Articles by "Dirge Within"


At Noble Demon, we have always believed that music is ultimately about people. While Shaun Glass's legacy as a guitarist, songwriter, and pioneer of Chicago metal will continue to inspire generations, the greatest legacy he leaves behind is the countless lives he touched with his generosity, kindness, and unwavering belief in others.

The tribute below was written by Troy Dixler on behalf of Shaun's family. We hope you'll take a moment to read it, remember the remarkable man behind the music, and, if you're able, help honor the legacy he cared about most: his son, Maddux.

On July 1, 2026, the world lost Shaun Glass, a legendary musician who spent over four decades shaping the Chicago metal scene through Terminal Death, Sindrome, Broken Hope, SOiL, Dirge Within, The Bloodline, and most recently Repentance. He shared stages with some of the biggest names in the genre and left behind music that fans still play on repeat.

But if you ask anyone who actually knew Shaun, the music was never the most impressive thing about him.

Shaun's wealth was never in a bank account; it was in every room he ever walked into. You could know him for five minutes and walk away feeling like you'd known him your whole life. He introduced bands, friends, and strangers to chances they never would have found on their own, not because it benefited him, but because that's just who he was, and he never once asked for anything back. Ask around the metal scene and you won't find one person who claims to be his best friend. You'll find fifty. That's not an exaggeration. That was just Shaun.

On May 31, 2026, Shaun suffered a stroke brought on by undiagnosed high blood pressure. He spent nearly a month in the hospital on life support, surrounded the entire time by people who truly loved him, before passing peacefully on hospice care. Shaun's insurance is pending, and anyone who has ever dealt with a hospital bill knows what even a few days in intensive care can cost. A month on life support has left behind an overwhelming amount of medical debt and final expenses.

A fundraiser has been set up for Shaun's family by Troy Dixler. 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-life-in-metal-a-future-for-his-son-shaun-glass

Every donation goes into the Maddux Glass Irrevocable Trust. Shaun's medical and final expenses are paid from it first, but the heart of this fund is Maddux, giving him the education, stability, and future his father always wanted for him. That future is protected in this trust, permanent, and something no one can ever take from him.

If Shaun ever made you feel like family, connected you to someone, or picked up the phone when you needed him, this is the moment to give back a fraction of what he gave so many of us for free.

Shaun Glass made thousands of people feel like they mattered. Now it's our turn to make sure his son knows he mattered too.

Check out the interview below I had done with him in person way back in 2009 when he was in DIRGE WITHIN! - 



Two months after revealing their resurrection and reformation, DIRGE WITHIN are ready to make new “Memories” with the release of their comeback single, available today on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other digital outlets.

"Things have been moving slow and steady in our camp since reuniting this spring,” said founding guitarist Shaun Glass. “After announcing our first show back, we jumped into the studio to record a new version of ‘Memories,’ tapping the mighty Joel Wanasek (Machine Head, Righteous Vendetta) to mix the improved single. We appreciate all of the kind words we’ve received since announcing our resurrection, and will keep everyone posted on our next steps.Those next steps will undoubtedly include additional live dates, with further announcements coming down the road."

TOUR DATES:

08/05/2017 - Sturtevant, Wisconsin - Route 20

Check out the new song HERE.


Shaun Glass, guitarist, who did his time with his previous band Dirge Within, whose frontman moved away from the band to focus upon his own life, thus leading Shaun and other members to create an all new project known as The Bloodline. They have gone on to get signed and release a debut album, in which Shaun discusses his past band and current band activity, all in one shot!


1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?

Shaun: I am Shaun Glass and I play guitar.

2. Why was the decision made to change the band's namesake from Dirge Within to The Bloodline? Why not just stick to the same name instead of going through all the hassle of changing this and that etc.

Shaun: We felt once we began writing new material it was such a new vibe that rather than drag the old name to death to start fresh since a new singer was in tact. Some bands keep the name cause of the hard work starting over, but we would rather be known as THE BLOODLINE with a new fresh vision than play songs from DW.

3. What does the name The Bloodline refer too? Does it mean what it says is it a blood line? Whose blood?

Shaun: We all bleed the same blood. Family.No one is more than you or I.

