There are a bunch of great metal bands in the Capital District, one of those bands is actually TWO bands. If you have seen the band Uncle SAMM, covering the hits of Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica and Megadeth, you have also seen the lineup of Deveria. Both iterations of the band crank out fast, hard, exciting metal. I recently got to chat with the guys from Deveria about what lies ahead for the band as summer winds down.
You can catch Deveria playing at Empire Underground on November 14th in support of Metal Mike. Uncle SAMM will be at Ship’s Pub on August 30th, The Strand Theater on October 17th, and returning to the Empire Underground on November 29th with the Black Sabbath tribute band Earth.
Who is the best band or artist you’ve seen live?
Chuck:
Over the years, I’ve seen many different genres of bands. Every band has their own unique show, and there are many I could list just for the music alone. But the two top bands that kept me going back are Iron Maiden and Queensrÿche. Both have been a big influence on my writing and vocals.
Christian:
I’ve been fortunate to see so many great bands, but the greatest show I’ve ever seen was Pantera at the Palace Theatre in March 1993. The energy in that room was like an atomic bomb—tight performance, great songs, peak power.
Marvin: Hands down, Iron Maiden. Their high energy and surgical delivery of music deeply influenced how I want to perform. I want people to feel that I not only love the music but appreciate every individual who came to see us.
As for the greatest artist, jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli at Lena’s Café. Watching a master manipulate a fretboard from just a few feet away was life-changing.
Roman:
Dream Theater.
How long have you been playing together as Deveria and Uncle SAMM?
Chuck:
Deveria formed in 2008, but our current lineup has been together for several years. After releasing our first album Suicide Forest, we brought in Roman Singleton as a second guitarist to refine our sound.
Uncle SAMM started a little over three years ago as a cover band playing songs from the Big 4—Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth, and Metallica. We've played many great shows, including being the house band for the Extreme Music Awards at Empire Live, thanks to Mike Valente and Jason Bittner.
Christian:
I joined Deveria around April 2020. Initially, I was the lone guitarist, which was new for me. Roman joined in fall 2022, first with Uncle SAMM, then later with Deveria. Playing with him has been a real treat—he’s a total pro and virtuoso.
Marvin:
I tried out for Deveria in spring 2019. I hadn’t played bass in 19 years but loved the music and wanted in.
SAMM was born from a joke during a Deveria practice. We were prepping for a Halloween show and playing Big 4 covers. The tribute idea stuck, and once Roman joined, SAMM was officially born.
Roman:
Two years with Deveria’s current lineup, three years with Uncle SAMM.
What lies ahead for the band going into fall and winter?
Chuck:
We have one last Deveria show this fall—November at Empire Underground, opening for Metal Mike.
We’re finishing our second full-length album The Final Hour, recorded with Tim Lynch and mastered by Grammy-winner Alan Douches (who’s worked with Motorhead, Mastodon, Symphony X, and more).
We’re aiming for a fall 2025 release and plan to book as many shows and festivals as possible in 2026 to promote it.
Christian:
Uncle SAMM plays Ship’s Pub on 8/30 and The Strand Theater in Hudson Falls on 10/17.
Deveria plays Empire Underground on 11/14 supporting Metal Mike, and Uncle SAMM returns on 11/29 with Earth (a Sabbath tribute) and British Steel.
Roman:
Album release and more shows.
Which bands would you love to share the stage with in the Capital Region?
Chuck:
Metallica, Queensrÿche, Nevermore, Crimson Glory, Megadeth, Savatage, King Diamond, Pantera—the list goes on.
Christian:
I’d open for just about anyone. Deveria’s versatility lets us fit with thrash, hardcore, or rock bands. We’ve opened for some great acts thanks to Mike Valente, and we always bring high energy. For a bunch of old men, we still bring the heat!
Marvin:
Overkill and Death Angel. These thrash bands deserve more press—they’ve shaped my bass playing and creativity. Honestly, I’d be thrilled to share the stage with almost any band across genres.
Roman:
Nevermore, Flotsam and Jetsam, Shadows Fall.
