by Eduardo RivadaviaOriginally formed by guitarist Jim Durkin and drummer Gene Hoglan in 1992 following the dissolution of seminal '80s thrashers Dark Angel, Dreams of Damnation were an occasional death metal side project that managed a three-track demo that same year, but didn't get around to producing another official release until the Let the Violence Begin EP eight years later. By then, Hoglan had long since departed to work as a hired gun with the likes of Death, Testament, and Strapping Young Lad (to name but a few), and Durkin was being supported by vocalist/bassist Charlie Silva and drummer Al Mendez. Released in 2003, the Vengeance, Pt. 1 EP would find Dreams of Damnation further augmented by vocalist Loana DP Valencia and second guitarist Steve Gaines (ex-Abattoir, Bloodlust). Come 2006, Gaines, Silva, and Mendez were all gone, replaced by Rick Alsup on rhythm guitar, Matt Arner on bass, and Miguel A. Moran on drums, for the Epic Tales of Vengeance release.