Dance With The Dead

Dance With The Dead was formed in 2013 by Justin Pointer and Tony Kim, who grew up as childhood friends in Irvine, California. Their musical style is a blend of metal and synthwave, characterized by their background in various metal bands. This metal influence is evident in their sound, which also incorporates synths inspired by the horror films of John Carpenter. Initially, Justin Pointer primarily focused on synths while Tony Kim played electric guitar, though both have demonstrated versatility by playing either instrument during live performances and recordings. The duo’s name itself reflects their interest in the horror genre and originated from a working title for their first song.

Since their formation, Dance With The Dead has consistently released music. Their discography includes several albums, such as “Out Of Body” (2013), “Near Dark” (2014), and “The Shape” (2016), initially self-released. In 2018, they marked a turning point by releasing the album “Loved to Death” with Neuropa Records, indicating a shift in their distribution strategy. They have also released multiple EPs and singles, including “Into The Abyss” (2014) and “Send The Signal” (2014). Their work has been featured in the 2019 documentary film “The Rise of the Synths,” contributing the song “Dead of Night” to its soundtrack, which further established their presence within the synthwave community.

Dance With The Dead is known for their energetic live performances, which often involve guitars and synthesizers. They have completed several worldwide tours, including “The Shape” tour in 2017, “Loved to Death” tour in 2018, and “Driven to Madness” tour in 2022. These tours have seen them share stages with notable artists such as Carpenter Brut, DragonForce, the Devin Townsend Project, Magic Sword, and Daniel Deluxe. During live shows, they are often accompanied by tour drummer John Terry. The visual aspect of their brand is also distinct, with record and merchandise art created by graphic artists Ruben Martinez and Mark Kosobucki, maintaining a consistent aesthetic.