Biography:
Symetrica is a progressive metal band from Montebello, California, formed in 2005. Going through a variety of incarnations dating back to 2004, Symetrica developed a style of progressive metal incorporating elements of power metal and classical music. Since the band’s inception, the band has received praise for both the quality of their composition and their impressive live performances. While the band members are still very young, they all possess impressive technical prowess and songwriting abilities, and are sure to be a driving force in the evolution of progressive metal in years to come.
History:
Symetrica’s roots can be traced back to 2004, when friends Jason Castillo and Zach Calderon formed Virtuoso, an instrumental metal band. The band’s style was heavily influenced by neoclassical music, reflecting the interest of the members, and would serve as a basis for many of their future musical endeavors. Complemented by a drummer, the two would take their first steps towards working in a band situation and begin to shape the musical vision that would become Symetrica one year later. Virtuoso never was able to find a permanent bass player or singer, however, and the band eventually disbanded as Calderon’s interests began to stray from the neoclassical genre.
Undeterred, Castillo decided to form a new band, Kataphract, this time with a more complete lineup. Joined by the drummer he had worked with in the Virtuoso days, Castillo recruited a bass player, and this time, also a singer, in the form of Andrew Valencia, who Virtuoso had previously tried unsuccessfully to enlist. After encountering difficulty in finding a keyboard player, the band decided to add a second guitarist instead. The band then began to practice intensely to develop their skills, but it soon became apparent that a change of drummer would be necessary for Kataphract to continue. After months of searching, Denny Ramirez, who had impressed Castillo with his skills almost 3 year earlier, was contacted, and became a member of the band. The same year would see three more lineup changes, the entry of Eddie Garcia as bassist, the departure of the band’s second guitarist, and the return of Calderon as keyboard player. This lineup would eventually change its name to become Symetrica.
The continuously evolving musical taste and knowledge of Symetrica’s members would drive the band in a variety of different directions. While the music of Virtuoso was characterized primarily by the neoclassical metal genre, Kataphract introduced power metal elements into the band’s sound. Symetrica would go on to pick up where Kataphract left off and slowly take the band in the distinctly progressive direction it is heading today. Armed with a history in the neoclassical and power metal genres as well as a strong interest in progressive music, Symetrica began to write songs and play local shows in their native Montebello. 2006 would see the recording of their first song, “In Demiseâ€, which offered a glimpse at the band’s burgeoning songwriting ability. In 2007, however, the culmination of the work undertaken during the previous three years was realized with the band’s first appearance at a major venue, the release of their first full-length demo, “And The World Was Blindâ€, and their victory at the 2007 Montebello Battle of the Bands. The band would also, for the first time, open for international acts such as Kamelot and Epica.
The beginning of 2008 saw the addition of new bassist Tim Chiachetti, replacing Garcia who parted ways with the band in the closing days of 2007. As determined as ever, Symetrica are working on writing and recording new material to be released this year, as well as planning their return to the stage, with their first shows already booked. With so many new projects and coming off the heels of last year’s breakthrough, it is difficult to think that 2008 will be anything but a great year for Symetrica.
Releases:
Demos:
In Demise (2006)
And The World Was Blind (2007)
Members:
Jason Castillo – Guitar and Backing Vocals (2004-)
Andrew Valencia – Lead Vocals (2005-)
Zach Calderon – Keyboards (2004, 2005-)
Tim Chiachetti – Bass (2007-)
Denny Ramirez – Drums (2005-)
Former Members:
Eddie Garcia – Bass (2005-2007)
COMPLETE SYMETRICA DVD "LIVE AT THE WHISKEY A GOGO"
