Black Table is Mers Sumida, Ryan Fleming, Mike Kadnar and Matt Mellon. Referred to as “avante garde metal” or ““blackened metal meets progressive post-hardcore” they are influenced by bands like Botch, Rosetta, Buried Inside, Crowpath, Gaza and Wolves in the Throne Room. Native Californian Mers Sumida plays guitar, performs vox and writes the lyrics. Ryan Fleming, born in the Bronx, was lead guitar for Randall Flagg until their initial break up in 2009. He is also a guitarist in Black Table as well as Empier, Randall Flaggs successor. Matt Mellon was one of the founding members of New York’s technical jazz metal act Mabus. He was the bassist in the group until they disbanded in 2010, after nearly a decade. Mike Kadnar is from Sleepy Hollow, NY and is sponsored by Dark Horse Percussion in New Jersey. He performed in Mabus and is also the drummer for Empier. Black Table released their first demo “Heist” in May 2012 and will be releasing their first 4 song EP "Sentinel" on December 17, 2012 at the end of their Northeast Passage Tour.