Spineshank

Infobox musical artist
Name = Spineshank


Img_capt =
Img_size = 200
Landscape =
Background = group_or_band
Alias =
Origin = Los Angeles, California
Genre = Nu metal
Industrial metal
Years_active = 1996–2004
2008-
Label = Roadrunner Records (1998-2003)
Currently unsigned
Associated_acts =
URL =
Current_members = Jonny Santos Mike Sarkisyan Robert Garcia Tom Decker
Past_members = Brandon Espinoza

Spineshank is an American Grammy-nominated nu metalcite web|last=Sharpe-Young|first=Garry|title=MusicMight Biography|url=http://musicmight.com/artist/usa/los+angeles/spineshank|accessdate=2008-09-16] band.

History

Formed in February 1996, Spineshank was assembled and formed in the village of manea then shavos house from the remains of a previous musical endeavor called "Basic Enigma". That band included future Spineshank members in vocalist Jonny Santos, guitarist Mike Sarkisyan and drummer Tom Decker.Upon hearing Fear Factory's 1995 release "Demanufacture", a new bassist in Robert Garcia was recruited, and with a refined musical style, Spineshank was formed.

The band soon befriended Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares. After hearing their demo tape, he offered them to open a show for Fear Factory at a concert held at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Los Angeles. This led to other coveted opening slots, with such popular acts as Coal Chamber, Snot, Soulfly, Sepultura and Danzig. As a result, Spineshank had gathered interest from several record labels. Eventually, the band signed with Roadrunner Records, and released their debut album "Strictly Diesel" on September 22, 1998. Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell provides vocals on the track "Stain".

Spineshank's second album "The Height of Callousness" was released on October 10, 2000. Unlike their debut album, "The Height of Callousness" had a strong industrial metal influence. The band featured at Ozzfest 2001, and toured with such artists as Disturbed, Hed PE, Orgy and Mudvayne in support of the album's release. The songs "Synthetic" and "New Disease" were released as singles.

The band's third album "Self-Destructive Pattern" was released on September 9, 2003. The album's lead single "Smothered" was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Metal Performance (2004). Shortly after the album was released the band went on a European tour with Ill Nino and Chimaira. The show on 6th October in Holland was filmed and was to be released on a DVD entitled Roadrage, which was never released. Since the departure of Santos the band released a greatest hits CD, Released on January 29, 2008.

Departure of Santos

In January 2004, it was reported that Santos had officially quit Spineshank. Drummer Tommy Decker stated that the split was "amicable" and was mainly due to "musical differences". [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17964 It's Official: SPINESHANK Part Ways With Vocalist JONNY SANTOS] . Posted January 9, 2004.] A day after the news was reported, Decker vowed that the band would continue, and stated that the musical differences were due to the fact the rest of the band wanted to play heavier music than Santos. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=17994 SPINESHANK Drummer: 'We Wanted To Play Heavier Music Than JONNY Did'] . Posted January 10, 2004.]

On January 17, 2004, Spineshank launched a search for a new vocalist. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18204 SPINESHANK Launch Singer Search] . Posted January 17, 2004.]

On November 7, 2005, Spineshank's official website announced that they had found a new vocalist in Brandon Espinoza. Also stated was that they had been working together for five months, and had produced five songs. The band members were not intending to continue their new planning in music under the name Spineshank.

More than two years after his departure from Spineshank, Santos stated in an interview with Roadrunner Records that he left the band on a high note, and felt that the band had run its course, despite being nominated for a Grammy. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=49475 JONNY SANTOS: I Left SPINESHANK On A High Note] . Posted March 12, 2006.]

On July 7, 2006, Espinoza posted an update on the band's message board stating that they were still in the process of writing material.

February 7, 2008: After almost two years of silence about the band, Espinoza announced that the band has decided to break up due to the lack of chemistry between its members, and each member is going their own separate ways. [http://xssboard.proboards55.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=news&thread=1202415989&page=1 Brandon Espinoza: Its sad to say but were parting ways...] . Posted February 7, 2008]

Later on February 24, 2008: The band (excluding Espinoza) announced open tryouts for a new unnamed project. [http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=34211 Ex-Spineshank Members Looking For Vocalist For New Band] . Posted April 2, 2008.]

antos after Spineshank

"See also: Silent Civilian"

On January 14, 2004, Santos reiterated that he left Spineshank due to musical differences, and that he was in the studio tracking demos for a new unnamed project. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=18079 Former SPINESHANK Singer Explains His Departure] . Posted January 14, 2004.]

In April 2004, Santos announced that he had formed a new project dubbed "Temper". Two demo tracks titled "Erase" and "Energy" were made available for download. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=21186 Former SPINESHANK Singer Resurfaces In TEMPER: Audio Available] . Posted April 8, 2004.] After the quick demise of Temper, Santos put out an advertisement in late November 2004 seeking musicians for a new project. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=29817 Former SPINESHANK Singer Looking To Form 'Straight-Up Metal' Band] . Posted November 30, 2004.]

On January 7, 2005, it was announced that Santos' new project dubbed "Silent Civilians" had signed a record deal with Corporate Punishment Records. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=31192 Former SPINESHANK Frontman Signs Record Deal For SILENT CIVILIANS Project] . Posted January 7, 2005.] A September album release was also mentioned.

In November 2005, it was reported that Santos had changed the name of his new band from Silent Civilians to "Silent Civilian". It was also reported that the band had parted ways with Corporate Punishment, and signed a new deal with Mediaskare Records for their debut album. [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=43869 Ex-SPINESHANK Frontman's New Band SILENT CIVILIAN Signs With MEDIASKARE] . Posted November 5, 2005.]

On May 2, 2006, Silent Civilian released their debut album titled "Rebirth of the Temple". Unlike his work with Spineshank, Silent Civilian's style can be categorized as metalcore. [http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=1&id=10913 Silent Civilian - Rebirth of the Temple album review] . Retrieved May 7, 2007.]

Jonny Santos Returns & New Material

August 26, 2008: As The Gauntlet first reported in July, Spineshank has reportedly reunited with Jonny Santos (Silent Civilian). The band reportedly entered a Los Angeles, CA studio last week to record some demos.

September 18, 2008: The band announced that they are currently writing material for an upcoming album. They posted a demo version of "Born Conform Repent", one of five new songs they have completed. [http://www.myspace.com/spineshank Spineshank Press Release] . Posted April 2, 2008.]

Members

Current

* Jonny Santos – Vocals (1996-2004), (2008-Present)
* Mike Sarkisyan – Guitar (1996-present)
* Robert Garcia – Bass (1997-present)
* Tom Decker – Drums (1996-present)

Discography

References

External links

*
*