4. Would you say that you all as The Bloodline and former singer Jeremy "Jerms" Genske are all on good terms since this change-up and his leaving of the band?

Shaun: We never see him as he's a bartender these days and has been done with music for years. He wasn't into metal near the end and wanted to focus on his personnel life more than being in a professional touring band.

5. Will we ever be seeing singer Jeremy "Jerms" Genske return to the band?

Shaun: We're not Dirge Within so that makes no sense. He wasn't in The BLOODLINE.

6. Do you guys play any of the Dirge Within material in your setlists?

Shaun: Nope...Why would we?

7. So the time that was Dirge Within is pretty much dead and gone?

Shaun: Yes we have moved on & are very proud of our new album We Are One.

8. How did you and Another Century/Century Media come together? Are you pleased with what they have been doing for you thus far?

Shaun: I met a few of the staff members over the years & Don Robertson heard 3 songs we demoed for the debut & felt we should be a team! The Century family is strong & growing daily.Glad that The Bloodline is on board. Yes it's not easy these days to be a label & for a NEW band to establish themselves is not a overnight task.

9. Who would you say are the bands biggest collective musical influences, and also individual ones that you feel can be heard on the record?

Shaun: We all love so many styles of music that said its very hard to pinpoint just one. I love the classics like Pantera Kiss etc  but also newer stuff that all finds its way in there.

10. Does the entire band contribute to the writing process?

Shaun: Pretty much.It usually starts with a riff that Chuck Wepfer or I have then it evolves once EVERYONE Gets to work on the song.

11. You shot a video for “Poisonous.” Is that a process you enjoy? Are there any plans to release any more videos from this album?

Shaun: It was a fun video but the weather out was a tad cold so the house we shot it in wasn't exactly cozy ha! We hope to do more videos off this album as I think DIVIDED is a key track.

12. What can fans expect with "We Are One"?

Shaun: Grooves hooks emotion & passion.

13. While this album just came out, are you guys working on anything new or were there any leftovers that will be used towards a future release?

Shaun: We have some new songs that we are playing around with but nothing is leftover from the debut.

14. Are you looking forward to playing alongside Fear Factory?

Shaun: Yes it's going amazing.

15. Describe your live performance for those who have never seen you live?

Shaun: Aggressive & passionate.

16. What's one item you have to have with you out on the road that you can't live without?

Shaun: My cell charger hA. And my guitars. ;)

17. What are your favorite cities/venues to play in the U.S?

Shaun: Too many to really pick but I love playing the south.

18. Do you have a favorite song you like to play live?

Shaun: Divided or We Are One.

19. What does the next year hold for you and your band?

Shaun: More tours and more Blood!

20. Is that your final answer?

Shaun: Yup thanks for the support.


The Bloodline previously Dire Within had this to say about their previous band's ending, "Once we began writing the new music, it truly took on a new life of its own, and all of us felt it was best to admit this is not Dirge Within in many ways. In addition the four of us do not want to limit ourselves in any form as musicians."

They will be releasing their debut full-length album "We Are One" under the new namesake, it's due out March 24th 2015 via Another Century Records. It was produced by Joel Wanasek whose done work with Righteous Vendetta and Vinyl Theatre. In regards to the album itself the band's guitarist Shaun Glass had this to say, "It's very groove-heavy with huge melodies and epic hooks, the listner can nod their heads and really lock in."

He adds on "This has been a long growing process. Everything fell into place. Nothing was forced. I hope people get addicted to the album. I want them to crave it. They can be a part of this with us forever."

The album's artwork has been revealed with the tracklisting and new song to be revealed soon!


Dirge Within has gone from changing line-ups to now changing their name to The Bloodline posting a message online saying "The birth of of this band may come to some of you as a surprise, yet it was for the right reasons in many ways. We are very excited about the material in this new album. We have taken the time to perfectly craft these songs and are beyond proud of the sacrifices we have all put into this writing process. Groove, melody and intensity all come to mind, but we would rather let YOU the listener determine as such. Also, regarding DIRGE WITHIN, we all felt it was best, once we began writing the new music, it truly took on a new life of its own, all of us felt it was best to admit this is not DIRGE WITHIN in many ways. As well as the four of us do not want to limit ourselves in any form as musicians and from that THE BLOODLINE is born and this heart is pounding.” Go HERE to hear a new song.


