R22 (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = R22


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Brooklyn, New York
Genre = Metalcore Hard rock
Years_active = 1994–2003
Label = Frion Records
Current_members = Alex Aroniwicz (Lead Vocals) Dan Barton (Drums/Vocals) Dave Campignoli (Guitars) John Ferrara (Bass) Pete Mussillo (Lead Guitar/Vocals)
Past_members = Mike Clemente (Guitars) Greg Kourie (Keyboards/Vocals) Matt Kourie (Lead Guitars/Vocals) Rob Tramontano (Bass)

R22 was a metalcore/hard rock band from Brooklyn, New York. R-22 is a type of freon gas used as a refrigerant.

Biography

R22 was formed by Dan Barton & Rob Tramontano in 1994 after they both left they're former death metal band Salvtion's End. After looking through the gutters to find a vocalist heavy and versatile enough to fulfill the sound they were looking to do, they teamed up with vocalist Alex Aronowicz who was also from Salvation's End. By this time the trio was laying down demo tracks and beginning to develop a fair amount of original songs. However all of the guitar tracks were laid down by Dan Barton leaving the band unable to play any live shows. They auditioned a few guitar players during this time, but no one seemed to be the right fit.

In 1995 they were joined by Guitarist/Vocalist Matt Kourie who was also ironically from the same previous band (Salvation's End). The chemistry was set and the foursome went on to play numerous local shows. In 1996, R22 released their first recorded demo title "Follow the Leaders". The demo was all recorded and produced by Dan Barton and duplicated by the band. It featured 5 songs and was only available on cassette. The demo caught the attention of many people in the local scene, including local artist Vision of Disorder.

By this time Mike Clemente was brought into the band as a 2nd guitarist. This was however short lived and the band only played a handful of shows with Clemente. Ultimately he was fired by the end of 1997. The band released they're 2nd demo in 1997 titled "ST(u)D". It featured 4 songs and was also only available on cassette. Shortly after the departure of Clemente in 1998, Matt Kourie's brother Greg joined the band on Keyboards/Vocals. The unique blend of keyboards and the style of metal/hard rock gave R22 a very different edge than what was currently going on the local scene. Many critics often compared the band to Fear Factory, but that was only because of the similar vocal style and use of keyboards in their music. R22 did not have the same mechanical sound that Fear Factory was known for.

The band headed into the recording studio in January 1998 to begin work on their biggest effort to date. They embarked on a mission to complete their first full-length album. After recording for almost a year, the release of the album was pushed back due to budget constraints. By April 1999, the album was completed and sent off for pressing. Greg Kourie left the band in early 1999 leaving the group as a four piece once again. For a short while, R22 had many fill-in guitarists including Greg Kubacki (formerly of Neck, currently in CARBOMB). Due to many conflicting schedules, the band decided at this point to simply remain a four piece considering the difficulty they were having keeping a 5th member. Greg Kourie did however record all keyboards on the bands upcoming release.

Just before the release of the upcoming album, members of R22 got a phone call from long time friend Pete Mussillo. Pete's band Entorturement had recently disbanded and he expressed interest in R22. After only one session of rehearsal together, the evidence of instant chemistry was obvious. Pete's musical abilities in combination with his commanding stage presence gave the band a new found confidence to plow forward into the local scene with authority. By many, this line-up of the band was considered the be the prime of their career.

On July 27th, 1999 R22 released their first full-length CD. The debut album was titled "A Picture Is Worth 1000 Lies". The album featured 11 songs and one hidden song. Aiming for a very clean yet authentic sound, R22 recorded the album all analog on reel-to-reel multitrack machines and old fashioned non-automated mixdowns. Modern mix tools such as "sound replacer" & "auto-tune" did not exist yet (aside from multi-million dollar studios) therefor were also not used.

The band went on to tour extensively during the upcoming year and established themselves as a national act within about a month. R22 played with acts such as Machine Head, Biohazard, Suicidal Tendencies, Hatebreed, Killswitch Engage, Chimaira, The Misfits, Stereomud, Unearth, Lamb of God, Shadows Fall, Amorphis, Puya, Vision of Disorder, Candiria, E-Town Concrete, Sworn Enemy, Dying Fetus, Anal Cunt and countless other national acts. R22 quickly went from a supporting act, to a headlining act in a matter of months.

Since the band grew so quickly during this time, they began to get the attention of many major labels. On three separate occasions the band had scheduled shows booked for Roadrunner Records (among other labels) to showcase the band. However on each and every occasion, a major event prevented the band from playing. The first two were set back health complications of 2 different members. However the third time, was set back by the abrupt departure of Matt Kourie in mid 2000. Being one of the original members of the band, this put the band on an indefinite hiatus. To add to the complications, Rob Tramontano also left the band only a month afterwards. Leaving only 3 members to try and keep the band alive.

After a 6 month Hiatus, the band finally returned to the stage with two new members. Dave Campignoli on Guitar, and John Ferrara on Bass. The new addition of motivated and extremely talented musicians, drove the band to play numerous shows to a hungry fan base starved for 6 months with no live shows OR recorded material released.

By mid 2001 the band entered the recording studio to record a follow-up album to "A Picture Is Worth 1000 Lies". However the recorded tracks for the album never saw the light of day. R22 informally disbanded in 2003 during the recording process due to a change of focus among band members. Most members went on to other musical projects, Dan Barton went on to open On Point Studios and has Produced close to 30 projects since 2001.

Releases

"Follow The Leaders" (1996) "ST(u)D" (1997) "Locust" (1999) "A Picture Is Worth 1000 Lies" (1999) "The Judas Chapter" (2000) "R22" (Intended for release in 2002, was never released)

Videography

* The R22 Home Videos (DVD, 2006)

Last Active Members

*Alex Aronowicz - Vocals (1994-2003)
*Dan Barton - Drums & Backup Vocals (1994-2003)
*Dave Campignoli - Guitar (2000-2003)
*John Ferrara - Bass (2000-2003)
*Pete Mussillo - Lead Guitar & Backup Vocals (1999-2003)

Ex-Members

* Mike Clemente - Guitar (1996-1997)
* Greg Kourie - Keyboards & Backup Vocals (1998-1999)
* Matt Kourie - Lead Guitar & Vocals (1995-2000)
* Rob Tramontano - Bass (1994-2000)

External links

* [http://www.onpointstudios.com/ On Point Studios Home Page]
* [http://www.myspace.com/onpointstudios On Point Studios MySpace Page]