About
Brainchild, Tenor Vocalist, & Guitarist: Kilby:Ryan-tyler
Massachusetts born - Former trio now solo artist w/ open memberships - Band Rule #1: everybody can sing!
Ryan Kilby, the brainchild, tenor vocalist, and guitarist behind Dark Angel Priest, is a Massachusetts-born hard rock artist now based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. Raised 60 miles south of Boston, Ryan grew up in a home filled with music—Broadway classics from his mother and timeless singer-songwriters like Cat Stevens and Billy Joel from his father. By age 11, he was already learning trumpet, electric guitar, and trombone, eventually joining his school’s jazz band as its guitarist.
After rediscovering his passion for music in college through vocal training, Ryan began shaping the early foundations of what would become Dark Angel Priest. Over the years, the project evolved through different lineups, collaborations, and creative seasons, drawing inspiration from Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and other giants of the genre. Today, Dark Angel Priest operates as a mostly solo endeavor with open membership—a reflection of Ryan’s belief that music is strongest when everyone can lend their voice.
Ryan’s journey has not been straightforward. In 2024 he faced one of the most difficult periods of his life, losing his home and navigating a series of personal challenges. Instead of giving up, he turned hardship into momentum. During that same year he launched his music across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more—reaching audiences around the world and performing live in Newport, Rhode Island.
By 2025, Ryan had fully rebuilt and released both his first EP and his debut LP, earning streams from every continent. As Dark Angel Priest continues to grow, Ryan channels every chapter of his life—triumphs, mistakes, and lessons—into his music. His mission is simple: create honest, powerful rock that connects with people, no matter where they come from or what they’ve been through.