Yes Dirge Within has gotten a brand new vocalist! Chicago-based heavy metal act DIRGE WITHIN’s new vocalist Travis Neal has released the following update: “Hello to all the Dirge Within fans out there and thank you for the amazingly warm welcome!! It is always a difficult situation when an established band loses they’re frontman and brings in a new voice in the attempts to fill the original vocalists shoes. It can either work or not. I have a great feeling that you all will be extremely happy with the new changes in the band!! My respect to Jerms and all of his future endeavors! He is a great front man with a strong voice, I have no doubt that he will continue to move forward in his musical career. Read more about the new vocalist's welcome and response HERE.


Chicago heavy metal act, Dirge Within, has teamed up with Noisecreep.com to launch a brand new music video for “Memories,” the debut single from the band’s sophomore full-length, There Will Be Blood, out now on Rocket Science/THC: Music.

“This was easily one of the best video-making experiences I have ever been part of,” said guitarist, Shaun Glass, in an exclusive interview with Noisecreep. “No waiting, no egos, just a great vibe, and I think it translates the truly emotional words that this song sends out to the listener.”

Check out the “Memories” music video, directed by local up-and-comer, PEELER, HERE.
And be sure to tune into some behind-the-scenes footage from the recent music video shoot on YouTube: HERE.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD and lots of it when it comes to the sophomore release from Dirge Within! This release has seen a long time coming and now that its arisen the ending results are well......

When it comes down to it this release goes beyond anything "Force Fed Lies" (2009) ever lived up to this time around Dirge Within has pulled all the strings and consisted themselves ever so further expanding their musical abilities as a whole making their style and source of sound ten times better.

Like take "For My Enemies", "Absolution", "A.L.F." and "As We Prey" these are what bring out that exenstive amount of aggression while a mellow side is also present in the song "Apathy". These guys have got the raw emotional material dead on with the instrumentals used here fast heavy guitar riffs with drum tactics that really keeps the music pumping, whereas the vocals are strong and focused angry screams with gut retching emotion is truly put to good use all over these songs and this release.

It is withoutadoubt a release that will carry on the heaviness that is Dirge Within.

Chicago's DIRGE WITHIN has finished recording its sophomore full-length album at Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois with engineer Scott Creekmore and producer Ari Mihalopoulos for an April 10 release via Rocket Science Ventures/THC: Music. The 11-song CD is currently being mixed at Inner Light Studios with Ari and DIRGE WITHIN guitarist Shaun Glass.

Guitarist Matt Szlachta recently left DIRGE WITHIN to continue to focus on his passion for teaching guitar to his students and for other personal reasons. He has since been replaced by Chuck Wepfer.

"There's no bad blood at all, man," said vocalist Jeremy "Jerms" Genske. "We're all still good buds and very close. His head and heart just weren't in it anymore, and he wanted to go back to teaching. He really loves it, and that's where he felt he had to be."

DIRGE WITHIN's forthcoming album will be the band's first to feature drummer Frankie Harchut and bassist Jeff Paulick (bassist/vocalist of LAZARUS A.D.), who has been filling on bass duties on tour with DIRGE WITHIN.

"I am very excited about the new songs we've written for this new album, and that people will be able to check out my style of playing a little more," stated Harchut. "We worked our asses off writing these new songs, a lot of long nights, and I'm personally stoked to have our fans hear 'em. I really think they're gonna be into it." Jeremy added, "The songs are heavier, smarter, and more melodic in parts. Some are even a little slower! There were no rules when we were writing at all. No holds barred. Whatever came out, came out. And I think it's gonna make a really good, well-rounded metal album."


CHIMAIRA have issued the following update:

"We are proud to announce the addition of Matt Szlachta [DIRGE WITHIN] and Jeremy Creamer [DAATH] to CHIMAIRA. The plan was to build an undeniable string section and we have done just that. Jeremy will be pounding on the bass, and Matt shredding alongside Emil [Werstler, DAATH] on guitar. As a way to say hello to the CHIMAIRA fans, Jeremy recently remixed a couple of tracks from [CHIMAIRA's latest album] 'The Age Of Hell'. We look forward to 2012. Thank you all for your overwhelming, and continuous support."

