Artist description Intense, Rhythmic, Emotive Dark Rock, ranging from melancholy pop though to full throttle Heavy rock.

Music Style Gothic Rock

Artist History Originally formed by Josh Wood in 1991, the line-up stabilized in ' 93 with the addition of Drummer Royce Neale & Bassist Andrew Robb. As a trio, The Altar have released 3 E.P's: "Blind", "Souls @ Zero", & "Under Godhead", all engineered by Dene(Crawlspace) Young. Young joined full-time on guitar in early '99.The Altar are currently in the studio.

Group Members Josh Wood(Voice/Guitar), Dene Young (Guitar), Andrew Robb (Bass), Royce Neale (Drums).

Albums Blind (E.P -'95), Souls @ Zero (E.P -'95), Under Godhead (E.P -'96), The Nicotine Heart ('99).

Press Reviews "...My main recommendations go to the Rotorua bands Echojar, & The Altar..." Tearaway February '98 - Review of "Noisyland 2" compilation "...The good stuff here is Lung, Clear, & Rotorua's The Altar..." Rip It Up March '98 - Review of "Noisyland 2" compilation "...It was great to finally hear The Altar live after endless reruns of their twin demo tapes, 'cos I knew they'd have more great songs in 'em..." "...their songs are uplifting, alive & interlaced with complex rhythms & sharp end guitar...The Altar pulled off an excellent set of dark grooves..." Rukkus! 7 April '96 - Live Review "...It's a tape of catchy, thoughtful tunes, which if I can get away with saying it, sounds a little like The Cult in places. And yes, for the record that was a compliment..." "...There are a few much bigger bands currently waving the rock flag like it was their own design, but it sounds like Rotorua could teach them a lesson or two..." HM Australia Demolition December '95 - Review of "Blind" "...Which show the band to be extremely talented at creating 90's styled guitar rock with their own distinct character on display..." Rukkus! Demology October '95 - Review of "Blind" "...Of the four tracks on the tape, all demonstrate good song-writing & accomplished musicianship..." HM NZ Scene October '95 - Review of "Blind" "Tightly wound riffs twist through a dark, greasy tailpipe, echoing late Metallica minus their glam aspirations. The sorrowful vocals carry just enough despair to pull their propulsive guitar sounds into Gothic territory." - Listen.com

Location Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty - New Zealand

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