aSHADEbelow was formed in Milwaukee, WI in 2002. Their beginnings trace back to the core members, vocalist Dave Hiley (ex-Hydraulic, ex-Seven Deadly Sins) and guitarist Steve Hitz (ex-Hydraulic). Together with the help of Justin Scharleau (drums), and Darren (bass), they formed the first incarnation of the band. Writing began with heavy influence from such well known names as Mudvayne, Slipknot, Chimaira and Pantera. However, it was important to aSHADEbelow that inspiration did not amount to a carbon copy. They polished their sound until they were ready to unleash it. Their first gig was played at the well-renowned Rave, host to many other Milwaukee metal bands such as Numskull, Jungle Rot, Nightworld, and White Knuckle Trip.They recorded their first demo in 2003, which further fueled the fire for their growing fan base. However, lineup changes occur in a young band. Exit Darren, and enter Dale T. on bass along with the missing link in aSHADEbelow's sound: a second guitarist who shares the same passion for pummeling guitar chops, Alan Weier (ex-Friction Point, ex-Manor of Ash). This comprised the lineup for their second demo in 2004. Through these two demos, their inspiration turned towards the more polyrhythmic sounds of Meshuggah, while blending the technical thrash of Lamb of God, the melodic power of Soilwork, the attitude of DevilDriver, the experimentation of In Flames and the hardcore stomp of Killswitch Engage. Listening to them, the listener finds that although most of the musicians in aSHADEbelow have played for more than ten years, they never truly stopped growing. Their music became more embellished with melody to balance the powerful rhythm and stomp.While writing their ever evolving songs, the band delivered raging live sets, sharing stages with Meshuggah, God Forbid, Mudvayne, Fear Factory, Candiria, The Haunted, American Head Charge, Walls of Jericho and 36 Crazyfists. aSHADEbelows reputation grew, and their following spread the word. However, another lineup change was to occur with the departure of drummer Justin Scharleau in the summer of 2005. His replacement came in the form of Kris "Goody" Goodendorf (ex-Priapism, ex-Nebula, ex-Element of One, ex-P-Vegas All Stars, ex-Paradigm Shift), who has played for 13 years and earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Performance with an emphasis on percussion. Once again, aSHADEbelow's sound was to evolve. With a flair for polyrhythm and aggression, Kris refined the band's rhythm section even further. Upon writing new material for their latest demo, it was evident that more melody was to infiltrate the song structures. Also evident was more comfort with Dave's use of vocal melody, conveying different mood than found on their earlier songs.Gigging continued to introduce Goody to the fans and to keep the band's chops strong while writing new material. Before recording their 2006 demo, bass player Dale T. departed from his duties. Alan and Steve wrote and recorded the bass lines for the demo. Nick Hill (ex-Kaburi guitarist) was recruited for full-time bass duties so that the band could once again play live. Although Nick has played guitar for more than 10 years, the bass guitar was second nature to him. aSHADEbelow's current release displays even more growth in Steve and Alan as musicians, with guitar passages reminiscent of the late Chuck Schuldiner (RIP- Death, Control Denied), and frighteningly technical drumming. Although it obviously has a contemporary metalcore sound, shedding some of their earlier influences, the listener is confronted by vocal rage, surgically accurate riffing and rhythms. The song "Drive Bye" pummels the listener like fists coming down, while "Underneath It All" thrives on Dave's use of melodic vocals and powerful groove. It is a limitless trip through the dark territories that is aSHADEbelow.
