things were moving right along until the road of optimism was brought to a halt once again by Kevin Lewis, deciding to leave the band once more. Dave Castillo (ex Hatred/VA) was brought in to fill in on drums for certain shows, allowing King to run the stage and some shows were only played as a three piece, Fowley/Hunter/Williams. Northern Virginia's Twisted Tower Dire members Tony Taylor and Scott Waldrop were next to serve their time in the revolving door positions. Taylor having a very melodic voice that would havee been best suited for the "Meet Thy Maker" album and Waldrop's natural ear for great harmonies seemed to set the stage for what would be possibly the best October 31 release yet. Sadly, only a 7" single birthed from this line-up in 2002. Maniacal Records released a redone version of "Salem's Curse" along with Judas Priest cover "Electric Eye", pressed in a small quantity. While the single showed much promise of things to come, disagreements within the band left Tony Taylor and Scott Waldrop out of October 31 while Jim Hunter shortly joined the bass position for Twisted Tower Dire, keeping his position in October 31.
As if that wasn't enough of a catastrophe, Fowley's darkest days shortly followed. Following the death of his mother, two blood clots and a sudden stroke left him for dead. This not only stopped the advancing of the band they had worked so hard at, the iron fist of sickness left Fowley's recovery process a slow one. Thankfully, strong will and determination prevail as King makes a full recovery. Before King's sudden streak of horrible luck, Jason Tedder, being the best rhythm guitarist O31 has ever had is the next contestant after Waldop, makes his entrance as the rhythm guitarist in Williams' side band, K-Octave (who also has Shawn Pelata on vocals). Dave Castillo also gets a permanent spot on the drums as King takes his rightful position as the front man. "Stage Fright" gets released by Thrash Corner Records in 2003, capturing a moment in time at Classic Metal Fest 2 with obviously no overdubs. Another demo is recorded, a cover of "Missing in Action" (Q5) that gets lumped in the same category as the Lizzy Borden cover by yours truly, an amazing vocal performance from Fowley on "Danger Zone" (Black Sabbath) and original brain smasher "Powerhouse", which has yet to get an official release.
Finally, having a steady line-up and with the drive of making Heavy Metal music still abundant within the group, October 31 release their long awaited "No Survivors" album. "No Survivors", being their
heaviest and fastest recording to date, lands October 31 back in the valid music category. William's leads are furious as ever, Castillo keeps the fast yet original style of Fowley on past records keeping up the rhythm section with Hunter as Tedder helps add a huge multi-tracked guitar sound that has never been heard on any O31 recording, producing a slightly more stripped down and in your face direction. After breaking off their contract with Metal Blade Records and deciding not to put it out on Fowley's other label, Battlezone Records, "No Survivors" is released on CD by Thrash Corner Records in 2005.
This sky is the limit for October 31. Having played hundreds of shows all across the United States over the past 10 years, persevering over all life's many obstacles, October 31 is proof that some bands still play for the sheer love of Heavy Metal. With plans of another album and a possible tour(s), they're just getting things warmed up.
Voyage To Infinity
October 31 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He wants to touch the stars
A million ways in which to die
He wishes to depart this world
"Grant thee wings and let me fly,
Along with moving winds"
Planet earth now stands below a new life begins...
For there is nothing in your way
Accepting challenge that is at hand
Forever live another day!
Among the clouds and on through time
The darkness is no more
At war with none for it is done
Surviving from remorse
Eternal peace has been achieved
The skies a new friend
A wish fulfilled a nightmare killed
A dream that never ends
The life he had has led him to beyond..
The search for peace has come forever more
In death there are no limitations!
Voyage to infinity!!!
The song "Voyage To Infinity" by October 31 touches upon humanity's quest for immortality and to reach for the stars beyond planet Earth. The first stanza describes modern man's yearning for a life beyond the one he knows, and how there are a million ways in which to die in this world. He desires to have wings and fly away with the winds into the unknown, leaving planet Earth behind to embark on a new journey of life. The second stanza encourages the listener to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, to spread their wings and fly into the night without any fear holding them back. The darkness is no longer a threat as the skies become a new and endless friend, thereby making it easier for the dreamer to achieve eternal peace.
The lyrics overall convey a sense of liberation and positivity, inspired by the unknown and the possibilities that await us. The song represents a journey that many of us have embarked upon, and will continue to embark upon, willingly or unwillingly, as we venture forth towards new destinations.
Line by Line Meaning
Modern man in search of life
The human of today is constantly looking for a meaningful life.
He wants to touch the stars
He has an inexplicable desire to explore beyond the confines of earth.
A million ways in which to die
Despite the dangers and challenges that come with space exploration, man is determined to go through it.
He wishes to depart this world
Escaping earth is the ultimate goal, rather than being confined within the boundaries of one planet.
"Grant thee wings and let me fly,
Along with moving winds"
Wishing for the freedom of flight and using the currents of air to travel.
Planet earth now stands below a new life begins...
The earth is left behind as a new chapter of life starts in space.
At one with lovely night, spreading wings to fly
A sense of calm amidst the darkness of space, where one feels liberated enough to take flight.
For there is nothing in your way
Nothing can stop the pursuit of the goals set by oneself.
Accepting challenge that is at hand
Taking on the challenges that come with space exploration.
Forever live another day!
The determination to live every day to the fullest.
Among the clouds and on through time
Travelling across space and time, transcending physical borders.
The darkness is no more
The unknown and fear of the dark are conquered as space is explored.
At war with none for it is done
With the completion of the journey, there is no need to compete, only peace and satisfaction.
Surviving from remorse
Regret is left behind, in exchange for surviving in the unforgiving depths of space.
Eternal peace has been achieved
Having attained the ultimate goal leads to eternal peace.
The skies a new friend
The vast expanse of space is no longer intimidating, but rather welcomed with open arms.
A wish fulfilled a nightmare killed
The challenges of space exploration were worth it, having achieved the dream while leaving behind any fears.
A dream that never ends
Space exploration becomes a fulfilling and never-ending journey that continues as long as one lives.
The life he had has led him to beyond..
The journey of life so far has led him to this point in space exploration.
The search for peace has come forever more
The search for peace and purpose has ended, now that this exploration is achieved.
In death there are no limitations!
Even in the face of potential death, the constraints of life’s limitations cease to exist.
Voyage to infinity!!!
Embarking on a journey of eternal exploration across the limitless horizons of space.
Contributed by Jackson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.