This is a tribute page dedicated to the music and history of Seattle based brutal-prog band, Byaxis (RIP 2002-2004).
Why dedicate a tribute to a band that barely had the opportunity to see the light of day? Why not? A lot of blood and sweat went into creating these songs. After the group disbanded, it was decided that some day a tribute page would be erected in order to share the music with those who care to listen.
Enjoy!
The music on this site is a pre-production/rough mix of the EP. There will be many inconsistencies with tones and mixes of each song, but it’s still an enjoyable listen and isn’t too harsh on the auditory senses.
The MySpace Standalone MP3 player only allows for a total of 4 songs, so here are links to the remaing 3 songs from the EP:
Diggin' a Hole
No Tomorrow
Weight of the World
Byaxis definition: the process of forming an alliance to achieve a particular goal or directive; drawing on personal influences and self-inherent originality to create music and art.
Musical directive: Combine progressive, extreme, innovative, groove-oriented, dynamic, brutal and rhythmic soundscapes with thought-provoking lyrical themes.
History:
July 2002 was when it all began. Guitarist Shannon Sharp and bassist Justin Hoffman of the then prominent Seattle band, Suffergauge, and Clint Clark (ex-drummer) of the legendary Seattle-based band, Heir Apparent , were called upon to record a track for an upcoming metal compilation CD. During the session, it was evident that there was an extraordinary amount of chemistry, unlike anything they had experienced before. After the session, all three reflected on the experience and wanted to begin working together immediately. Formed completely by accident, the guys had found the expression, versatility and technical skill in each other’s musicianship that they had all been searching for. Shortly after forming Byaxis as a side-project, all three left their respective bands to pursue Byaxis full time. Then came the arduous 1 ½ year search for a vocalist and a second guitarist…
Kirk Meredith , who had previously worked with Justin in a past project called Mutiny, joined Byaxis as a second guitarist. Kirk’s technical abilities were unparalleled; often times discussing philosophical ponderings or uttering detailed mathematical theorems whilst mindlessly conducting flawless sweep arpeggios. With Kirk in the band, Byaxis began writing more material with a two-guitarist format and continued their search for the ever-elusive vocalist.
After 20 some-odd vocal auditions, Byaxis made contact with Deadly Kristin (ex Ancient ), who was temporarily residing in the Seattle area. The band recorded a 3-song pre-production demo with Kristin at Crisma Studios in Kenmore, WA that was never completed.
Here are links to the 3-songs recorded with Kristin and Kirk at Crisma Studios. These are extremely rough and incomplete mixes, but they are nostalgic and worth a listen!:
Unwanted Child (re-written and re-recorded as No Tomorrow on EP)
Sabbatical (re-written and re-recorded as Meltdown for EP)
Cosmic Oblation (re-written and re-recorded as By Chance for EP)
Shortly after recording the 3-song demo, it was necessary for Kristin to move back to Italy. Around the time of Kristin’s departing, Kirk also decided to leave the band in order to focus on his family and career. Due to the short time-span with Kristin and Kirk, this incarnation of the band never received the opportunity to perform live.
Reluctantly pursuing the search for replacements, the band recruited Luke Jaeger on second guitar. Luke's technical skills and ability to quickly learn the material were a great asset. The band hit a stroke of good luck when Justin discovered vocalist Dan Goodrich . At the first audition, Dan blew the band away with his dynamic combination of brutal & melodic vocals, and his clockwork delivery of syncopated phrasings. While preparing for the debut show, Luke decided to leave the band due to creative differences and to focus on his death/grind/jazz monstrosity known as Sleep Terror . Shortly after Luke left, the band debuted at the Iron Horse in Fife for the Seattle Metal Fest 3. The band proceeded playing the local Seattle music circuit.
Byaxis then hit the studio again with Paul Crisman of Crisma Studios in order to record a 7 song EP. In the midst of recording, Byaxis was joined by guitar wizard Mike Lewin (at the time Lyranthe and Shadow Demon axe man) on second guitar in order to duplicate dual guitar parts in a live setting, and to throw another creative entity into the fold.
Unfortunately the band passed into oblivion due to internal matters… The band never had an opportunity to perform with Mike live, and also did not have the chance to complete the EP.
Byaxis member activity:
Dan Goodrich – currently working as a solo artist, playing his git-fiddle and singing.
Shannon Sharp – plays bass for The Smoking Lounge , and is also planning to form a new project based on an evolved version of Byaxis with Rosa Arias and Daryl Williams, previously of End Theory
Justin Hoffman – is the main vocalist for the progressive metal band Weapon Within (also featuring Clint on drums). Justin also has his mitts in many recording and session projects. Check out Justin's MySpace page for more info.
Clint Clark – plays drums and percussion for the progressive metal band Weapon Within .
Kirk Meredith – currently enjoying family life and composing creative recreations of popular tunes. Check out his personal MySpace page.
Mike Lewin – plays guitar in Solace In Black and solo project Fractal .
Luke Jaeger – is the mastermind behind the grind/death/jazz beast known as Sleep Terror .
Deadly Kristin – Dreamlike Horror CD is out. Go to DeadlyKristin.com for current news and projects.
