Member Since: 3/15/2006
Band Members: Brian West
Tim Castelli
Rusty Packard
Dave Minella
Influences: Established in 2002 by longtime friends, guitarist Tim Castelli and drummer Rusty Packard, Downfall set out to become one of the hardest working, hardest rocking original bands in the Raleigh, NC area. The addition of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Brian West brought another dimension to the band, creating a unique sound that allowed Downfall to capture the attention of fans and music critics throughout the southeast United States. Bassist Dave Minella joined the band in 2006, solidifying their current lineup and adding to the band’s sound and work ethic.
The Downfall sound comes from a mixture of styles and influences each member brings with him. Their music has been characterized by listeners as "high energy rock, slightly alternative with a heavy metal twist." The band’s collaborative songwriting efforts give each song a tightness and edginess and serve to showcase the members’ influences and talents. The inspirations and influences of the group tell the story. Every member is heavily influenced by classic heavy metal and hard rock pioneers such as Metallica, Ozzy and Pantera, and by contemporary artists like Black Label Society. In addition, Downfall’s songwriting and musical styles draw upon past and present rock, classical, jazz and blues influences. This collection of influences and styles makes for an unmistakable chemistry and sound associated with Downfall - the "sound" that Downfall fans love.
Downfall brings to the stage the same power and synergy they display in their songwriting. Their high-energy live shows have earned them fans throughout the south. Downfall has played with such national bands as Flickerstick and The End, and their music has been played on Raleigh’s 96 Rock and WKNC 88.1. In addition, the band was selected as a national semifinalist in the 2004 Zippo Hot Tour and was featured on the show True Music on HDNet. Most recently, Downfall won the 2007 Regional Battle of the Bands contest presented by Vision Promotional Services.
Tim and Brian play Gibson guitars and Marshall amplifiers
Dave plays Ibanez basses and Carvin amplifiers
Rusty plays Tama drums and Zildjian cymbals
Sounds Like: Every person brings something new to the table every time they hear a new band they like or a new sound. It's more or less a mood in the room when something new gets finished. So, to say we sound like this or that is true. We are just a product of our enviroment. So I guess what mood are you in today?
Type of Label: None