TempestTS
04-25-2013, 07:06 AM
Tickets available at http://www.vitalculture.com/events/detail/1996
http://www.music-lounge.jp/v2/common/im/uf/news/201004/27/loudness.jpg
Loudness was formed in May 1981, after Akira TAKASAKI and Munetaka HIGUCHI left the Japanese pop band Lazy to explore heavier styles of music. Based on their early sound, it would seem that they wanted to become the “Van Halen” of Japan. Joined by the extremely capable vocalist Minoru NIIHARA (formerly from EARTHSHAKER) and Akira’s childhood friend, Masayoshi YAMASHITA on bass guitar (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#).
The band recorded their first album in August 1981, and upon release, it quickly made it up to the top of the Japanese charts. It was clear that Japan was looking for hard rock, and Loudness was the answer! The band toured Japan constantly, while pumping out ever more albums for their fans, until in 1984, they went overseas to record their fourth album- Disillusion. After recording, they toured Europe (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#), thus gaining popularity on the international Metal scene.
The band continued to tour throughout the United States and Europe until 1988, when Minoru decided to call it quits and pursue his own musical career (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#). Determined to push on, Loudness continued searching for a replacement, which they found in American vocalist Mike Vescera (formerly of Obsession). With Mike’s supersonic vocals, the band released two more albums, with some of the most amazing guitar solos that Akira had ever played. After a few years, Mike quit the band, and was quickly replaced with former EZO vocalist Masaki YAMADA’s raw style.
It was during this time that the band started exploring some new sounds, evolving their sound into a more basic, rhythmic expression combined with edgy, almost surreal vocals. While these albums didn’t sound like much when stacked up against the operatic Loudness of old, the sheer power of their music had a tendency to grow on the listener.
In 1999, Akira decided that it was time to have a reunion, and by 2001, the band had started recording together once again, twenty years from when they were born. Even though the original members are all back, Loudness retained much of the same raw sound borne of the Yamada years, and with this sound, they will continue their sonic assault well into the new millennium.
Downtread
At their best, Downtread is dark, urgent and uplifting at the same time. Or as vocalist / lead guitarist Brett Petrusek offers, “we fit in our own weird, restless little spot. We want to provoke an honest response, whatever that is. If someone gets pissed or happy or bummed out – I don’t care, as long as the music makes you feel something. That makes the whole journey worthwhile.”
On the latest leg of their ongoing journey, their new album Stand Your Ground, the Minneapolis band doesn’t just arrive quietly. It kicks down the damn door. Through 10 hook-laden tracks, the album shows Downtread brandishing ripping guitars, rugged vocals and swing-for-the-fences drumming. But behind all the fire and brimstone (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#), the group demonstrates a knack for lean, well-crafted songs – perfectly balancing mayhem and melody.
http://downtread.com/images/downtread-bio-2.jpg
The alchemy is on full display on the provocative title track “Stand Your Ground,” and the stadium-chant-worthy tandem “Silent Location” and “Don’t Get Weak.” Speaking of stadium chants: concert audiences will get a chance to witness the band’s live assault when Downtread launches an upcoming string of shows with Vince Neil, the opening salvo in a series of summer tour dates.
The band is no stranger to the road, and they relish the opportunity to connect with fans, and share the real meaning behind the unintentionally provocative title of their second album. Days before the release of Stand Your Ground, the album’s title phrase grabbed headlines around the country following a tragic shooting in Florida. Thousands of copies had been manufactured, and there was no reason to segue away from the inspiration that coined the album title. Petrusek offers, "It was pretty weird – purely coincidental. We finished recording (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#) the album, chose the title song and completed the artwork. And then all of a sudden the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law in Florida turns into a major topic of debate, with people screaming about it on TV. For us, the phrase isn’t some kind of agro challenge or an excuse to whip out a pistol. We always thought of it as a patriotic and creative testament: if you’re in a position to stand your ground, it means you must’ve arrived in the first place.” He continues, "We don’t have any emphasis on being a political band, but you can’t go through a day without being bombarded by the media and world crisis. It’s unavoidable. It all started with ‘Don’t Get Weak’ which is basically says ‘This whole situation blows, so let’s get together and kick some ass -- raise a fist and fight for what’s yours.’ I guess that was a bit of a departure for us and it led to a few more tracks, including the title track ‘Stand Your Ground’ which sends the message ‘make this nation strong.’ It’s safe to say that we don’t have uniform political beliefs in this band,” Petrusek laughs. Bassist / Vocalist Robert Berg adds, “Different band members are voting for different people.”
