Born in the heart of Pittsburgh’s metal underground, Tiwanaku have emerged as a force bridging the ancient and the futuristic, a sonic convergence of cosmic death metal, sci-fi storytelling, and mythic power. With their debut album Earth Base One, the band launches listeners into an interstellar odyssey filled with crushing riffs, celestial synths, and relentless rhythm.
Founded by Ed Mowery, known for his time with the legendary Nocturnus - Tiwanaku was conceived as a vessel for experimentation and expansion. Ed’s vision: to combine the intensity of old-school death metal with the imagination of cosmic exploration. The result is a sound that’s both rooted in brutal tradition and propelled by futuristic innovation.
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The Architects of Earth Base One
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At the core of Tiwanaku’s sound is a powerhouse lineup of Pittsburgh’s heavy elite.
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Ed Mowery (Lead/Vocals/Keys): The founder and creative nucleus, Mowery channels years of experience in the metal scene into Tiwanaku’s dual-vocal and key-driven assault. His history with Nocturnus and collaborations with metal icons like Richard Christy and Alex Webster lend the project both credibility and ferocity.
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Sean Valentine (Guitar): A veteran of the Pittsburgh scene, Valentine was brought into Tiwanaku by the Hurka brothers and instantly clicked with Ed. His blazing leads and sharp precision carve out the melodic backbone of Earth Base One, adding layers of emotion and danger to the chaos.
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Liam Hurka (Drums): After recording Earth Base One, Liam rejoined Tiwanaku to take the band’s intensity to new dimensions. His machine-gun blast beats and relentless drive serve as the heartbeat of the group, fueling their interstellar aggression.
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Ryan O’Neill (Keyboards): Having first jammed with Ed and Keith in the early 2000s, O’Neill’s return brought a crucial dimension to Tiwanaku’s sound. His signature synth tones weave atmosphere and cosmic energy into the mix, transforming Earth Base One into a fully immersive journey through space and time.
Earth Base One: A Journey Beyond Sound
Earth Base One isn’t just an album - it’s an experience that transports listeners to another dimension. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a galactic saga, weaving together the precision of death metal with the grandeur of cinematic storytelling. Tiwanaku masterfully blend melody, brutality, and sci-fi mythology, pushing the boundaries of metal while staying true to the roots that inspired their sound.