RANDY V – a short biography

By his own definition Randy V defines success as the richness of a life lived to the fullest. At 16, and shortly after the death of his parents, he dropped out of school and joined Midwest regional powerhouse Damien. By 19, he was signed to Select Records and released two critically acclaimed classical metal works; Every Dog Has Its Day and Stop This War. With both releases he earned a solid reputation as a lyricist, vocalist, and producer.

Along with regular appearances on MTV's Headbangers Ball, the nationally syndicated radio show Metal Shop and countless magazines and newspapers, Randy made an appearance on the controversial Morton Downey Jr. Show with Twisted Sister's J.J. French to do battle with Tipper Gore's PMRC. The show was aired several times throughout its syndication and was rated as the most watched episode of the series.

With the oncoming Seattle grunge movement and Randy's obsession with anthropology, he decided to go back to school and earn a BA. He majored in anthropology and graduated with two separate honors; cum laude and departmental honors. He relates that, "My forte in the social sciences was always about tribal belief systems and ancient cultures. Though sweat lodges and vision quests are very much a part of my life, I was already questioning things of this nature when I was 12, before I knew what the word anthropology meant." After a thorough exploration of central Europe and Scandinavia, Randy went on to complete his Masters in sociology with a minor in film. Then, by those who knew him best, he did the unthinkable. At 30 years of age, he shaved his head and joined the US army for a three-year commitment which ended honorably with the 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea. He states, "They nearly had me at the reenlistment office with Officer Candidate School, but I was missing the music too much by then. I knew I was going back to create something heavy. It was time."

At the turn of the millennium, Randy and former Damien drummer Johnny Cappelletty joined forces to create a four-year regional terror known as Fetish Doll. The music video The Worm was conceived, written, and directed by Randy and can be seen on the horror movie Hell Asylum (Tempe Entertainment). Fetish Doll's self-released CD The Worm sold all 5,000 units within a month with no recording contract. It was not unusual at the time to see the band sell out concerts in Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan. After nailing a second movie appearance with the Little Death music video in John Covert's Shut Eye, investors in London and New York were poised to make a substantial financial investment in the band when the project suddenly collapsed. Randy explains that, "The band was imploding and I was not about to allow people to place their money on a burning ship. I pulled the plug and to this day maintain it was the right thing to do. It wasn't about quitting, it was about integrity, reputation, and simply doing the right thing."

The events of September 11, 2001 had a profound effect on everyone and for Randy it was no different. In 2003 he became a Federal Air Marshal and held that position for nearly five years before moving to the Pacific Northwest, the realization of a lifelong dream. Within three years he released his first horror novel, Coven of Celsus – Elizabeth (IUniverse). The book is wickedly controversial and is dubbed by IUniverse as "The most dangerous vampire story ever told!" Comments attesting to this quote can be seen on Amazon.com.

These days Randy is completing a project which has taken him by surprise along with everyone else who knows about the new Damien CD. A recent press release sums up the incredible resurgence of the band:

DAMIEN may not a household name, but they are arguably one of the best bands in rock. Now, almost 30 years into a career that refuses to slow down, DAMIEN has seen a thousand bands come and go... It is with true integrity, and pure creative drive that DAMIEN continues to be a force and an inspiration to scores of fans around the world! Formed in the early 80's, and inspired by legendary hero's like Sabbath, Priest, Maiden, and Accept, DAMIEN forged some classic Metal of their own and recorded albums that are still selling out of print- even after being re-released! Two classic MTV videos, great reviews, and a record of stunning live performances gave the band a stellar reputation that carries to this day!

However, this band doesn't rest on its laurels. Now older and wiser, but leaner and meaner, the mighty musical beast that is DAMIEN is on the prowl again! With the original members, and the original never-duplicated chemistry between them, this legendary act is poised to release their finest material yet! This recording continues the standard of excellence that has earned DAMIEN the loyalty of legions. In typical DAMIEN fashion, the music looks you in the eye, shakes your hand, and then goes straight for the jugular! It's heavy, dark, and menacing, but also melodic, pure, and intense. In this day and age of musical waste, when so much seems watered-down, diluted, and formula-produced, the world's ears are listening for that scream of integrity. You can hear it coming. Its name is DAMIEN!

Randy is now working on the much anticipated sequel to his first book. Currently Randy is seeking representation by way of a manager or agent. All inquiries will be considered. You can email Randy directly at: randyv9999@yahoo.com