PENANCE BIO

          Although PENANCE may appear to be a new name to some people,
others will recognize the considerable history that actually lies behind the
band.  Tracing their lineage back to 1985, you will learn that guitarist
Terry Weston and drummer Mike Smail were the creative force behind the
seminal doom metal band Dream Death.  Along with guitarist/vocalist Brian
Goodbread (aka Brian Lawrence) and bassist Ted Williams the band released
several demos in the underground before releasing the cult classic LP
"Journey Into Mystery" through New Renaissance Records in 1987.  The band
built themselves a very strong base of support, most notably throughout
Europe.  With this strong fan base the future was starting to look very good
for Dream Death.  They played support to many major metal acts and were all
but set to record their second album when a series of disputes developed
between themselves and the poorly run, financially plagued New Renaissance
label.  Frustrated and disillusioned the band folded.

        Following the split of Dream Death in 1989, Weston, Smail and
bassist Rich Freund formed PENANCE out of a love for the music, which they
had a strong desire to keep alive.  The band released their debut demo
"Living Truth" in 1990.  Positive word about the demo quickly spread
throughout the underground and led to the inclusion of two tracks,
"Contemplation" and "Penance", on the now classic "Dark Passages"
compilation LP.  Around this time former Dream Death vocalist Brian
Goodbread rejoined his former bandmates as vocalist/guitarist.
        
        In July of 1991 drummer Mike Smail was asked to guest on Cathedral's
"Forest Of Equilibrium" LP.  During his visit to the UK, he also had the
opportunity to negotiate a deal with Rise Above Records.  In September of
1992 PENANCE released their debut LP "The Road Less Traveled" which received
positive critical response while the band supported it by touring with
Cathedral and Sleep throughout Europe.  Unfortunately right before the band
was due to embark on their European trek Brian quit the band.  Taking a
chance the band enlisted Lee Dorrian's roommate Lee Smith, voice unheard
until tour rehearsals began, to fill in.  Lee not only capably filled in he
was exactly what PENANCE wanted and needed from a vocalist. 
        
        The band's growing notoriety caught the attention of Century Media
Records who signed the band in 1993.  This led to the 1994 release of the
band's second LP  "Parallel Corners".  Hailed by magazines such as
LiveWire, Metal Maniacs, Kerrang, Terrorizer, and the Pit as well as fans
and fanzines worldwide "Parallel Corners" was PENANCE's finest work to date.
In fact this LP has been named one of the Top 5 Best Post-Sabbath Doom
Albums in The Collector's Guide To Heavy Metal !  In the continuing saga of
musical band members bassist Frank Miller had replaced Rich Freund on bass
for the recording of "Parallel Corners".
        
        As PENANCE began gearing up for the follow-up to "Parallel Corners"
a dark cloud descended over the band.  Due to a multitude of bad luck, first
and foremost being immigration problems with English lead vocalist Lee
Smith, that next LP never saw the light of day.  During this tumultuous time
period bassist Frank Miller also split from the band.  Undaunted by all that
had transpired since 1995 founders Terry Weston and Mike Smail pressed on
continuing to write.
        
        
         Local advertising in the Pittsburgh area led to the band
meeting Brian "Butch" Balich who is the current PENANCE vocalist.  With a
renewed sense of determination and an added twist to the songwriting team
PENANCE began plans for the next phase of their career, the idea being to
take this band to the next level. It was after this coming together that the
"Bridges To Burn" demo was written and recorded. Once again Brian L.
Goodbread came aboard, albeit on a temporary basis, to play the bass tracks
on the recording while the band searched for a permanent bassist. In August
of 1998 that person was found.  His name is Ron Leard.  His playing ,
writing, and singing talents will now complete the line-up that PENANCE
plans to take to the next phase of their career .

        Today the band is stronger than ever and continues to write a
multitude of new material, some of the best the band has ever written.
Penance is currently searching for the right label to get their music out to
the fans of heavy music worldwide.

        Copies of "Bridges To Burn" can be acquired through the band for $5
by writing:
                  (all checks and money orders should be made payable to :
Brian Balich)
PENANCE
423 Vernon Street
New Kensington, PA  15068
USA

        More info about PENANCE can be obtained by writing the above address
or by e-mailing the band at the address below