Nonpoint * Spineshank * (Hed) P.E. * Crushpoint

Nonpoint only becomes fiercer with each subsequent album. Their eighth full-length offering and second for Razor & Tie, The Return, is no exception either. After 17 years in the game, the Florida quintet sustains the same energy that sparked its foundation back in 1997. The riffs crack with neck-snapping intensity, the bass and drums forge an unmatched groove, and the vocals rapidly recount stories of pain and perseverance. The Return remains as raw, ripping, and real as these musicians—Elias Soriano [vocals], Robb Rivera [drums], Rasheed Thomas [guitar], Adam Woloszyn [bass], and B.C. Kochmit [guitar]—get. In late 2013, Nonpoint closed out a year of touring behind 2012’s self-titled record, which yielded the Active Rock radio hit “Left For You.” Fueled by that continued success and their time on the road, they immediately began writing for album number eight. This time around, the band amped ups the aggression musically, while Elias drew inspiration from a whole new well altogether. “I was listening to a lot of hip-hop,” he remembers. “When I finished listening to Kendrick Lamar’s album good kid, m.A.A.d city, I felt like I knew the guy. That invigorated my creative flow. At the same time, Eminem does things lyrically and phonetically that challenge everybody on The Marshall Mathers LP 2. They both made some bold statements, and it gave me permission to go back in that direction. I wanted to play with vocal patterns and tell longer stories in some places, while saying very little in others. The record has its own DNA because each song respectively does as well.” In February 2014, with this mindset, the guys entered Groovemaster Studios with Grammy Award-nominated producer Johnny K [Disturbed, Staind, Megadeth] and engineer Daniel Salcidoto. It marked their second collaboration together, and this time, the band had already amassed an arsenal of tight and tough material. Robb goes on, “Johnny is like the sixth member of our band at this point! He works us, and he pulls no punches. It was such a natural thing that we only needed to track for three weeks. Johnny understands the band and what we are, and he encourages us to be ourselves.” Not only does The Return match the pristine sonic power of Nonpoint, but the songs stand out as some of their catchiest and most crushing output to date. The first single “Breaking Skin” pierces with sharp and slick guitars before catapulting into a catchy chorus, punctuated by the vocalist’s punchy delivery. “It’s about addiction, whether it be food, drugs, sex, lying, or anything,” explains Elias. “That tends to turn into an itch. You can’t stop scratching it so you break skin. Then, you’re bleeding. You need to get help at that point and deal with it.” Robb adds, “’Breaking Skin’ is a different kind of song for us. There’s a lot of melody, but it’s still so heavy. That heaviness has always been in the back of our minds. It’s a natural direction for us. Most bands soften their sound as they go on. We get more aggressive and heavy. That’s what Nonpoint does best.” Meanwhile, the record opens up with the taut thrashing of “Pins and Needles,” which Elias describes as “That moment where you say something very candid to an opposing party, and you know you’re going to get a reaction. You only want to retaliate, waiting to pounce.” “Razors” cuts deep with a bludgeoning and brutal stomp, and the title track captures a strong and rather crucial message for the singer. He continues, “When you look back in your past, you always will find people who didn’t believe in what you were doing at the beginning. They end up coming around full circle later. Watching them come back is an interesting feeling. You can be a dick about it, or you can just be happy and live your life. That song is about opening the door and holding the proverbial slice of crow for them to eat high above your head.” A vital energy has coursed through Nonpoint’s music since day one. As a result, they’ve sold over 800,000 albums in North America alone, yielding hits including “What A Day”, “Bullet With A Name”, and a cover of Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”—which appeared in Miami Vice. They’ve also crisscrossed the country with everybody from Stone Sour, Disturbed, and Papa Roach to Sevendust, All That Remains, and Device, also appearing at festivals including OZZfest, Rock on the Range, and Summerfest. Ultimately, Nonpoint once again delivers a cohesive collection of powerful songs. “I want everybody to feel like they got a complete record from beginning to end,” concludes Elias. “I want them to walk away with something substantial and true that they can hopefully come back to.” Robb leaves off, “Nonpoint has always been known for writing songs that help people. If we can help even one person feel better about his or her day, we’ve done well, as far as I’m concerned. I hope everybody gets something positive and can walk away with a smile.” Then they’ll return for more…

