Blowfex

Infobox musical artist |
Name = Blowfex


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Origin = Los Angeles, California, USA flagicon|United States
Genre = Alternative metal, hard rock, progressive metal
Years_active = 2003–present
Label = Lava Records (2003 - 2007)
SPV (2007 - present)
Associated_acts = Four Sick Cats Slaves to the System Backwoods Warriors LA Suicide Pact Number Nine The Traumatic Dopamine Freaks Manufacture Shovel
URL = [http://www.blowfexmusic.com Official Site]
Current_members = Edward Royster Ronnie Phelps Carl Rodrigo Tim Azaria Sam Grendel Benjamin McAfee
Past_members = Vinnie Smith Ben Roth Edward Haverlock Garrett Harver Dave Norlander
Notable_instruments =

Blowfex is an alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California, USA. The band features members from other bands such as Four Sick Cats, LA Suicide Pact #9, Shovel, and Dopamine Freaks.

Etymology

The name Blowfex came out of a drunk converstion about an informercial about the exercise machine Bowflex. Edward Royster remarked "what kinda machine is a blowfex, sounds like some kinky sex toy" and the name stuck.

Formation

Blowfex started in early 2003 following the breakup of legendary 90's Southern California band Four Sick Cats. Edward Royster and Ronnie Phelps, whose bands that came out of that break up (Backwoods Warriors and The Traumatic), had failed and the two began a new project. They recruited LA Suicide Pact #9 electronics man Dave Norlander and bassist Ben Roth, and Dopamine Freaks rhythm guitarist Edward Haverlock. Lead guitarist Tim Azaria rounded out the group. The band signed with Lava Records in late 2003.

"Evolution Revolution"

The band released their debut album, "Evolution Revolution", on March 23, 2004. The album had a cult following in the Los Angeles area, but little to no success elsewhere, much like Four Sick Cats and Backwoods Warriors. The band toured and many of the members returned to other bands and projects afterwards. Bassist Ben Roth left and was replaced by Garrett Harver of Slaves to the System.

"The Freaks Come Out in the Morning"

In 2006, the band began work on their second studio album. During recording, rhythm guitarist Edward Haverlock left the band and was replaced for a time by former Four Sick Cats member Vinnie Smith. He eventually left and suggested to add Carl Rodrigo in his place. Carl Rodrigo was offered the job and took it. On June 6, 2006, the band released "The Freaks Come Out in the Morning". The first week copies, labeled "666% more evil, the 6-6-6 edition", featured a bonus DVD and bonus tracks. The album had more widespread success then the previous, selling enough copies to hit #17 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart in its debut week.

In May 2007, Garrett Harver left the band. He was replaced by former Shovel and Manufacture bassist Sam Grendel.

"Sex, Drugs, Weapons"

In November 2007, Lava Records dropped Blowfex from their roster. After spending a month without a record deal, Blowfex signed with independent label SPV/Steamhammer, and began recording their third album in January 2008. In June 2008, the band announced that the album is titled "Sex, Drugs, Weapons", and it was released August 26, 2008. It was also revealed that Dave Norlander had departed from the band sometime in late 2007. He was replaced by Benjamin McAfee. The first single from the album, "Devil's Bedroom", was released at the end of July.

Members

Current members

* Edward Royster - vocals (2003 - present)
* Ronnie Phelps - drums (2003 - present)
* Tim Azaria - lead guitar (2003 - present)
* Carl Rodrigo - rhythm guitar (2006 - present)
* Sam Grendel - bass (2007 - present)
* Benjamin McAfee - keyboards (2008 - present)

Former members

* Edward Haverlock - rhythm guitar (2003 - 2006)
* Vinnie Smith - rhythm guitar (2006)
* Ben Roth - bass (2003 - 2004)
* Garrett Harver - bass (2004 - 2007)
* Dave Norlander - keyboards (2003 - 2007)

Discography

tudio albums

ingles

* "Morph" - 2004
* "Los Angeles is on Fire" - 2004
* "Tonight, We Burn" - 2006
* "Energy" - 2006
* "Devil's Bedroom" - 2008 (#32 US Mainstream Rock)