Artist description unique, ball busting, melodic thrash metal from queens, new york. this 5 piece outfit is like nothing you've ever heard.

Music Style melodic thrash metal

Musical Influences pantera, slayer, metallica, black sabbath, testament, shadows fall, corrosion of conformity, megedeth, dream theater, mercyful fate, god forbid, fear factory, dying fetus, meshuggah, lamb of god, entombed, canderia, life of agony, chimaira, killswitch engage

Similar Artists slayer, pantera, metallica, shadows fall, megadeth, killswitch engage

Artist History In the spring of 2002, a vocalist named James Annucci had a posting on a web site looking to join a band. Steve sent James an e-mail detailing what the band was all about and what they were looking for in a vocalist. James flew back home to New York, from Boston, and met with Mike (guitar), Steve (bass) and Carl (ex-guitar) to have the audition. When they played some of the original material, James performed many good ideas. Performing covers from bands that they listen to not only showed his interest in their music styles, but his ability to perform as well. It was instantly felt by everyone that James was the guy. With James now in the band, they were still searching for a drummer. Another concern that arose was the location of the current rehearsal studio. It was way too small and, looking towards the future, it was in the best interest of the band that a larger rehearsal space be found. After finding a suitable room (upstairs from their current studio at the time), they soon realized it was adequate enough not only just to be a practice space, but a recording studio, and a headquarters for all band activity. In May of 2002 the band moved in and construction began to build a control-room. Later that month, weeding out replies for the drummer's spot, it came down to a select few people and an audition schedule was set up. Several people who were supposed to audition failed to show or backed out prior to the audition except for Jay Sanders. Continuing with the bad luck that always follows this band, Jay had called Steve the night before the audition to inform him that he will not be able to play the next day due to a wrist injury, but he would still be able to come down and meet the band. The next day Jay came down and hung out with the guys they spoke about musical directions and played Jay some of the original material, which he was going to be performing to. Not only did he have similar interests, but everybody got to know each other very well in such a short time. The following Saturday, complete with drums and a healthy wrist, they held the audition. Jay showed much potential and heart, as well as great work ethic, and was asked to join the group. In June of 2002, the band was not only complete but so was the new studio. With college done for the summer, the band rehearsed at every chance they could to complete their goal of finishing several original ideas and to perform shows before the end of the summer. Unfortunately no shows were played, but the band wasn't discouraged, and felt that it would be better to wait until the material was strong enough to present in a live situation before showcasing it in front of an audience. At the end of the summer it came time for James to part ways with the band to continue college in Boston. During his time away, the band started working towards putting together a four-song promo CD and to build press kits not only to submit to labels but also to pass around and build up a local fan-base. In late November of 2002, creative and personal differences reared its ugly head yet again which led to the parting of Carl Weyant from the group. Though this was looked at as a major setback in a string of unfortunate luck that followed the band relentlessly, they pressed on. The following months were a true test of the bands resilience. In early 2003, John Levasseur (a seasoned live engineer) was brought in as the bands producer. He would serve as an integral part of the band not only as an inspiration, but as a motivational tool. The band started working harder than they ever had, writing over 30 songs in one month, as per John's instructions. Mike was covering both lead and rhythm guitar responsibilities while the search for a second guitarist continued. The band would write and record the music where upon it was sent to James up in Boston so he could follow along with the band. This continued up until early May. With another school year down, James ultimately decided to move back to New York so he could work with the band all year round. Preliminary recording of the band's EP had begun as well, with John behind the mixing board. James was on second guitar for the time being while the band rehearsed to strengthen their material. At this point, Mike decided that since he was a strong rhythm player, he would continue as the rhythm guitarist and the band would now be searching for a lead player instead of rhythm. Around this time, a group of guys from the bands Flaw Factor and Straight Shot moved into a studio downstairs and became fast friends with the guys from HOH. Suddenly, there was a lot of tension brewing. The two bands would jam together on a regular basis, and Jay soon felt pressured to perform as well as Flaw Factor's drummer, Mike Kaabe had been performing while jamming with the guys. James, Mike, and Steve, now starting to realize that jay was struggling with the material, finally came to one of the hardest decisions they had come to as a group; Jay Sanders had to be let go. After a year with band, Jays potential just hadn't been developing at the rate the band needed it to be developed in order to move forward and progress as planned. In late July, Jay was notified of the decision, and was let go from the band. With jay out and a lead guitarist still needed, the guys turned to their friends downstairs, drummer Mike Kaabe, and lead guitarist Bryan Goldman (of straight shot) to fill the positions. Ironically, Bryan was one of the first people asked to play guitar for HOH about 3 years prior, but he was still in high school and couldn't fully commit at the time. It was a lot to ask, seeing as how they had been in their bands with their best friends for over 2 years, but this was an offer they simply could not refuse. After much deliberation, and with the blessing of their now former bandmates, Mike and Bryan joined Hold on Humanity. The band is now stronger than it has ever been and is finally at a point where they can say many great things will be happening very, very soon. After 2 years of many ups and even more downs, Hold on Humanity is ready to unleash their unique brand of metal on the masses (unless some more bad luck happens to get in their way, but even that can't stop them now).

Group Members James Annucci-Lead Vocals, Steve Lagudi-Bass, Mike Iadarola-Rhythm Guitar, Bryan G-Lead Guitar, Mike Kaabe-Drums

Instruments Gibson, PRS, Schecter, Ibanez, Washburn guitars, Mesa Engineering guitar amps and cabs, Line 6 amplification, Alembic basses, Ampeg bass amps and cabs, MRP Custom drums, Paiste cymbals, Tama Iron Cobra pedals, Vic Firth sticks, Shure microphones

Albums Posession E.P., Warning Shot E.P.

Additional Info Stay tuned for Hold on Humanity's debut full-length cd, "Without Warning."

Location Whitestone, New York - USA

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