| Bios | Sound | Disco | Main |
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Henry Font - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Val Ium - bass guitar, backing vocals Burton Gans - lead guitar, backing vocals Jeff McManus - drums and percussion |
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From the very beginning, Brooklyn's Piston have sought to
challenge themselves and through constant composing and
relentless touring, the quartet have skillfully crafted an unstoppable
machine that quivers at nothing. Emotion dwells at the core of this
determined band and for the many who have already come in
contact, the pleasure is grand. Now things are about to get better.
With a monstrous sound that caters to the down-and-outer, Piston
delivers high tension music for a low-thought world. On 'NUMBER
ONE,' the band delivers one hell of a sonic punch, one that sways
from extreme power to beautiful melody. Spanning numerous styles
and tempos, it presents a seasoned outfit that has benefited from
years of experimentation.
Recorded at Systems Two Studios in Brooklyn, 'NUMBER ONE'
was produced by long-time friend and supporter Josh Silver (Type
O Negative). Through their comfortable working relationship, they
have created a solid debut that finds a niche all its own. From the
agility of album opener 'Parole,' and passions of 'Turbulent' and
'Grey Flap,' to the desperation of 'I Am No One,' and 'I'm Afraid Of
Life,' 'NUMBER ONE' contains material that far exceeds what one
expects from a debut recording. Songs are articulated by the
band's intense rhythm section and Fonts' harsh vocals and
darkened lyrics.
'I tend to write songs in a couple of hours, therefore it's a quick
thought process,' says Henry, the band's main songwriter. 'My
songs are literally in real time resulting in much more emotion in the
closing 30 seconds. Our album lasts 45 minutes; about the time of
your average shrink session.'
A work-in-progress for nearly five years, Piston have spent much of
their days crafting a solid musical foundation. With more than a
dozen demos recorded, most for their own benefit, the band have
been working at a manic pace. The band has but one commercially
available recording, a solo contribution to Metal Massacre 12.
Touring has been an important vehicle for the band. In as little as a
year, the band have performed over 200 shows, reaching most of
the northeast and midwest. The show, packed with high energy and
emotion, leaves new audiences impressed.
'Some people feed off of their fears; others feed off their happiness.
I have taken all of my emotions and I've turned them into full-fledged
anger,' says Val Ium. 'Anger propels everything I've done in my
lifetime. As misunderstood as I feel, once in awhile a few people
identify with what I'm doing on stage and that makes it all
worthwhile.'
While it has been a long time coming, Piston are far from reaching
their goal. The next 12 months will include more hard work. They will
utilize their entire being to become the best they can. All you need
to do is watch and listen.