Beneath the buckling mass of one-dimensional, style-over-substance bands bloating the modern music scene, four frustrated men live and create in the urban desert outside of Phoenix, Arizona.
With roots somewhere on the outskirts of the contemporary metal movement, iUS defies categorization, relying upon the destiny of each song to dictate its own course --- wherever that may lead. As a result, iUS's live performances and recordings span the emotional gamut, from fury to sorrow, and have earned the band fans across genres.
Vocalist Tyler Midkiff brings a level of versatility rarely seen among vocalists of any genre, and his ability to shift seamlessly from whispers and sighs to screams and open singing, all within a single song, is a key component of iUS's unique style. Midkiff uses revealing, often personal, lyrical content to explore that shadowy space between what we are and what we want to be while guitarist Dan Orenstein's intelligent, fearless playing shapes the band's wide dynamic range. Audiences are clearly excited to see such a rare breed of guitarist; one so fluid, so inventive, and so able to deliver such spine-tingling leads.
iUS's backbone is also strong --- solid, sturdy and well-balanced, but always in motion. Drummer Clint Forrester and bassist R.C. Torres handle the rhythm section with an intensity and inventiveness that keeps each song tight, sharp and always facing its intended target. The two also handle the band's eye-catching artwork. Hell, they even sing too.
It must be said: iUS has arrived! The band is a swelling force in the Phoenix-area metal scene and they're just getting started. The band's first release, the "Cage Called Earth" E.P., engineered by Phoenix-area producer Andy Bosna, will be available in September of 2009 and a full length record will surely follow.
So stay tuned for more from iUS... As the band's frontman assures, "The best is yet to come."
ius unplugged from RC Torres on Vimeo .