Chicago's DIRGE WITHIN has inked a deal with Rocket Science Ventures/THC: Music. The band will enter Mercenary Studios in Zion, Illinois on December 5 to record its sophomore full-length album with engineer Scott Creekmore and producer Ari Mihalopoulos for an April 10, 2012 release.

Commented DIRGE WITHIN frontman Jeremy "Jerms" Genske: "Myself and the rest of the guys in DIRGE WITHIN are very excited about this new chapter in the DIRGE WITHIN story, as well as our new partnership with Rocket Science Music. It seemed like a perfect fit, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in this new endeavor. It's gonna be a whole new ride. New team, new atmosphere, and a new vibe. Get ready!"

In other news, guitarist Matt Szlachta has left DIRGE WITHIN to continue to focus on his passion for teaching guitar to his students and for other personal reasons. He has since been replaced by Chuck Wepfer.

"There's no bad blood at all, man," says Jeremy. "We're all still good buds and very close. His head and heart just weren't in it anymore, and he wanted to go back to teaching. He really loves it, and that's where he felt he had to be."

DIRGE WITHIN's forthcoming album will be the band's first to feature drummer Frankie Harchut and bassist Jeff Paulick (bassist/vocalist of LAZARUS A.D.), who has been filling on bass duties on tour with DIRGE WITHIN.

"I am very excited about the new songs we've written for this new album, and that people will be able to check out my style of playing a little more," stated Harchut. "We worked our asses off writing these new songs, a lot of long nights, and I'm personally stoked to have our fans hear 'em. I really think they're gonna be into it." Jeremy added, "The songs are heavier, smarter, and more melodic in parts. Some are even a little slower! There were no rules when we were writing at all. No holds barred. Whatever came out, came out. And I think it's gonna make a really good, well-rounded metal album."


The previously unreleased video for the song "Confession" from DIRGE WITHIN can be seen below. The track comes off the band's debut album, "Force Fed Lies", which came out on September 1, 2009 via E1 Music (formerly Koch Records). The CD was mixed by Jeff Rose and Martin "Ginge" Ford of Nott-In-Pill studios in Newport, Wales, United Kingdom. Edsel Dope (DOPE) produced the effort alongside Chris Djuricic (Studio One). The album features guest appearances by Corey Beaulieu of TRIVUM and Michael Angelo Batio of NITRO fame. The cover artwork was created by Stephen Jensen from F3 studios.

DIRGE WITHIN is currently working on material for its sophomore album, which it plans to record later this year. The band's guitarist, Shaun Glass, previously stated about the group's new material, "I think the songs are more powerful and musical than some of the past tracks but still remaining true to our sound."

In addition to Glass DIRGE WITHIN features vocalist Jeremy "Jerms" Genske, guitarist Matt Szlachta, bassist James Pezanoski (ex-FROM ALL WITHIN), and drummer Frankie Harchut (ex-THE DOOMSDAY CATALYST).

The band released a new digital EP on September 14, 2010 via iTunes featuring the rare track "Eulogy" as well as a re-recorded version of an old demo song, "Ties That Bind".


Veteran road warriors, Kittie will be hitting the road this summer on a headlining run spanning the entire US including the notorious "Gathering Of Juggalos" festival. Dirge Within and Diamond Plate will offer support.

8/11 Cave In Rock, IL. - Hog Rock (Gathering of the Juggalos)
8/12 Waterloo, IA. - Spicoli's Rock Garden
8/13 Milwaukee, WI. - The Rave
8/14 Joliet, IL. - Mojoes
8/16 Sauget, IL. - Pop's
8/19 Columbus, OH. - Al Rosa Villa
8/20 Lake Odessa, MI. - Carnival Of Chaos
8/21 Battle Creek, MI. - Planet Live
8/24 Cleveland, OH. - Peabody's
8/25 Syracuse, NY - Lost Horizon
8/26 Clifton Park, NY. - Northern Lights
8/27 Allentown, PA. - Crocodile Rock
8/28 Clifton, NJ. - Dingbatz
8/30 New York, NY. - Highline Ballroom
8/31 Springfield, VA. - Jaxx
9/1 Fayetteville, NC - Jesters
9/2 Jacksonville, NC - Hooligans
9/3 Spartanburg, SC. - Ground Zero
9/4 Atlanta, GA. - Masquerade
9/7 Houston, TX. - Scout Bar
9/8 San Antonio, TX. - Backstage Live
9/9 Dallas, TX. - Trees
9/10 Lubbock, TX. - Jake's
9/12 Farmington, NM. - Top Deck
9/13 Tempe, AZ. - Clubhouse
9/14 Los Angeles, CA. - The Whisky
9/15 Anaheim, CA. - Chain Reaction
9/16 Santa Clara, CA. - Avalon
9/17 Orangevale, CA. - Boardwalk
9/20 Denver, CO. - Marquis Theater
9/21 Colorado Springs, CO. - Black Sheep

