To categorize Bixby sexiest Phaethon as simply "metal" does not do the band justice.
Granted, metal is the general term for the band's style, but such an intense, individual sound cannot be summed up in just one word.
Phaethon (pronounced fay-ith-on) consists of guitarists Garrett Goddard and Matt McDowell, keyboardist Evan Pirtle, singer Ryan Welch, bassist Shane Marker and drummer Michael Skaggs.
Their music has been inspired by bands like Underoath, the Devil Wears Prada and Chiodos, along with each member's individual influences.
As a band the members define themselves as "ambitious" -- a characteristic shown even in their name. In Greek mythology, Phaethon, son of the sun god, Helios, was struck down and killed by Zeus for "causing all sorts of chaos and shenanigans," as Matt put it.
"It's an interesting story and it shows ambition," he said. "We're pretty ambitious as far as bands go."
Phaethon also has diversity, and an acceptable amount of obsession in its corner. Since the guys all listen to different music (ranging from Drop Dead Gorgeous to Of Montreal to classical piano), their sound is unlike any other -- in a good way.
"We've traded influences a lot," Skaggs said, and Ryan chimed in, "It's good to have different influences, because if your whole band listens to the same thing, then you're always going to sound just like what you listen to."
What brings these different tastes together is a shared passion for playing and performing.
"Outside of music, we don't really do anything else," Shane said.
Garrett agreed. "If I'm bored, I'll pick up a guitar."
"We all love doing it," Ryan said. "We all plan on taking it as far as we can; it's what we want to do."
Matt joked, "It'd be nice to eat and stuff, but that's not what's important."
Phaethon's dreams of making it big are part of what inspired the members to send their demo to Battle of the Bands.
"We saw what it did for the other bands last year," Shane said. "It seems like a really good promotional activity, and playing for a crowd that big will be cool."
It's clear that Phaethon is ready for the show, but is the show ready for Phaethon?
Their screaming has pushed some buttons in the past, but with riffs, keys and lyrics that far surpass the average band, let alone one that's in high school, they are ready for the challenge.
"I'm interested to see how they respond to us at the battle," Ryan said. As a whole, Phaethon's members said they hope that people will recognize and accept their sound, regardless of its genre.
One thing's for sure -- if you like good music, Phaethon will have you head-banging and hardcore dancing before you know it.
By JILLIAN LAND Satellite Correspondent
2/1/2008
YOU THINK YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE GROUND BREAKING METAL GROUP PHAETHON?!?!?! HIT US UP VIA MYSPACE!!!!
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