DIANTHVS , a Southern CA band from The East Side of LA (Riverside, CA) is led and fronted by two sweet ladies named Jackie Parry and Jessica Parry. But don’t let their sweetness define the spiciness of their band and their music. DIANTHVS is a Progressive Rock Band that is both melodic and hard with tons of great killer guitar riffs and hard pounding technically driven and creative drums that will rock your world.
Written by Don Marcelo
DIANTHVS was formed back in 2015 by fraternal twin Filipino-American sisters Jackie Parry and Jessica Parry. Classically trained in playing the piano at a very early age, the twins decided to form the band under the name DIANTHUS (spelled with a “u”).
After having a brief conversation with both of them, they have rebranded themselves as DIANTHVS to separate themselves and their music away from the flower called dianthus when searching online as to who DIANTHVS is.
By the way, according to Almanac.com, “Ancient Greek botanist Theophrastus (c.371–c.287 B.C.) gave the Dianthus genus its name: “divine flower” (dios + anthos). Ever since, gardeners have been smitten with these plants’ charms: a sweet and spicy fragrance and lovely fringed blossoms in many colors (intense pink, white, lavender, yellow, red, bicolor). “
I discovered DIANTHVS in the summer of 2021 when a follower of mine on Instagram liked their post.
Being a Filipino/American myself who is always in support of anything Asian based music, I had to listen to their music.
I was instantly hooked by their beautiful sounds and their style of rock music. Truly progressive and hard and melodic at the same time. I was instantly hooked on the song “A Space In The Silence” and “Realms”. Jackie’s guitar playing and her voice are just so good to listen to, Angelic and dark and moody and infectious. And Jessica’s style of drumming skills. “Holy Guacamole, Batman!” Who is this Jessica pounding on those drums and cymbals and double bass? So technically creative and ingenious. I compare her style of drumming within the REALMS (pun intended) of Danny Carey of TOOL and Mike Portnoy of DREAM THEATER all wrapped up in one smaller package. Ridiculously heavy and hard. After hearing these two songs from their 2nd album Realms, I worked my way backwards and listened to all their songs with their first album called “Worth Living For”. All I can say is that both albums are a must in your collection if you love progressive/hard-rock/melodic metal full of sweetness and angst at the same time.
In December 2021, I finally got to see them LIVE on stage for the first time and have been religiously following them since and watching them perform on stage and capture moments of their sets whenever I could.
In August of 2023, DIANTHVS released their latest single called “Alive In The Moonlight” One word…PHENOMENAL! The addition of harsh screams coupled with the sweet melodic sounds of Jackie’s voice. Again to quote The Boy Wonder, “Holy Guacamole, Batman, DIANTHVS freakin’ ROCKS!”
With all of what I said above, I finally got to see and capture some amazing moments of DIANTHVS at one of my favorite Venues in Southern CA, HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM/PARISH ROOM. I’m so glad to have been there for them since this is their first time playing there (my first time shooting there) and also because this venue is extremely special for me (the MAIN room) since another favorite band of mine played there just a year ago for their 10th year anniversary show…but that’s another band and we are talking about the Divine Powers of the wonder twins, Jackie and Jessica of DIANTHVS. There is nothing else to really say about the twins and their band except go see them LIVE. STOP reading this (well it is almost over) and Listen to their beautiful music. Support these artists. Go see them LIVE (oh wait I already said that). Go buy their Merch then:
DIANTHVS current line up consists of the following AMAZING MUSICIANS:
- Jackie Parry – Lead Vocals/guitars/piano/synthesizers
- Jessical Parry – Backing Vocals/drums/piano/synthesizers
- George Patmas – Bass (Session/touring Bassist)
- Doug Weiand – Guitars (Session/Touring Guitarist)
Photo Gallery of the performances by © Don Marcelo Photography 2024
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