Empire of Dezire is an all original metal group consisting of 4 members: Guitarist Ken Howey and vocalist Tulin Howey who joined forces in Toledo, Ohio, then brought their music to Phoenix, AZ along with original member and bassist Kyle Beaver in the early 90's. They had been very successful but ran into the most common reasons musicians usually fall off the radar..addiction as well as financial demands and a drop off in what once was a flourishing metal scene. After a long hiatus mixed with smaller projects in between, their passion for music and a resurgence in Arizona based metal once again ignited a desire to create new songs that have been inspired by world events, mysticism, and the human condition.
Empire of Dezire currently has four albums: Chrome which was released in 2013, Paradigm in 2014, Prime in 2016, a 3 song E.P. Entitled A.I. In 2018, and a single/video Starve The Beast in 2023
Empire of Dezire has opened up for bands such as Doro, Geoff Tate, Saxon, Sanctuary, Armored Saint, Flotsam and Jetsam, Kingdom Come, DevilDriver, UDO, UFO, Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, and more. In 2018 They won best female fronted band by Appalling Event’s AZ Metal Awards
Members:
Ken Howey: founding member, guitarist and “Riffmaster” Dean Guitars specifically V Select, Amplification is Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier. His influences are Tony Iommi, Micheal Schenker, Glenn Tipton, Zakk Wylde, and Roy Clark / Tulin Howey: Founding member and vocalist, uses Shure SM58 wireless mic system and Boss effects pedal. Her Influences are Ronnie James Dio, Ann Wilson, Pat Benatar, Geddy Lee, and Bruce Dickinson / Drummer Brett McKinney: also current drummer for Malo De Dentro, played drums for over 30 years; playing everything from Jazz to Metal.biggest influences include Buddy Rich, Nei! Peart, Scott Travis, Matt Halpern, Matt Garstka and much more. Gear includes Zildjian cymbals, PDP and Ludwig drums, Vater Percussion sticks, and Alclair IEMs / Jeremy Dasher: Greatest Influences in the beginning were Eddie Van Halen, and Angus Young, then as his music style progressed it became Dave Mustaine, Rhandy Rhoads, Jimi Hendrix. He is the current also a member of Latency and Viertel currently endorsed by Bad Boy Guitars with custom built designs, as well as Jackson guitars, Mesa Boogie amplification, and MXR effects / Bassist Neal Harris: Also a member of Dream Chemistry, Greatest Influences are Greg Chaisson, Kenny Chaisson, Todd Chaisson, Steve Harris, Tony Levin and Chris Squire. He plays Fender and Jackson basses Ashdown amplification and Peave cabinets.