<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank" rel="nofollow">Spineshank</a> is an American industrial rock, nu metal band. Began in February of 1996, rising from the ashes of a previous band, Basic Enigma (which included future Spineshank members Jonny Santos on vocals, Mike Sarkisyan on guitars, and Tom Decker on drums). Basic Enigma broke up upon hearing Demanufacture, the 1995 release by electro-metallists <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Fear+Factory" rel="nofollow">Fear Factory</a>, but soon reformed with a different sound and moniker, and a new bassist (Robert Garcia). The band soon befriended Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares, who upon hearing their demo, offered the new band to open a show for F.F. at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Los Angeles. This led to other coveted opening slots (with such popular acts as <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Coal+Chamber" rel="nofollow">Coal Chamber</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Snot" rel="nofollow">Snot</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Soulfly" rel="nofollow">Soulfly</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Sepultura" rel="nofollow">Sepultura</a> and <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Danzig" rel="nofollow">Danzig</a>, among others), and label interest, with Roadrunner eventually signing the band. Their debut, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/Strictly+Diesel" rel="nofollow">Strictly Diesel</a>, was released in September of 1998, and featured yet another tie-in with their favorite band, Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell sings on the track <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/_/Stain" rel="nofollow">Stain</a>. <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/The+Height+of+Callousness" rel="nofollow">The Height of Callousness</a> followed two years later. Two singles were released off of this album (as well as became available in video form); <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/_/Synthetic" rel="nofollow">Synthetic</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/_/New+Disease" rel="nofollow">New Disease</a>. The band would hold a second stage slot on Ozzfest 2001 for the majority of that summer as well as touring with the likes of <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Disturbed" rel="nofollow">Disturbed</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/+noredirect/%28hed%29+p.e." rel="nofollow">(hed) p.e.</a>, <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Orgy" rel="nofollow">Orgy</a>&amp; <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Mudvayne" rel="nofollow">Mudvayne</a>. 2003 saw the release of the much anticipated <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/Self+Destructive+Pattern" rel="nofollow">Self Destructive Pattern</a>, as well as the single <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/_/Smothered" rel="nofollow">Smothered</a>. After the departure of Jonny Santos, the remaining members searched for a new vocalist and stated earlier in 2005 they have been working with a new vocalist. No name was given and no other news has been reported since then. Jonny Santos has since re-emerged in a new band dubbed <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Silent+Civilian" rel="nofollow">Silent Civilian</a>. After a very long wait, Spineshank updated their official website (11/7/2005) with news that the band had found a new vocalist in Brandon Espinoza and that they had been working together for a month and had recorded 5 songs during this time. The band goes on to say that their new music is: "still heavy and dynamic with melody, but its a little darker and more raw. Our sound is a little different from what a lot of bands are doing these days and we wont be jumping on any bandwagons to fit in, we're just writing what feels right to us. So far there are no loops or electronics, and no plan to use them any time soon." It also went on to say that the future of the band was very much in doubt, unless they found the ideal replacement for Jonny Santos. Almost 3 years later, on September 18, 2008, the band issued a press release from their <a href="http://www.myspace.com/spineshank" rel="nofollow">myspace</a> page, stating that the issues that led to the break up have been put behind them and they are working together better than they have before. The band has completed 5 songs since reuniting and plan to write 15 more before recording their new album. One of the new songs, "<a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank/_/Born+Conform+Repent" rel="nofollow">Born Conform Repent</a>" can be heard at the band's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/spineshank" rel="nofollow">myspace</a> page. <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Spineshank" rel="nofollow">Listen at Last.fm</a>

Originally based in Huntington Beach, CA, (Hed) p.e. was founded in 1994 by frontman Jahred, whose goal was to fuse the region's long-standing punk rock heritage with G-funk-inflected hip-hop. He was shortly joined by bassist Mark who has remained alongside the band until present day. The line up is currently rounded out by guitarist Jaxon and drummer Trauma. <br><br> (Hed)p.e was snatched up by Jive Records early in its career, but it wasn't until the year 2000 when they released the album "broke" that they received mainstream success. It was this album that solidified them as a mainstay in the rock and metal community. <br><br> (Hed)p.e. released its third album "Blackout" in 2003 which continues to be their most successful album to date. The group is infamous for changing the image and style of the band and music from release to release. Infusing moments of punk, metal, rap, reggae, and rock into their very eclectic yet precise sound. <br><br> Many have asked what the name (Hed) p.e. means and stands for. According to vocalist Jahred, "The name (Hed) p.e. is a name I came up with which basically means our consciousness is connected to the planet and the planet is evolving, therefore, we as her children, evolve with her. The "p.e." originally was defined as PLANETARY EVOLUTION, and sometimes morphs to PLANET EARTH and back, but both carry the same message, the (Hed) is the symbol for consciousness. WE ARE ON THE MOTHERSHIP!" <br><br> Despite many bands and peers from their genre, (Hed)p.e. has never taken a break from releasing albums and touring, which has enabled them to survive and meet with very strong independent success over the years. As a member that has been with the band from inception, bassist Mark attributes this to a passion for music and for playing in (Hed)p.e. for over 2 decades. "I moved from NewCastle England to pursue music in the United States and have never looked back." says Mark. "Our goal is to be a band that can connect with fans for decades to come, much like bands like the Rolling Stones have been able to do for over four generations of music." <br><br> Staying true to the (Hed)p.e. standard of change and growth both personally and musically, the new album "Evolution" takes the band back to their metal and underground roots they grew up on as kids. With tracks like "One More Body" and "No Tomorrow" holding down the metal and aggressive front, to the Led Zeppelin infused track "2 Many Games", this album delivers every style imaginable and even rounds the album out with three reggae inspired/infused album closers. <br><br> In a time when so many bands are playing it safe and going through the motions, whether it be out of fear of failure or lack of new ideas, (Hed)p.e. embraces change and "Evolves" with their greatest work to date. <br><br> (Hed)p.e. "Evolution" - coming worldwide July 22, 2014 on Pavement Entertainment