Artist description KRANK-NINE’s sound is driven by a fat and punchy wall of guitar with leads that alternately sing with pleasure or scream in pain. Lead guitarist, Dave Seymour has been playing for seventeen years, with influences ranging from old school metal, rock, and blues masters, to the latest sonic pioneers. Among his favorites are Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Leslie West, Randy Rhodes and Vernon Reid. Fueling their groove is the monster drumming of Jason Hartless, his style similar to a double bass John Bonham or Keith Moon. A wide variety of influences can be heard in Jason’s drumming, all the way from jazz to heavy metal. Lead singer, Donny Smith has played in numerous Detroit bands, including projects with members of Sponge. His voice is deep and strong, influenced by Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Alice In Chains’ Layne Stayley with a unique growl all his own.Krank Nine's songs deal with the harsh realities of modern life, relastionships, and the twisted thoughts inside ones' own head.

Music Style Heavy Metal

Musical Influences Rob Halford, Zakk Wylde, Keith Moon, Steve Vai, Layne Stayley

Similar Artists Pantera, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Godsmack

Artist History Formed in 1998, KRANK-NINE is a Detroit rock band down to the bone. Arising from the ashes of several popular Detroit rock bands, each member of KRANK-NINE is a veteran of the tough Motor City rock scene, playing countless gigs and honing their musical chops.KRANK-NINE began with the nucleus of bassist Michael Norkiewicz, rhythm guitar player Tim Heacox, and lead vocalist Donny Smith. Lead guitar player Dave Seymour, was warmly welcomed in November fitting right into the band. Dave’s resume includes an appearance on Kid Rock’s “Fire it Up” EP supplying leads on his remake of “A Country Boy Can Survive”. Michael and Dave had known each other for several years having played together in a popular cover-rock band touring the Midwest cover circuit. Drummer, Jason Hartless was added the following spring bringing with him a powerful groove. Jason and Donny had played together several years earlier in a popular Detroit metal band called “Children Of The Revolution”. His career includes jamming with the likes of Ace Frehley and Ritchie Scarlett.

Group Members Don Smith-VocalsDave Seymour-Lead GuitarTim Heacox-GuitarMichael Norkiewicz-BassJason Hartless-Drums

Instruments Dual Guitars, Bass, Drums, Vocals

Albums self-titled

Press Reviews earBuzz Review: Just because there's no more Headbanger's Ball or Hard 60 on MTV, doesn't mean that heavy metal is dead. It's alive and well and Krank Nine is here to prove it. Starting off with the machine gun guitar riffs of "Societies Hate", to the Iron Maiden/Judas Priest style "Thrill of it All", their self titled CD is classic heavy metal from beginning to end. It comes complete with loud guitars, kick-ass bass, heavy drums, and screechin' vocals. Check out their MP3, "Walk Alone" here and see for yourself. Dave Seymour's lead guitar work is intense and well played, while the rhythm section, made up by bassist, Michael Norkiewicz, drummer, Jason Hartless, and guitarist, Tim Heacox, provide the solid steel foundation for the band. Vocalist, Donny Smith gives us hints of Rob Halford while providing a unique style that blends with the band's sound perfectly. -t.v.

Location Detroit, MI - USA

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