Friday Faceoff – “Heavy” Frontman Tournament – Dirk Thurisch (Mercury Tide) vs Josh Hogan (Orchid’s Curse)

Our battle of the mainstream frontman led us to this tournament. After the amazing recognition we were given from our readers for letting them pick the favorite we decided to listen to them and give them exactly what they wanted. We present to you a tournament of vocalists that do it for the heavy; or the metal; or simply the music.

To see how this tournament came about and the rules to how it works follow this link!

To see the full tournament bracket thus far follow this link!

Now listen to our arguments and head over to vote. Songwriting, Stage Presence, Influences, and Potential are the categories, but ultimately you decided on your own merits who advances to the next round and who wins it all!

SONG WRITING

Dirk Thurisch – he writes in his wheelhouse of speed and thrash, but uses these classic styles to dominate the listener with powerful vocals. The writing that Dirk appears to do is to accent his voice and draw the raw emotion he is capable of tapping into.

Josh Hogan – from Zombies, to Workhorses, to events of the day; you are going to get a little bit of everything when it comes to the writing of Hogan and his band mates in Orchid’s Curse. They use a vast catalogue of subjects that are emotionally charged with humor often being a major tool to get the point across.

STAGE PRESENCE

Dirk Thurisch – I can only compare him to a hypnotist when he scans the crowd. Dirk is known for enthralling the crowd and having them hang on every word. Theatrics and power help keep you in his grasp.

Josh Hogan – I’ve had the honor of seeing him perform live many times and the best one word description is “intense.” Although Hogan is not the biggest of vocalists in stature you would swear to god he could take down an army when you see him on stage.

INFLUENCES

Dirk Thurisch – NWOBHM was a key influence early on in his career, but his voice lent itself so well to the German Power Metal bands I personally feel that is what he relied on in the beginning. You will find Dirk now does the influencing to young acts.

Josh Hogan – Pantera, Lamb of God, At the Gates, Burnt by the Sun, and many others mark the influences Hogan and his band mates rely on. Knowing him I can attest to the fact that Hogan listens to a vast array of music and incorporates many different styles.

POTENTIAL

Dirk Thurisch – you have to wonder if he has reached his potential with original band Angel Dust. Personally I think the new start by Dirk is going to show us he just touched the tip of his talent.

Josh Hogan – another easy one word answer: unlimited. Hogan is the life blood of metal on the east coast of Canada, but you have to wonder what he could do if he focused on Orchid’s Curse full-time. I don’t think they could be stopped!

Go vote and put your favorite through to the next round.

Metal on,

Bill

Tags: Dirk Thurisch, friday faceoff, heavy metal blogs, Heavy Metal Music, heavy metal news, josh hogan, Mercury Tide, orchids curse, versus, vs