Altered State (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Altered State


Landscape = yes
Background = group_or_band
Years_active = 1991-1994
Genre = Progressive rock
Origin = flagicon|USA Huntington Beach, California
Label = Warner Bros. Records
Current_members = Gregory Markel Chip Moreland Bob Knarley Christian Nesmith
Past_members = Gregory Markel Chip Moreland Curtis Mathewson Paul Edwards Riz Story (Debut Tour)
URL = [http://www.alteredstate.com/ www.alteredstate.com] [http://www.myspace.com/alteredstatedos alteredstatedos]

Altered State was a Progressive rock band based in Huntington Beach, CA. Influenced by Pink Floyd, Rush, Led Zeppelin and U2. Altered State has been describedWho|date=November 2007 as "an inventive band with unique arrangements, melodic vocals and great harmonies."

History

"Altered State" was formed in 1990 in Huntington Beach, CA by vocalist/guitarist Gregory Markel, drummer Chip Moreland and guitarist Curtis Mathewson, after being together in the band Show of Hands. 1990 Altered State signed with Warner Bros. Records. With the loss of bassist Howard Ulyate, Mathewson would cover bass duties on the debut record. Recruiting Riz Story in 1992 as the touring bassist.

In 1991, the band released their eponymous debut album. Riding the wave of the first single "Step Into My Groove" and the album quickly being dubbed "one of the best of 1992." It would be their second single "Ghost Beside My Bed" that would be the band's break into general market. Reaching #1 on Rock Radio and went top 30 nationally. With "Ghost" flooding the airwaves at Pirate Radio 100.3 the station set up a special show for the band at The Roxy in Hollywood, CA. Ending the bands tour and heading back into the studio.

In 1993 the band released : [dos] :. The album garnered some minor hits for the band with "Strong As I Am" and "Life on a Skateboard", both of which received regular airplay at Pirate Radio. : [dos] : regarded by fans as "The Masterpiece" or "The Best Album Ever Recorded" won the Circus Magazine Readers poll over NIN and Stone Temple Pilots.

Despite reaching #1 on Rock Radio with "Ghost", great reviews and Senior A&R Michael Ostin's love for the band the promotion people didn't know how to promote such a "diverse band". With the lack of support from the label, that lead to the departure of Mathewson and bassist Paul Edwards. Warner Bros. dropped the band in late 1994. Gregory Markel and Chip Moreland continued writing and recording demos as Altered State until 1995 giving up on Mathewson's return.

In 2006 the band announced their return with Markel, Moreland, bassist Ulyate and Christian Nesmith on guitar.

Since the bands break up in 1995 the members have all been active in the music industry.

Members

Gregory Markel

The vocalist and guitarist for Altered State from 1990 until 1995, Gregory Markel embarked on a solo career in 1997.

Chip Moreland

The drummer for Altered State from 1990 until 1995, Chip Moreland aka Ziggy Knarley of Dread Zeppelin and drummer for Star Tomorrow winner Cindy Alexander.

Curtis Mathewson

Guitarist of Altered State from 1990 until 1994, Curtis Mathewson went onto to produce the band Train, Motorhead, Foo Fighters. And released two with Gentlemen of leisure.

Riz Story

Riz Story the debut tour bassist for early 1992. Released albums with the band Anyone.

Paul Edwards

Since leaving Altered State, Paul Edwards is currently working on solo material.

Trivia

*Before forming Altered State, Gregory Markel was in the band The Living Daylights, with Paul McCartney guitarist Rusty Anderson. On Kroq's Top 100 with "Colleen".
*1985 Gregory Markel was once the vocalist of The Prime Movers (Dread Zeppelin) hitting on the BBC Top 20 with "Strong As I Am".
* Altered State filmed a video for "Step Into My Groove"
* In the intro of "Outside" you can hear Markel saying "I'm here for you" backwards.
* The : [dos] : cover: The blue liquid that is being given to the child is a "smart drug".
* : [dos] : has three meanings. DOS/computers. Dose/medication/drug. Dos/Spanish is two, the second album.
* Liner note credits: Red Telasatte - Altered State.
* : [dos] : hidden track "Machines In Space".
* Chip Moreland aka Ziggy Knarley of Dread Zeppelin.
* "Ghost Beside My Bed" was covered by Lana Lane.

Band members

*Gregory Markel - Lead vocals, guitar (1990-1995)
*Chip Moreland - drums, vocals,(1990 - 1995)
*Curtis Mathewson - Guitar, vocals, keyboards (1990 - 1994)

*Riz Story - Bass (Debut tour) (1992)
*Paul Edwards - Bass (: [dos] : 1992 - 1994)

Discography

Singles Step Into My Groove - 1991
Ghost Beside My Bed - #1 Rock Radio 1991 Life On A Skateboard - 1993
Strong As I Am - 1993 Darkness Visible - 1993

External links

* [http://www.alteredstate.com alteredstate.com]
* [http://www.myspace.com/alteredstatedos alterdstatedos]
* [http://www.myspace.com/ghostbesidemybed ghostbesidemybed]
* [http://www.myspace.com/strongasiam strongasiam]