Produced, engineered and mixed by Jeremy Tappero, Stand Your Ground is a locally grown Minnesota product: you can hear Downtread’s home-turf swagger fueling the recording sessions (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#) at Pound Sound Studios in St. Paul, and Greg Reierson nicely wrangles the savage beast during mastering sessions at Rare Form Mastering in Minneapolis.
One song on Stand Your Ground seems to epitomize the collaboration: “I Told You” features a string arrangement by the band’s good friend Joel Kosche (solo artist and lead guitarist for Collective Soul), perfectly ensconced in an epic-scale sonic landscape.
Stand Your Ground shows Downtread’s sound growing and deepening since the 20010 debut album 144. The new album also benefits from a different recording method. “On our last album,” Petrusek explains, “we recorded the way most bands do. We laid down basic tracks, then layered on guitars, then vocals – working on the album in its entirety. This is a really long process and it can tend to lose momentum. On Stand Your Ground we completed one track at a time, from start to completion. We’d get really pumped up, because we could hear the final product of the first song before we even started work on the second song. Each song stayed fresher and the flavors change from song to song. It’s a lot more inspiring to do it that way and we’re going to keep doing it that way from now on.” Guitarist Teddy Gordon echoes these sentiments sharing, "The big difference between this album and 144 is the cohesion. On 144 we had all the basic pieces in place – big heavy guitar riffs and monster drums – and we were simply trying to get it all out. On Stand Your Ground the band has learned how to make it all click together. It’s both an ignition as well as a refinement, and our vocabulary has grown. The same lineup has been together for a few years, and we’ve learned how to speak a language together better over time.”
Formed in 2007, Downtread made their first appearance at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. Since then, they have been headlining cross the Midwest, and appeared on live stages in support that cumulatively placed the band in front of over a million rock fans. They made the pilgrimage to perform at Sturgis and Rocklahoma, while also taking the stage in front of Collective Soul, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Cheap Trick, Ratt, Bret Michaels, and others.
With a second album on the street, touring plans constantly in motion, and the commitment to build an audience one fan at a time, things are building for Downtread. With the quintet on the march, do yourself a favor and heed the boot steps.
To Sweeten the deal Rock N roll Gender Outlaws HARSH REALITY (Featuring Noted Stars Tempest and Jendeen) have been added to the bill with over 1000 shows and over 20 yeas of touring the nation they will add their mix of Visual and Viceral Metal into the mix as only they can deliver..
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/533539_446855132036482_1198991491_n.jpg
http://www.music-lounge.jp/v2/common/im/uf/news/201004/27/loudness.jpg
Loudness was formed in May 1981, after Akira TAKASAKI and Munetaka HIGUCHI left the Japanese pop band Lazy to explore heavier styles of music. Based on their early sound, it would seem that they wanted to become the “Van Halen” of Japan. Joined by the extremely capable vocalist Minoru NIIHARA (formerly from EARTHSHAKER) and Akira’s childhood friend, Masayoshi YAMASHITA on bass guitar (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#).
The band recorded their first album in August 1981, and upon release, it quickly made it up to the top of the Japanese charts. It was clear that Japan was looking for hard rock, and Loudness was the answer! The band toured Japan constantly, while pumping out ever more albums for their fans, until in 1984, they went overseas to record their fourth album- Disillusion. After recording, they toured Europe (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#), thus gaining popularity on the international Metal scene.
The band continued to tour throughout the United States and Europe until 1988, when Minoru decided to call it quits and pursue his own musical career (http://artists-worldwide.com/loudness/#). Determined to push on, Loudness continued searching for a replacement, which they found in American vocalist Mike Vescera (formerly of Obsession). With Mike’s supersonic vocals, the band released two more albums, with some of the most amazing guitar solos that Akira had ever played. After a few years, Mike quit the band, and was quickly replaced with former EZO vocalist Masaki YAMADA’s raw style.
It was during this time that the band started exploring some new sounds, evolving their sound into a more basic, rhythmic expression combined with edgy, almost surreal vocals. While these albums didn’t sound like much when stacked up against the operatic Loudness of old, the sheer power of their music had a tendency to grow on the listener.
In 1999, Akira decided that it was time to have a reunion, and by 2001, the band had started recording together once again, twenty years from when they were born. Even though the original members are all back, Loudness retained much of the same raw sound borne of the Yamada years, and with this sound, they will continue their sonic assault well into the new millennium.
Downtread
At their best, Downtread is dark, urgent and uplifting at the same time. Or as vocalist / lead guitarist Brett Petrusek offers, “we fit in our own weird, restless little spot. We want to provoke an honest response, whatever that is. If someone gets pissed or happy or bummed out – I don’t care, as long as the music makes you feel something. That makes the whole journey worthwhile.”
