Artist description Formed in early 2001, Animus has achieved much since its inception. They hold the record for being the heaviest band to ever play a show at Chicago's prestigious Elbo Room. They stole the opening slot from among 10 national acts on indie MBR Records' compilation "On The Dark Side," released in January 2002. The band's first EP, "Violent Escape" has become a favorite at Rebel Radio, Chicago's metal radio station. Obviously, none of this could be achieved without good songs, and Animus has them to spare. With scare-tactic songwriting that draws on everything from old-school thrash to hardcore to flamenco music to death metal, Animus has been compared to such diverse acts as Slayer, the Misfits, Black Sabbath, Dead Kennedys, and so on. However, Animus clearly has a sound all their own. Guitarists Aryeh Goldsmith and Mark Sugar weave a complex web of psychedelic shredding and brutal power chords. The band's rhythm section is anchored by the tribal pounding of drummer Brian Hertel and the throbbing, detuned bass of Paul Czarnowski. Mark Sugar's vocals round out the band, with equal parts melodic hardcore and metal screaming. All these elements are in full force on their debut EP, "Violent Escape," available exclusively through the band's website, www.animus-metal.com. Judge for yourself.

Music Style Metal - throw in some punk, throw in some death, throw in some calypso...

Musical Influences Prong, Machine Head, Anthrax, Metallica, Helmet...

Group Members Mark Sugar - Guitars & Vocals Aryah Goldstein - Guitars Brian Hertel - Drums Paul Czarnowski - Bass

Albums Violent Escape

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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