The Band

It was late summer 1999, when Tom Adams was introduced to Brian Wakefield by a mutual friend. The meeting took place at a video game retailer where Brian was managing, and the seed was planted that spawned Mindshaft. They discussed musical influences, likes and dislikes, and other not-so-relevant stuff. Tom went away from the meeting with an idea. He had heard from the mutual friend that Brian was a drummer (albeit one who hadn't played in years) and wanted to put together a jam session with himself, his two buds James Flanigan and Eric Jaros, and Brian

Now, Tom had never heard Brian play. On top of that, he knew Brian hadn't played in years. So he risked his reputation when he told James and Eric that Brian was awesome. He said that because he felt if he didn't, they might not be interested. Eric was already in a band called Stalemate anyway. So what would be the point? Luckily, Tom used his persuasiveness to set up a session. It was set for a sunny Saturday at 3:30.

That Saturday ended up being a bust, as Tom forgot to ask off work. A discouraged Brian (who had been through this before with other bands) nearly gave up the idea.

All decided to meet again the following Saturday, and this time all were present. Instantly, mean riffs and hefty rhythms began pouring out from the small garage in Lemay where the session was held. Mindshaft's roots were growing. Now they needed a bass player.

A friend of Brian's, who oddly enough happened to be named Bass, was tried out several weeks later and was given the job. By this time, structure had been written for two songs which later became My Life and Chamber. The addition of Bass gave the band the needed lift. Crush was written and the other two songs were completed, and the band decided to record a demo.

Jupiter Studios was the place of choice, under the direction of producer Jim Calahan. The recording was to be done in November, and the time ticked away slowly leading up to the recording date. It was then that Eric knew the potential this band had, and left Stalemate. (Stalemate only reeled for a short time; they are still a largely successful band.)

One week before the recording, Mindshaft hit its first obstacle. Creative differences had led to some questions about Bass. He had been invaluable in the writing of the three songs, but stylistic conflicts had emerged that raised a few doubts. At that time, Brad Brinkley had emerged as a candidate for a replacement, and it was decided to give him a closed tryout. The tryout did not go well, but Brad vowed that if the band gave him two days, he would make the cut. His wish was granted, and two days later Brad walked into the practice studio (the band had been kicked out of the old garage) with cracked and bleeding fingers. There was no doubt this guy would be dedicated, but could he play the way the band needed? After a second tryout, it was decided that he could.

Breaking the news to Bass was so difficult for all involved; so much so that Tom actually became physically sick. It was definitely a lower point in Mindshaft's history.

Three days prior to the recording, a song emerged in practice. Disbarred was the name, which actually means "to ban from legal practice," but nobody cared because it just sounded so cool. So now "disbarred" has a new meaning in this, our modern world. Anyone who desires to know this new meaning should just listen to the song.

The demo was received by the public in overwhelming fashion. It was raw, hardcore metal at its finest. The sound was aggressive, throwdown type stuff and it began to catch on quickly.

Nick Adams had been around the band the entire time, and had been playing with some samples and turntable effects at practices. But his age (14) was considered a detriment by some of the members. Then Nick began throwing in some impressive effects that changed those members' minds. It was collectively decided that he should become a permanent member just before the first show, which was scheduled for the Sidedoor December 2.

So at that point, everything was in place. The stage was set. The band made a pact that no one was allowed to quit, get dismembered , or die. Everyone felt (and still feels) that Mindshaft is the perfect mix of talent and dedication that should carry the band a long way.

The Sidedoor was packed December 2, 1999. The nerves were there for most of the members, but disappeared on the first stroke of Chamber, which will long be remembered as the first song Mindshaft ever played at a show. The feedback was amazing. The crowd had a ton of energy - people moshed (especially during Crush), they screamed, they flailed about senselessly. Then they bought demos and asked the band members to autograph them after the show.

The bookings started coming in. The pace was alarming. In the first two months of shows, Mindshaft has played Sidedoor, Karma, Creepy Crawl, Pops, Galaxy, and Hi-Pointe.

Presently, Mindshaft is accepting bookings often and the word is spreading quickly. The demo is circulating well and feedback is positive to say the least.

Studio time is planned beginning in March to start work on Mindshaft's first album. It should hit select stores by the end of 2000, and promises to raise the bar for hardcore metal.

Mindshaft's music is aggressive, edgy, and modern. Maybe even slightly ahead of modern. It attacks the senses and often causes violent spasms in showgoers and casual listeners alike. It's lyrics are heartfelt, angry expressions that relate to modern times and modern people.

The talent level is very high. The dedication of the members is unmatched. Mindshaft is here to stay.