This is AMERICAN AFTERMATH, the brain child of guitarist, bassist and songwriter Rich Gonzales. Rich hails from the metal outfit DIESEL MACHINE, along with Pat Lachman (DAMAGEPLAN-THE MERCY CLINIC), A.J. Cavalier (SOiL), and amazing drummer Shane Gaalaas (B'z-MSG, etc..). Rich has spent the last few years recovering from a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2002. Now paralyzed and in a wheelchair, he's come a long way after being killed on his harley. The extensive list of injuries reads like a book, and it took months before he could even touch a guitar, much less play one. With the love and support from an amazing cast of musicians, friends and true believers, Rich is back doing what he loves, creating bad-ass music.
Stemming from an official post accident guitar playing adventure with the band STR8SHOT, Rich met drummer and now good friend Chris Moore. Chris's drumming style and all out enthusiasm fit perfect for the music Rich wanted to create. The two started playing together on the side while in STR8SHOT, picked up a vibe, and knew there was chemistry brewing. AMERICAN AFTERMATH was born. With aggressive grinding guitars and fast intricate drumming, they've developed a heavy yet soothing attack of intense songwriting. Pounding out the bottom end is new comer Rudy Gonzales, Rich's nephew. Rudy's talent and versatility make him a perfect addition to the band. Being an accomplished guitarist, the kid knows his way around the fretboard. The final piece to the puzzle is vocalist Ed Veliz, a long time friend of Rich's. Passing demos of his band STEEL REMAINS over to Rich to listen to, a light lit and he was invited to do the vocals on the record. The stage was set...
Blending a melodic "Chris Cornell" type approach with a gritty metal growl, his dynamic adds a mature but brutal delivery. Shane Gaalaas plays drums on several tracks and is phenomenal as always. Shane has been an integral player in Richs recovery, he couldnt have done it without him. The band is currently writing and recording new material and preparing to blast away with some live performances soon. With an "ALICE IN CHAINS on steroids" type delivery, they're sure to hook fans and pound them with raw force.
AMERICAN AFTERMATH is in search of management and a good label to help take things to the next level. AA will not disappoint, you've been warned!
I edited my profile with Thomas.. Myspace Editor V3.6 !
