Artist description Gripped is a five-piece metal band based out of Colorado Springs, Colo. Although in today's musical climate many bands fear the "new metal" label, Gripped firmly embraces the modern approach to heavy music.

Music Style Gripped combines pounding low-end rhythms with creative guitar work and versatile vocals, Gripped creates music that is heavy, melodic and original.

Artist History Formed in October of 2001, Gripped consists of vocalist Chris Forsythe, guitarists Matt Mengel and Mike Angel, bassist Tim Steffens and drummer Anthony "A-Dub" Welch. The band has accomplished more in its brief history than most bands do in years. In the winter of 2001, Gripped released the EP "The Noizelab Sessions." The four-song demo received radio play around the globe, including Australia's Metal Chamber 107.5, which received 28 requests in just two days. Upon release of "The Noizelab Sessions," Gripped immediately entered Crooked House Studios in Colorado Springs to begin work on the debut album, "Rebirth." Recorded from February 2002 to June 2002, the album features nine songs of skillfully crafted heaviness. Gripped's first full-length album was released July 26. Gripped has shared the stage with Prong, Flaw, Coal Chamber and Sevendust. Recently Gripped secured a management deal with John Means Management, who has worked with the such notable acts as Reverend Horton Heat and Nashville Pussy. Having established a solid reputation as a top draw in the Colorado scene, a west coast showcasing tour is currently being booked for late summer, as well as continued live shows across the front range.

Group Members Chris Forsythe (vocals), Matt Mengel (guitar), Tim Steffens (bass), Mike Angel (guitar), and Anthony Welch (drums).

Instruments Ibanez guitars, Tobias basses, Premier drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads

Albums Rebirth

Press Reviews "Gripped has taken some heat among local metalheads for "selling out," because these guys' former bands had a heavier sound. That's idiotic. Musicians are free to pursue whatever sounds infect their brains, and Gripped is definitely onto something with a blend of melody and metal. The low-end rhythms are solid, I like the one-two combination of Forsythe's singing and Welch's deep growls, and a catchy chorus never hurts. Still, this band can produce a better collection of songs than "Rebirth" ("Break You," for example, sounds thrown together), and I think they will." - Bill Reed, Colorado Springs Gazette, GO! section July 26, 2002

Additional Info First full-length release, available at Borders Books & Music and Independent Records

Location Colorado Springs, Colorado - USA

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