About Me
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"You wanna be in a band, man? We need a drummer." That's the question proposed by one, Ronnie Allen, to marching band drummer, Jonathan Toler, in 2002 after a pep rally in high school. Who would have thought, what started as a garage cover band would progress, after that encounter and meeting Wesley Moore, who quickly began writing songs for them, would evolve into the creation of one of the scene's most diverse local rock/metal bands? Well, it has done just that!
With the additions of bassist, Will Peck, and guitarist, Swinez, Elysium have established themselves as leaders in the area, and seem destined to carry it much farther than that.
The band made their live debut on the television show Hardcore Live in Raleigh, N.C., a show noted for displaying the best in local talent in 2005. Since, they have spread through the area like a horde of metal locusts, playing gigs from Surf City and Wilmington to Sanford and beyond. When Elysium prepared to record their radio-demo in the fall of 2007, they chose to work with John Custer, who'd worked with such bands as Corrosion of Conformity and Cry of Love. The product of this studio-team captured Elysium's raw sound as well as their innate ear for songwriting. A smooth, distinct blend of energetic groove metal and powerful, meaningful lyrics. In early February 2008, Elysium made their radio debut on the triangle rock station, 96ROCK.
Elysium's first appearance with nationally signed acts, Stereoside and Echovalve, occurred on February 27th at Hooligan's in Jacksonville, NC. On August 23, 2008, Elysium performed in front of their largest crowd ever at Downtown Live in Raleigh, NC. The band rocked for hundreds of fans while opening for national acts Rev Theory, Saving Abel, Eve 6, and Puddle of Mudd.
The broad spectrum of influences throughout the members of the band are a direct link to Elysium's unique and progressive style. From Incubus and Disturbed to 70s rock icons, KISS, they combine the edgy-radio sound with an energetic and crowd-friendly live show to form a collective personality that's all their own.
Fated for fame? Or memorable local heroes? The answer remains to be clear. However, one thing's for sure: Elysium is scouring the metal jungle in search of unsuspecting prey in the form of fans. The key to witnessing musical history may be in eyesight when they come prowling!
-James W. Runyon
ADDICT by ELYSIUM
BREAKING THE ICE
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