Featured Artist: Signs of Betrayal
One of my favorite Arizona bands and old friends of mine.
Shane Brown
4/4/20253 min read
Signs of Betrayal
The Legacy of Phoenix's Alternative Metal Powerhouse
Signs of Betrayal was a Phoenix, Arizona-based alternative metal band that made a significant impact on the Southwest hard rock and alternative music scene during their active years. Known for their emotionally charged lyrics, powerful instrumentals, and haunting melodies, the band developed a loyal following throughout their career.
Formation and Early Years
Signs of Betrayal formed in Phoenix, Arizona in 2005, featuring Dave Williams on vocals, Steve Schon and Scott Ables on guitar, Steve Blodgett on bass, and Colby Cordova on drums. The band quickly gained attention for their heavy melodic rock and began making a name for themselves along the West Coast. Some sources indicate the band may have actually formed in 2004, but most references point to 2005 as their official beginning.
By 2008, the band had already established themselves in the scene, with press releases noting they had "been churning out bulldozer-heavy melodic rock" and had played shows "with the likes of Static X, Seether and Lacuna Coil." Steve Byram also contributed keyboards and programming, helping to create their atmospheric sound.
Musical Style and Themes
Signs of Betrayal crafted a distinctive sound within the alternative metal genre, combining elements of hard rock, alternative, and melodic metal. Their music often explored themes of emotional struggles, personal betrayal, and resilience—themes reflected in the band's name itself.
Dave Williams' dynamic vocal range allowed the band to shift seamlessly between aggressive verses and melodic, emotionally charged choruses. This versatility became a hallmark of their sound, distinguishing them from other acts in the Phoenix metal scene. Fan favorites included songs like "Selflection" and "My Song to You," which showcased their ability to balance emotional power with technical prowess.
Discography Evolution
Over their career, Signs of Betrayal released several studio albums that showcased their musical evolution:
The Reformation (2005): Their initial release that introduced their sound to the local Phoenix scene.
Wide Eyed Coma (2006): Their sophomore effort that helped them gain wider recognition along the West Coast music circuit.
Distortia (2007): This album solidified their reputation with standout tracks like "Catatonic," "Dark Wings," and "Seasons Collide," showcasing their ability to balance heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics.
Symbols (EP, 2010): A shorter release that bridged their earlier and later work, followed by singles including "Hours" and "The Departure."
West of Bliss (2014): Released after a four-year hiatus from full-length albums, this was their fifth overall release. According to the band, they used "an entirely different approach" for this album, combining older material with newly written sections. The album contained 14 tracks and was released on May 27, 2014.
Touring Success and Later Years
Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, Signs of Betrayal built a dedicated following through touring and energetic live performances. Their shows became known for their intensity, with the band developing a reputation for connecting deeply with audiences through their emotional performances.
Some fans speculated that "West of Bliss" might be the band's final album, as noted in a December 2018 post on their website that addressed these rumors: "Some are speculating this 2014 release is the last chapter of SOB. Some speculate incorrectly." This suggests the band may have had plans to continue beyond their last release.
Current Status
After the release of "West of Bliss" in 2014, Signs of Betrayal became less active in the public eye. While the Spirit of Metal database still lists the band as "Active," there hasn't been significant band activity reported in recent years, and they haven't released new music since 2014.
The band's website (signsofbetrayal.com) still exists but hasn't been substantially updated with new releases since around 2018. There was never an official announcement of disbandment, which is why some music databases still list them as an active band.
Legacy and Impact
Despite their relatively limited mainstream recognition, Signs of Betrayal created a lasting impression on the Phoenix metal scene and among alternative metal fans more broadly. Their ability to craft songs that balanced technical proficiency with emotional resonance earned them a dedicated fanbase that continues to appreciate their music years after their peak activity.
One fan on Amazon described their music as "one of the rare bands that you can listen to the ENTIRE album without skipping any songs," highlighting the consistent quality of their releases. Their influence can still be felt in the Phoenix metal scene, where their approach to blending melodic elements with heavy instrumentation continues to inspire local acts.
While the band may not be actively creating new music, their existing catalog continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate the passionate intensity and musical craftsmanship that Signs of Betrayal delivered throughout their career.
