The story so far…

When Devil in Disguise was founded almost 8 years ago by Lead Singer and Guitarist Jay Kirkendal and (then) Percussionist Anthony Harrison, it was done so on a simple idea:

“Ignore the imaginary standards individuals use to define a genre, and create music in a constructive and rhythmically appealing environment where anything goes, while steering away for the gate-keeping standards that were being used to rigidly define and divide genres of heavy music.”

Sensing a rift in the scene, where bands were getting more and more compartmentalized based on multiple factors, they assembled a group of like-minded individuals that they had met along their journey. One year later, with the mission in mind, Devil in Disguise would release its first single with the intention to create something completely different than they had before.

That idea fell flat on its face…

Devil in Disguise slammed their stamp on the Baltimore heavy scene in the most unintended way possible the form of their first single “PURGE” off of their Self Tilted EP.

It was the polar opposite of what the band intended to create. With the feeling of the modern metalcore shackles still fresh in their psyche, Devil in Disguise would present the world with a track that showcased relentlessly pummeling percussion, an instantly catchy and unforgiving guitar groove, foreboding lyrics that served as a call to arms for the mentally downtrodden, and vocal harmonies that soar over a pounding chorus. PURGE became instantly adored by all who heard it, and laid the foundation for what Devil in Disguise would create in the near future.

Years later, Devil in Disguise would create an EP with three additional tracks:

NEVER MEANT, a solemn but energetic track that paints an image of internal self reflection and emotional struggle in the face of ones mistakes in any form of relationship.

CRINGE, a callback to the “glory days” of sending your ex-loved one a farewell in the form of recorded music, complete with a punk-rock main riff and an explosive call and response bridge that’s bracketed by growling vocals from all members.

RISE, the “crown jewel” of the DID catalog. A soaring anthem introduced by a thunderous drum intro, that is as music theme park ride as it is ballad, often the groups most intense live performance track, screams cry out over palm muted chugs, while multiple members exchange vocal lines and harmonies before the chorus explodes into the room. After debuting these tracks for the first time in their first live performance as a group, one thing was unanimously clear:

“Devil in Disguise have arrived, and they have no intention of treading lightly.”

In the months that would follow, DiD would lose some founding members, requiring that Anthony Harrison move to BASS duties, and ushered in a new set of lineups every couple of months for the foreseeable future. With the group trying desperately to capitalize on the local success they saw from PURGE, they began to try and balance a revolving door of members, with the need to get the songs they have out into the world. After a meeting between Jay and Anthony, they made a decision to not press forward until they had the right individuals is place…

Fast forward a few months…

A change message from an old friend of Jays with ties to DiD’s old-school roots in the Baltimore Metal Scene would put him in contact with Guitarist Pat Severino, a former band-mate of Anthony’s and mutual acquaintance of Joy’s who had been out of the music scene for quite some time. Once the two got connected, it did not take long for things to develop in a big way, and DiD had their second guitar player locked in. With a commanding stage presence, and the ability to help on the back end, DiD was shaping into something quickly.

Devil in Disguise began playing shows, and were firing on all cylinders when things were brought to a halt by the need for a drummer. Undeterred, Jay, Anthony, and Pat put heir heads together and pounded pavement to see if they could recreate that perfect situation Jay experienced months prior recruiting Pat.

It actually happened…

On a late night pacing back and fourth in his home, Pat Severino began messaging every musician he knew. He didn’t care if they were 8, or 80, DiD needed someone behind the kit, and soon. With important dates looming, he was introduced to someone through a mutual friend and musician. Enter Billy Valentine, DiD drummer and the Veteran of the group. Billy was the missing piece DiD were looking for, an individual that could not only fulfill the percussive needs of the group, but could also hold their own on the back end of things as the other members did and share the workload. Finally as if by pure fate the group had its first solid lineup in 8 years.

In 2023 Devil in Disguise would finish the year strong, playing shows and knocking the rust off. In 2024, the band played shows at a frenetic pace, often doing back to back weekends in a row, to show the scene they were back in full force, as well as lay the foundation for the next year, as big plans were in the works…

That brings us to the year 2025. Starting the year off with back to back sold out events, Devil in Disguise have packed this year with more surprises and new releases. Making their first appearances in the Baltimore Based Music Festival Circuits, Devil in Disguise is continuing to grind in 2025 to bring you a historic year for the group.

We are very glad you are a apart of it.