Tempest & the Diaspora

Tempest & the Diaspora is an aggressive Electronic based Thrash/Metal musical group that has found itself a huge cult following on the international stage of underground Gothic and Emo circles. "Tempest" is a pseudonym for the groups leader, Scottie Owens. After reading several reviews of the groups material, as well as listening to the music, it is found to be very well organized. It is a mixture of compositional orchestrations utilizing classical techniques, mired in the oblivion of the techno/electronica world as well as modern rock guitars, terrifying solos, and modern alternative, and deeply personal lyricism. After researching the members of the group individually, there was found to be an explosive history, as well as a classic story of survival and commitment to a notable passion for artistic success.

Scottie Owens (Tempest) is a trained neoclassical composer that has written many symphonies, and modern american opera's. Upon careful review of his past career it is noted that at the age of 16 he had been offered an internship to work with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He had been trained as a prodigal composer under the supervision, and strict confidence of Ronald Jolly of the University of Denver. Mr. Owens also submitted several works for review by Julliard in New York City. Mr. Owens was awarded 6 of the highest awards in compositional excellence by the tender age of 17. During his compositional training, he was also working with members of the Denver Center for The Performing Arts. He also achieved great success as a student of the Colorado School of Music, the Denver Guitar Institute, and the Colorado Music Institute. In 1993 he was accepted to Berkley in Boston, and Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Mr. Owens disengaged from his musical training, choosing instead to go directly into the professional music industry. After a high level of success in Denver, Colorado, as a local musician, Mr. Owens also played on the local scenes of New Orleans, Louisiana, Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. The career of Scottie Owens spans from 1991 to the present. It is known that he is currently in his early 30's. This makes the length and depth of his career span most impressive. It is known that Mr. Owens has been a member of the bands "Needle", "Rorschach Test", "Dorian Pain", "Nightmare Factor Six", and "Attic Toys". He has also collaborated with artist known to be connected to "Nine Inch Nails", "Skinny Puppy", "Front Line Assembly", "Prong", "Rob Zombie", "Marilyn Manson" "Powerman 5000", "Alice Cooper", "Crisis", "Contingence", and "Metal Church". It is also a little known fact that Mr. Owens also worked with the Hip Hop acts known as "Isis", and "Whyte Out". Upon careful review of the origins of "Tempest & the Diaspora", it was found to be a new reincarnation of the band "Needle". Research of "Needle" bases it's origins in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. "Needle" was founded by original lead vocalist Jezebel who was known as "Lotus" in the band. Mr. Owens was known to have joined the group in 1997. Mr. Owens was the lead/rhythm guitarist, back-up vocalist, and primary programmer of keyboards, and computer generated music for the act from 1997-2005. Each member of the band used a pseudonym, as well as distinct costumes resembling what some would consider to be comic book characters. The band had inspired a very large underground following, and is known to have hailed from Vancouver, B.C. initially, then Seattle, Washington during the electrifying 90's alternative music scene. After a few years apart, the group had re-united in Hollywood, California. Mr. Owens is known to have abandoned the group for personal reasons in Los Angeles. It is known that in 2006 Mr. Owens re-named the band from "Needle" to "Tempest & the Diaspora". It is believed that this was an action taken due to the fact that original lead vocalist Jezebel had left the band, and was pre-occupied with other musical, multimedia, and business ventures. Since the incarnation of "Tempest & the Diaspora" the much anticipated release of "Amanita Masceria"( the groups debut album), has already seen several changes in their recording and showcase line-up. From 2006-2007 it is known that the progressive/technical rock genre group "30 Silver" was recording songs with Mr. Owens for the debut album. However, in late winter of 2007, a sudden line-up change occurred that now includes members known as Josha Cirbo (Sinac)-Guitarist, Buddy F. Christ-Bassist, and Daniel Carrion-Drums/Percussion. It is believed the group is located in Denver, Colorado at the moment. Many fans of the group are anticipating a United States tour the group has been promoting for some time now. A recent interview of Mr. Owens for a novel about the international independent music industry has revealed that long time front-woman Jezebel, is returning to the group in 2009 to record a double LP entitled "Armageddon Survival Course 101 & The Antikythera Mechanism".

References:Keyboard Magazine-Electronic Musician Magazine-Revolver Magazine-Metal Edge Magazine-This Indie Hell/Novel-Fabryka Webzine