Episode #01
1. Prize Country
Based in Portland, OR, Prize Country's music is reminiscent of early 90's Hardcore with definite punk influences. Members of Prize Country are currently Jacob Depolitte (guitar, vocals) and Aaron Blanchard (guitar, vocals). Prize Country recently ended a tour in April, completing 16 dates, making stops in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California. One stop included a show in Las Vegas. Their set consisted of songs off of their newest album, “With Love,” released in 2009, including the one featured on this show, “What We're Made Of.” Prize Country has several releases including splits with the Loom, Traindodge, Sirhan Sirhan, and Hostile Combover.
Other Projects: Before Prize Country, former drummer, Joshua Northcutt, played in the Clarity Process and The Empty. Aaron Blanchard's (guitar, vocals) former band was Shamelady. Jake Depolitte (guitar, vocals) also played with Salt Lake City based, Union of the Snake before moving to Portland, OR.
Other Projects: Before Prize Country, former drummer, Joshua Northcutt, played in the Clarity Process and The Empty. Aaron Blanchard's (guitar, vocals) former band was Shamelady. Jake Depolitte (guitar, vocals) also played with Salt Lake City based, Union of the Snake before moving to Portland, OR.
2. Sub*Vert
Sub*Vert is an alternative rock band with loads of metal influences from Boise, ID. Formed in the Spring of 2000, their catalog of releases include EP's, “Time to Wake,” and “When the Earth Screams.” The current members of Sub*Vert are Nick Perkins (vocals), Darcy Erickson (bass), Jay ngst (drums), Derek Yee (guitar), and Dave Zabel (guitar). Sub*Vert is currently writing new material. It was mentioned by band members during shows that, "Z for Zachariah," that track featured on this podcast (from the EP, "When the Earth Screams) is in reference to Zach Morris from "Saved by the Bell."
Other Projects: Former singer, Jeremy Cummings, is now in the band, Portrait of the Assassin.
Other Projects: Former singer, Jeremy Cummings, is now in the band, Portrait of the Assassin.
3. Descended From Rats
Descended From Rats is a grindcore/experimental duo from Hong Kong. This two-piece (members Adam and Pranjal) first began as an experimental project known as Agoraphobic Nosebleed before recording their debut, “Species Extinction.” The album contains seventeen songs of pure experimental thrash, including the track on this show, “Onset of Symptoms.” At the moment, new songs are being written and recorded for a possible future split release.
Other Projects: Singer/drummer, Pranjal, is also in Nanahara Shuya
Other Projects: Singer/drummer, Pranjal, is also in Nanahara Shuya
4. Sparkstarter
Sparkstarter is a 3-piece thrash/hardcore band from Orangevale, CA. The song, “Just to let you know, I smashed all your clocks and stole your lipstick,” comes from the EP, “With Love, Blood, and Screaming.” Members of Sparkstarter have also played with fellow local acts, Master Exploder, Sons of Thunder, and The Earth Shall Mourn.
Other Projects: All three members of Sparkstarter have played in Sons of Thunder and Master Exploder. Bass player, Tadd, was also a former member (bass) of The Earth Shall Mourn.
Other Projects: All three members of Sparkstarter have played in Sons of Thunder and Master Exploder. Bass player, Tadd, was also a former member (bass) of The Earth Shall Mourn.
5. Journal
With influences from Dillinger Escape Plan and Training for Utopia to 8-Bit Nintendo games, Sacramento, CA based Journal, just recently released going their first full-length record titled, “UNLORJA.” Released on June 12, the concept album features twelve tracks of fine progressive metal. This is almost seven years after founding members Joseph Van Houten (guitar) and Justin Tvetan (drums) formed the band in the summer of 2003. Member changes have occurred since Journal's formation, but the current lineup also includes Tony Juvinall (guitar) and Danny Paul (bass). Guest vocal performances on the new record include Jesse Alford (Embrace the End), Drew Winter (Fate), and Akoni Berman (The Human Equation). An instrumental version of the new release is also available. More information about the album can be found on their myspace The track featured on this show, “Conducting With Passion From the Grave,” is also available on the 2 disc tech metal compilation, “Mecha Organa 2009.” Another version of the song appears on the new album.