down-tempo / metal |
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In the '90s, guitarist Geoff Evans (of Lachrymose) and drummer Dino Sommese (of Dystopia) started jamming with long-time friend Seth Baker on guitar. Sharing an interest in both early Swedish death metal and doom metal, the trio began writing death/doom songs and the early sounds of Asunder began. Eventually bass player Britt Hallett was added to the group. When this lineup solidified, their death/doom intentions did as well. Not long after this, an opportunity arose to go into the studio and record a demo. Entirely self produced, the demo was finished, and Asunder began playing out at local metal and punk venues. Having been involved with the recording of the demo, Mauz from LifeIsAbuse records decided he would like to release it as a split LP/CD with old tour buddies, Like Flies on Flesh. Meanwhile, Asunder had been working on some new material, expanding on their sound. Once again, the opportunity to record presented itself and Asunder returned to the studio to record a new song - Of Wind and Wings. Unsatisfied with the outcome of this session, Asunder never released this song. Fueled by this somewhat disappointing experience, Asunder wanted to add a new element to the band. With the new material leaning more towards long, slow, sorrowful songs, the introduction of the cello was a logical next step. Long time friend, Alex Bale-Glickman joined, incorporating this new sound. After having performed live a few times with the cello, it became clear that, due to limitations with live sound reinforcement, the cello could not be used in live shows. During this time, drummer Dino Sommese and guitarist Seth Baker formed a new death metal outfit, Insidious. Due to increasing time commitment issues, it became clear that Seth Baker could no longer devote the time necessary to remain in Asunder. His replacement was found in another acquaintance from the Bay Area scene, John Gossard. Asunder knew John from his bands, black metal titan Weakling, and depressive gloom metal oddity The Gault. With the inclusion of Gossard, Asunder began playing out and preparing to enter the studio again. In the summer of 2003, Asunder entered Sharkbite Studios in Oakland with famed engine-ear and producer, Billy Anderson. On a very small budget, this marathon session resulted in Asunder's debut full length LP/CD - A Clarion Call. After having completed mixing the album, Asunder were invited to play the San Francisco show for the Doomination fo North American tour and the Stoner Hands of Doom festival in Portland, Oregon. This was the first out-of-town show for them, and an excellent opportunity to play for a primarily doom-oriented audience. Upon return to the bay area, Asunder began searching for a label to release their new recording. After reviewing a couple offers, they accepted one from NuclearWarNow! Productions. Having been familiar with NWN's high quality releases, Asunder saw this as a great opportunity to design an elaborate package for the vinyl-only release, also involving some talented and skilled friends and family with the visual aspects of this release. As for the CD version of the release, once again they entered into a deal with long time crony, Mauz of LifeIsAbuse Records. This was to be a split release between LifeIsAbuse and the band's own fledgling label, Denatured Spirit. Having come to the end of the work for this album, and having come to a mutual disinterest in working together any longer, bassist Britt Hallett and Asunder parted ways. Optimistic now as to the future of Asunder, they invited the bass player from Dino and Seth's Insidious, Salvador, to join as the new bass player. Over 5 years and counting, Asunder continues its patient but insistent stride into a future that was doomed from the beginning... Web site: http://www.asunder.info |
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