The concept of Blackwood was formed out of the sheer determination to bring metal back to the top of the charts. As we all know, during the 90s metal took a nose dive due to the alternative/grunge rock movement and just hasn't been the same since. Blackwood feels its time for a change. Metal has been pushed aside for far too long. Now that the grunge and alternative fads have passed, the timing is perfect for a heavy metal band to reign as true metal kings. That band is Blackwood.
Blackwood has every element it takes to become heavy metal gods: charisma, stage presence, phenomenal music chops and song writing skills which are superior. Blackwood's music is catchy and diverse. Their songs range from heavy/aggressive to mellow and tranquil. Their emotional ballads bring you to tears and their rockers make you want to bang your head till exhaustion. As you hear their music, you cant help but feel the power and emotion of Blackwood.
In the spring of 2003 Blackwood formed when Richie Blackwood joined forces with Johnny Raven. Richie had been trying for awhile to form a heavy metal band. He went on countless auditions, placed several dozen musicians wanted ads and put up hundreds of flyers only to be frustrated by the musicians he was meeting. Richie was focused on finding musicians who had the same qualities as he did. He wanted them to have talent, image, charisma and the determination to become a rock superstar. Then one day while in his travels, Richie saw Johnny's flyer at a local music store and decided to call him. During the phone call, Richie and Johnny realized that they shared the same dreams of rock stardom and both agreed to meet. The meeting was a success and Blackwood was formed. The two started rehearsing as a duo and once they got a few songs down tight, they started auditioning vocalists and drummers. The audition process was grueling mostly because the musicians they came across lacked discipline, focus and determination.
After another frustrating audition, the two wondered if there were any metal musicians left who had a clue about what it took to make it. As a last resort, it was decided to audition Richie's brother Alex who was studying to become an actor and had been singing and acting in school plays. From seeing him perform on stage, its evident Knight has stage presence, charisma, and exceptional vocal chops. Knight wasn't asked to audition for Blackwood before because it was assumed that he wanted to become a professional actor, but because of his talents and the fact that Blackwood had no one else left to audition, Knight was asked to try out. After two successful auditions, Alex was asked to join Blackwood.
The trio would continue to rehearse for months. As the songs became tighter and tighter, they kept posting flyers and placing ads, in hopes of finding a top notch drummer. Many drummers auditioned but just didn't have what the trio were looking for. Then out of the blue Richie got a call from drummer Michael Vincent. Michael had seen Blackwood's "drummer wanted" ad and called them right away. While talking with Richie the two discovered that they had jammed together in the past. After a few minutes of reminiscing, it was decided to have Michael come down for an audition. Vincent did real well, and it was clear that the chemistry was there between the four of them. Blackwood then asked Vincent to "give them a few days", "to finish up their auditions and make their decision on who they would choose". After Blackwood's audition process was almost complete, they realized that Vincent's drumming ability was by far the best of all the other drummers they auditioned and wanted to work with him. Michael was asked to join Blackwood and he accepted. Now the bands line up was finally complete. The four rehearsed until all their songs were as tight as can be. Soon after, Blackwood started booking shows everywhere and anywhere they could.
At each Blackwood show, the crowds have continuously increased and word has begun to spread about their music. It's only a matter of time before the world discovers this band. Blackwood is definitely on their way toward rock super stardom. Get ready the revolution has begun!
