He went on to record and tour with vocalist Stephen Pearcy of Ratt, and later was asked to play several dates as a guitarist for Ratt. Mark was also the guitarist and principal songwriter for LAbased hard rock band 40 Cycle Hum, which recorded 2 CDs. He later performed with metal band WWIII featuring Mandy Lion, a band which also featured Vinny Appice and Jimmy Bain. Recently Mark released a solo effort on EMP Label Group, the label founded by Dave Ellefson of Megadeth. Mark brings monster riffs and powerful guitar energy to define the sound of Kill Devil Hill.
Kill Devil Hill Perform At Warehouse Live February 27 Kill Devil Hill is an American hard rock supergroup, founded in 2011 by drummer Vinny Appice (former Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and Dio), bassist Rex Brown (former Pantera and Down), guitarist Mark Zavon, and lead vocalist Dewey Bragg. The band is named after the town of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, a location renowned from pirating days.Kill Devil Hill released their self-titled debut album in May 2012. They toured the US with rock band Adrenaline Mob. Kill Devil Hill released their selftitled debut album in May 2012. They toured the US with rock band Adrenaline Mob. On March 10, 2014, it was announced that Vinny Appice had left the band in order to commit to other things and projects, and that former Type O Negative drummer Johnny Kelly was his replacement. The band performed on Motörhead’s Boat Cruise in September 2014 and after touring, the band started to write another album with their new member Johnny Kelly. They decided to record at Stagg Street Studios in California with help from engineer Josh Newell (Linkin Park, In This Moment). Featuring ex-Pissing Razors frontman Dewey Bragg, acclaimed session/touring guitarist Mark Zavon and now Type O Negative and Danzig drummer Johnny Kelly an bass master 26
Music News • February 2021
Nico D’Arnese, Kill Devil Hill deliver a crushing sound that combines a contemporary feel with a classic aesthetic that few bands today can rival. Now it’s time to meet the guys of Kill Devil Hill DEWEY BRAGG – VOCALS Dewey Bragg’s unique vocal style combines his powerful scream with an amazing sense of melody. Dewey is truly a force to be reckoned with, fronting the band with powerful conviction. Starting at an early age he honed his vocal chops singing with numerous bands. During that time he mastered the art of entertaining an audience. Dewey recorded vocals on Pissing Razors’ “Where We Come From” in 2001, which was released on Spitfire Records. One of the best kept secrets in the genre, Dewey is ready and able to kick ass on a whole new level. MARK ZAVON – GUITAR After appearing in Guitar Player magazine’s “Spotlight” column and receiving national acclaim for his unique style and approach, Mark recorded a CD with the band Scream Parade for Shrapnel Records in the early nineties. He then joined forces with 2 close friends to form JRZ System, a funk meets hard rock instrumental band that recorded 3 CDs.
JOHNNY KELLY – DRUMS Johnny Kelly is best known for his work with the gothic metal band Type O Negative from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Type O Negative in 1994 to replace Sal Abruscato. He had previously been the band’s drum tech. Kelly has toured with Danzig since 2002, and recorded drums for the band’s Deth Red Sabaoth album.He currently endorses Gretsch Drums, Sabian cymbals, Easton Ahead drumsticks and Evans drum heads. Johnny and Mark met while playing Hollywood jam sessions at the now defunct Cat Club next to the Whisky on the Sunset Strip. Johnny’s powerful, straight-ahead style is a great fit for Kill Devil Hill, and combines flawlessly with Nico to form the backbone of the bands brutal rhythm section. NICO D’ARNESE – BASS Nico grew up in Italy, and cut his teeth playing with many bands before deciding to pursue his ultimate goal of success elsewhere. He then moved to the UK and subsequently to Los Angeles, where he hooked up with the KDH boys. His inspiring spirit brings a new fire to the band, and his energy onstage is like that of an unbridled demon. Attacking his bass like a man possessed, he makes it clear that he is a force to be reckoned with. Nico now lays down the thunder that defines the rhythm section of Kill Devil Hill.
