Dennis Papaleo

Every once in a while the planets align, the forces of nature come together, and a group of individuals form a rare musical bond that separates them from the multitude. Near Life Experience is one such entity. The musical creations of the four members of NLE are innovative, unique, emotional, and hauntingly beautiful, taking modern rock into an entirely new dimension.Founder, lead vocalist, lead guitarist, and songwriter, Steve Blaze's infinite talents incorporate many musical realms, earning him international recognition as a guitar hero and creative visionary. With his unique guitar style, ranging from classical to flamenco to his signature "blazing" style, along with his stunning combination of melodies and soul searching lyrics. Blaze has developed a huge loyal fan base who follow him throughout all of his musical endeavors. Blaze has toured the world backed by major record labels as a member of Lillian Axe and Angel. He has also functioned as a producer, personally endorsed Jackson-Charvel, Ibanez, Parker, Washburn, & Robin guitars, S.I.T. Strings, Mesa/Boogie Amps, Johnson Amps, Morley Effects, Digitech, Kangaroo amp covers and In Tune Guitar Picks as well as appeared in Ibanez and Jackson ads for major music publications.Percussionist, Dennis Papaleo is the driving force behind NLE's tight sound and live performance. Dennis has performed nationally in Dark August, who played on the same circuit with Lillian Axe, where he met and became long time friends with Steve Blaze. He exudes a passion cultivated by his experience and manifested in technique. Papaleo exemplifies the power of percussion as he is the icon of a new breed of drummers.Sam Poitevent, guitarist and backup vocalist, brings with him a great deal of experience to NLE. Poitevent most recently toured and recorded with Runesong. To see him perform is to feel intense conviction in the style that he radiates.Bassist Paul Starnes is formerly of New Orleans-based hard rock band, Dark August.. His dominant bass lines and pulsating rhythms create mood of intensity that drive the backbone of NLE to new depths.Near Life Experience is an extraordinary force to be reckoned with, having shared the stage with Godsmack, Deftones, Shinedown, Type O Negative, Lacuna Coil, Seven Mary Three, skid Row, Quiet Riot, Ratt, S.O.D., Down, Jackyl, Wasp, and LA Guns. The newly released Day of Silver Sun, a self-titled CD along with 3 demo CDs and a live bootleg have sold over 15,000 copies solely through live shows and the band's websites (www.nearlifeexperience.com, www.nlesecretsociety.com and www.nleweb.com.) NLE's members have collectively sold over one half million records worldwide and have had extensive media exposure. With hundreds of worldwide radio, internet, and print interviews from fanzines to major publications such as Billboard, Metal Edge, Hit Parader, Creem, Kerrang, SPIN, Burrn!, and Rock Hard, MTV videos, a wide variety of television exposure (including an ABC news story and live concert appearance on Louisiana Jukebox), the members of Near Life Experience have had experience with all aspects of the industry. NLE's solid foundation, built by constant touring, countless internet and radio interviews, airplay on radio stations in many cities including Baton Rouge (93.7 The Rock), New Orleans (KKND 106.7 and WCKW 92.3) and Dallas (KEGL 97.1), grows stronger every day fueled by the desire of hungry fans. .Near Life Experience is an ensemble of talented musicians with many noteworthy achievements. Blaze has toured Europe eight times, and all four members have toured the U.S. more times than they can count. . Massive radio airplay from their former bands, including two top 40 AOR hits, and countless radio interviews and promotional tours have given Near Life Experience the solid foundation for an immense fan base.The rich layered texture of the music is evident in both the studio recordings and in performance. With an elaborate stage set and unbridled energy, Blaze on stage is like a sorcerer mastering his craft. Blaze's vocal and guitar prowess, the artistry and theatrics of the NLE show create a realm of enchantment. Papaleo's phenomenal raw tribal percussion, Starnes's all encompassing, thunderous bass lines and Poitevent's ethereal guitar sensations are the backdrop for Blaze's poetics, the components of a NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE.