Oblivion Myth

Oblivion Myth, in the short time of the name being used, has had a productive history. The project began as the creation of Keith Smith, a native of Illinois, known for its spawn of power and progressive metal bands like Ion Vein, in Florida, early in the new millennium.
After a couple years and a few shows in Florida, Smith decided the band needed a new direction and wanted to stray away from the straight forward metal they were making. Smith wanted to create a band that reflected the ideals of his favorite childhood bands and vocalists, such as Kiss, Ronnie James Dio, Iron Maiden, and other early metal bands, while having the touch of recent power and progressive metal bands such as Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Kamelot. Smith relocated to Tennessee, hoping to find musicians capable of creating his vision.
Shortly after moving to Nashville in December 2005, Smith discovered guitarist Christopher Selby and drummer Patrick Nickell who had been making music together since summer 2005. After just one rehearsal, the three musicians realized the potential this project had. The band members immediately started working on several songs and realized by summer 2006 that they had enough material to make their debut CD.
However, the band had still not found a vocalist or bassist. Keith Smith decided to answer the call by becoming Oblivion Myth’s vocalist and playing bass on the album. Under producer Andy Freeman, formerly of Fatal Opera with former Megadeth drummer Gar Samuelson, Oblivion Myth finished its 8 song self-titled debut album in late 2006.
The album contains elements of many styles of metal, such as thrash (Evil of All Corners, Gathering of Souls), progressive (Twilight Dementia, Mirroracle), and epic (Knightserrant and Mystique) metal. Smith and Selby have the creative talent of being able to write intense, heavy metal songs with ripping solos while still retaining a catchy, melodic feel to the music, and the pummeling footwork and unique sticking from Nickell keeps everything in balance.
Smith, since taking on the task of singing, wrote and performed all the vocals on the album. Smith was hesitant at first, but after receiving very positive responses from the other band members and fans, he decided to become Oblivion Myth's permanent vocalist. Smith has many lyrical themes running throughout his songs, but themes of good versus evil and being true to yourself always prevail throughout Oblivion Myth’s songs.
Still looking to find the final piece in the band's puzzle, Oblivion Myth received a call in early 2007 from a local bassist, Patrick White, who wanted to prove he was the missing piece. After one full rehearsal together with White, the band knew that they had finally found what they were looking for in a bassist, and White accepted Oblivion Myth's invitation into the band. After only being in Oblivion Myth for a month, White was ready to re-record the bass tracks for Oblivion Myth's debut album in March 2007 to add his signature sound into the album. Andy Freeman completed the remix with White's bass tracks in in April 2007.
The rest of 2007 saw Oblivion Myth playing several shows locally to support their debut album, even some shows out of their area in big cities such as Atlanta where they played to large crowds. Oblivion Myth played nationally known venues in Middle Tennessee like Exit/In and the Gibson Showcase and played with famous metal artists like the power/progressive metal band After Forever from the Netherlands.
The end of 2007 saw the Myth devote time to composing brand new material. With 2008 now here, Oblivion Myth has already written 6 songs that are not available on their debut album, giving them a 14 song, 100+ minute live setlist.
In February of 2008, Oblivion Myth decided a change was needed. Vocalist/guitarist Keith Smith had taken on the task of vocals in late 2006 for the debut album because a suitable vocalist had not been found yet. However, Smith never intended to become the permanent vocalist, although he has said that he enjoys singing. The Myth turned to long-time producer and friend Andy Freeman (former vocalist of Fatal Opera as mentioned previously) to become the permanent vocalist for the band. The band was thrilled when Freeman accepted their invitation.
Freeman brings his clear yet powerful and commanding voice to the band, along with stage presence, years of experience in singing and performing, and a personality that meshes perfectly with the rest of the members. Freeman has already finished vocals for three tracks off of the band’s debut album that are available on their band myspace and is currently working on putting his vocals on the band’s debut album. At the point when this is finished, the band will re-release their debut album with a new title, new artwork, and a more polished sound. With Andy Freeman by their side, the Myth feels that their lineup is now complete.
Oblivion Myth is currently writing new material with summer 2008 possibly marking the start of the recording of the next Oblivion Myth album. With Freeman by their side and their new material written, they are ready to turn up the heat and charge full force into the power/thrash metal scene locally and nationally to conquer new fans. The Myth is alive!
Oblivion Myth 10 minute EPK promo!
I edited my profile with Thomas Myspace Editor V4.4 (www.strikefile.com/myspace)