The band has been in the studio since April recording their yet untitled new record. What promises to be a grittier record than their previous effort "In the Black,” front woman Morgan Lander offers her own words.

"We have been working exceptionally hard, crafting what is to be our 6th full length release, and our second for eOne. In some cases these new songs are faster, darker and much more sinister than our previous release. It contains some of the most difficult and personal subject matter I have had the pleasure (or displeasure) of writing."

Once again the band has enlisted the producing talent of Siegfried "Siggy" Meier at Beach Road Studios in Goderich Ontario, Canada. “The girls have written some incredible and personal songs this time around. They’re heavy as shit and relentless. It's a pleasure and an honor to be doing another record with one of the best metal bands of our time," says Meier. The new record will be released later this year.

KITTIE released "In the Black" in 2009 to critical acclaim, "Kittie's fifth record sees the gals back in heavier form, with Morgan's much-improved clean vocals soaring alongside mountain-sized riffage." says Revolver Magazine. Blabbermouth.net even hailed the record as the "biggest metal shock of the year." The girls spent the next two years on successful tours with acts like DEVILDRIVER, ICP and last year's THRASH AND BURN TOUR. Multiple music videos were shot for singles like "Sorrow I know" and "Die My Darling", all can be seen HERE.

KITTIE is: Morgan Lander (guitar), Mercedes Lander (drums), Tara McLeod (guitar) and Ivy Vujic (bass).



Dirge Within’s guitarist Shaun Glass caught up with me while out on the road on the band’s most recent stop out on the current tour this one being a fusion of Trivium’s bill and Hatebreed’s. Shaun spoke to me about the current touring route, which band he spends the most time, down to the pranks he’s pulled while goofing off behind the scenes. Aside from those side effects he also threw out details regarding the band’s current music video release, and album output on what the low down is revolving around this reality world of music.

1. What's been the highlight so far of the Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour?

Shaun: The two tours were so near one another that the promoter’s decided to put them together into this big festival for the San Francisco and Los Angeles dates. But I think Los Angeles kicks ass better than San Francisco does which is rare.

2. Which band have you been hanging out with the most on this tour?

Shaun: Trivium, I ride a lot with them and hang with them. Cory, Matt, Paulo, and Nick are great friends of mine I just love those guys.

3. Is the economy affecting your tour attendance or merch sales? Is it impacting logistics or operation at all?

Shaun: Of course you see it. For the price we have to sell t-shirts they are 4 or 5 other bands you have to match it up with to keep it fair. So there are kids that have to miss out on buying shirts at times which sucks. Its reality so you just got to make the best of it I suppose.

4. What's the best prank you've played on bandmates or other bands?

Shaun: Gabe of Whitechapel who I call Cartman we bought him an Eric Cartman drivers license and put it in his wallet that was hilarious.

5. I'm sure you get stories from fans about how your music impacts their lives. What's one that really stands out?

Shaun: There was a girl in Hartford, Connecticut who said that our music helped her get through her illness. That’s always a very heartfelt to hear from our fans.

6. Tell me about your latest video for "Forever the Martyr".

Shaun: It was a long day of bombs and explosions, I think the director got a good vibe of the band and we’re known to be an aggressive type of band when performing live. I want to have fun and crush some skulls.

7. Why should the fans own a copy of "Force Fed Lies"?

Shaun: I think every song has a different vibe and has a good American metal and do our own thing.

8. Any last words?

Shaun: Thanks for having me, and keep supporting metal!

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