Members of the Haverhill rock band Age Of End will celebrate the release of their debut album, "The Rhythm of the Slaughter," by headlining a concert at the Worcester Palladium on Saturday, Jan. 9.
Having formed just more than a year ago, the band already has opened for major-label acts including Papa Roach and Unearth.
This Saturday's performance is an all-ages show. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through www.myspace.com/ageofend or by e-mailing ageofendband@gmail.com.
Age Of End formed in November 2008. Guitarist Mark McKellar, bassist Steve Madigan, and drummer Alex Wagner grew up as friends in Haverhill and played in many local bands. Singer Chad Hickman, of Salem, N.H., was the last to join the group.
While some people only dream of becoming well-known musicians, the members of Age Of End are well on their way.
"We were approached to have the CD release party by New England Concerts, who work with all major radio stations, Live Nation and Clear Channel" McKellar said.
Both McKellar and Hickman are excited about the upcoming show.
"This is a great introduction to our band," McKellar said.
"This is a huge opportunity, we just kind of blew up," Hickman added. "It's getting to the next level and we've been waiting for that."
While Age Of End will be headlining, six other local bands will be playing on Saturday, too.
Age Of End has been playing at bars in Haverhill and accumulating fans over the months.
"Being a band from Haverhill and getting out to Worcester in January is only because the fans travel to see you," McKellar said. "They are the biggest reason we can do this."
McKellar describes their sound as a "mix between hard rock and the heavy stuff."
"We try to balance out the music with melodies and hooks," he explained.
While the inspiration behind the musical arrangements comes from a collaboration of McKellar, Wagner and Madigan, lyrics are composed by Hickman.
"I basically write from reality," Hickman said. "Whatever makes the biggest impression on me at the minute — from local and world events that people tend to overlook because they're selfish."
Hickman comes from a musical background and is well versed in jazz and blues. He can play the drums, guitar and piano, as well as sing.
"I've always loved every style of music," he said. "It's my way of venting."
With the release of the new album, the band "tried to mix the dirty with the clean, the pretty with the ugly," according to McKellar.
"The idea behind the album is that not too many people have the opportunity to live their life the way they want to and they kind of live their life heads down," he said. "It's about taking a step back and seeing things for what they really are, whether it's positive or negative."
Members of Age Of End are hoping this is the jumping point to live with their heads up and cash in on their dreams.
"Sometimes it comes true and sometimes it doesn't," Hickman said. "Hopefully we'll be able to put our best foot forward, and people catch onto the lyrics or the music."
Regardless of how the journey turns out, both McKellar and Hickman expressed deep gratitude for the support of their friends and family.
"Without friends and family supporting us we wouldn't be able to do this," Hickman said.
McKellar echoed the sentiment.
"You cannot do anything in music on your own. It's all about the support from friends and family," he said. "We are surrounded by people who love and support us. It's overwhelming sometimes."
IF YOU GO:
What: Age Of End CD release party.
When: Saturday, Jan. 9. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Worcester Palladium, 261 Main St.,Worcester.
How: Tickets $20. All ages show. Purchase through the band at www.myspace.com/ageofend or e-mail ageofendband@gmail.com or www.thepalladium.net, or call 1-800-477-6849.
Other: The band has rented a bus for 21-plus fans. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, Jan. 8 for the bus. Tickets are an additional $10 and leaves from behind Brothers Pizza in Haverhill, at 8 p.m.