On the latest leg of their ongoing journey, their new album Stand Your Ground, the Minneapolis band doesn’t just arrive quietly. It kicks down the damn door. Through 10 hook-laden tracks, the album shows Downtread brandishing ripping guitars, rugged vocals and swing-for-the-fences drumming. But behind all the fire and brimstone (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#), the group demonstrates a knack for lean, well-crafted songs – perfectly balancing mayhem and melody.
http://downtread.com/images/downtread-bio-2.jpg
The alchemy is on full display on the provocative title track “Stand Your Ground,” and the stadium-chant-worthy tandem “Silent Location” and “Don’t Get Weak.” Speaking of stadium chants: concert audiences will get a chance to witness the band’s live assault when Downtread launches an upcoming string of shows with Vince Neil, the opening salvo in a series of summer tour dates.
The band is no stranger to the road, and they relish the opportunity to connect with fans, and share the real meaning behind the unintentionally provocative title of their second album. Days before the release of Stand Your Ground, the album’s title phrase grabbed headlines around the country following a tragic shooting in Florida. Thousands of copies had been manufactured, and there was no reason to segue away from the inspiration that coined the album title. Petrusek offers, "It was pretty weird – purely coincidental. We finished recording (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#) the album, chose the title song and completed the artwork. And then all of a sudden the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law in Florida turns into a major topic of debate, with people screaming about it on TV. For us, the phrase isn’t some kind of agro challenge or an excuse to whip out a pistol. We always thought of it as a patriotic and creative testament: if you’re in a position to stand your ground, it means you must’ve arrived in the first place.” He continues, "We don’t have any emphasis on being a political band, but you can’t go through a day without being bombarded by the media and world crisis. It’s unavoidable. It all started with ‘Don’t Get Weak’ which is basically says ‘This whole situation blows, so let’s get together and kick some ass -- raise a fist and fight for what’s yours.’ I guess that was a bit of a departure for us and it led to a few more tracks, including the title track ‘Stand Your Ground’ which sends the message ‘make this nation strong.’ It’s safe to say that we don’t have uniform political beliefs in this band,” Petrusek laughs. Bassist / Vocalist Robert Berg adds, “Different band members are voting for different people.”
Produced, engineered and mixed by Jeremy Tappero, Stand Your Ground is a locally grown Minnesota product: you can hear Downtread’s home-turf swagger fueling the recording sessions (http://downtread.com/band-biography.html#) at Pound Sound Studios in St. Paul, and Greg Reierson nicely wrangles the savage beast during mastering sessions at Rare Form Mastering in Minneapolis.
One song on Stand Your Ground seems to epitomize the collaboration: “I Told You” features a string arrangement by the band’s good friend Joel Kosche (solo artist and lead guitarist for Collective Soul), perfectly ensconced in an epic-scale sonic landscape.
Stand Your Ground shows Downtread’s sound growing and deepening since the 20010 debut album 144. The new album also benefits from a different recording method. “On our last album,” Petrusek explains, “we recorded the way most bands do. We laid down basic tracks, then layered on guitars, then vocals – working on the album in its entirety. This is a really long process and it can tend to lose momentum. On Stand Your Ground we completed one track at a time, from start to completion. We’d get really pumped up, because we could hear the final product of the first song before we even started work on the second song. Each song stayed fresher and the flavors change from song to song. It’s a lot more inspiring to do it that way and we’re going to keep doing it that way from now on.” Guitarist Teddy Gordon echoes these sentiments sharing, "The big difference between this album and 144 is the cohesion. On 144 we had all the basic pieces in place – big heavy guitar riffs and monster drums – and we were simply trying to get it all out. On Stand Your Ground the band has learned how to make it all click together. It’s both an ignition as well as a refinement, and our vocabulary has grown. The same lineup has been together for a few years, and we’ve learned how to speak a language together better over time.”
Formed in 2007, Downtread made their first appearance at the Dallas International Guitar Festival. Since then, they have been headlining cross the Midwest, and appeared on live stages in support that cumulatively placed the band in front of over a million rock fans. They made the pilgrimage to perform at Sturgis and Rocklahoma, while also taking the stage in front of Collective Soul, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Cheap Trick, Ratt, Bret Michaels, and others.
With a second album on the street, touring plans constantly in motion, and the commitment to build an audience one fan at a time, things are building for Downtread. With the quintet on the march, do yourself a favor and heed the boot steps.
To Sweeten the deal Rock N roll Gender Outlaws HARSH REALITY (Featuring Noted Stars Tempest and Jendeen) have been added to the bill with over 1000 shows and over 20 yeas of touring the nation they will add their mix of Visual and Viceral Metal into the mix as only they can deliver..
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/533539_446855132036482_1198991491_n.jpg