As previously reported, Vancouver-based guitarist Steve "Machine" Ricardo, who is working with Bif Naked on her metal project JAKKARTA, recently launched DEATH MATCH UNION. A demo of the new track 'Finger Grip' is available on the band's official MySpace page.

The band bio is as follows:

Death Match Union (D.M.U.), the amalgamated forces of dedicated musicians, is a band led by Guitarist-songwriter Steve “Machine” Ricardo. Most metalheads will know Machine from CORNUCOPIA, WRECKIN' CREW and as a soloartist.

D.M.U.’s sound and music is a hybrid of the best elements of his writings, but Machine is not on the battlefield alone. Bassist-songwriter (producer) Brett “2-Sticks” Nussbaum from INSIDE IT FAILED, makes this Union a sure fire, edgy, dangerous, melodic and hooky, D.M.U. brings a three dimensional shift to this metal band. It will be said, that D.M.U is creating something fresh and exciting in an otherwise stagnating genre.

Death Match Union is currently working on its first release, combining a mixture of monster grooves, explosive vocals, and Machine’s instrumental flavors.

Crave Magazine: "Machine displays just how versatile in styles he is capable of playing, from all-out wizardry comparable to Satriani and Vai to the classical flamenco style he first cut his teeth on at age 12 back home in Madrid."

D.M.U.’s combination of intense songs, and high-octane stage shows, is unparalleled. “Death Match Union is a powder keg,” states 2-Sticks,”anyone got a match?”