Artist description More than a simple song lyric, the above phrase captures the philosophy of CHARACTER. Strong, original lyrics combined with compelling melodies make this Cincinnati-based quartet a welcome change to today's bands.Defining categorization is difficult, but CHARACTER's drive gives the music a melodic and aggressive sound that could be compared to Queensryche, Dream Theater, Stryper, Dokken, or T.N.T. The high quality of musicianship makes CHARACTER a favorite for real music fans. CHARACTER was originally formed several years ago by Chris Dunnett and a drummer friend of his Jim Russell

Music Style Melodic Progressive Hard Rock

Musical Influences Triumph, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Stryper

Similar Artists Triumph, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Stryper, TNT, Dream Theater, Lillian Axe,Royal Hunt, Yngwie,

Artist History The band recorded a 5-song demo tape titled "Running For Success" which quickly gained some record label interest. The other members of CHARACTER, however, wanted to pursue other ventures. CHARACTER disbanded and Chris Dunnett joined The Seventh Seal. Although The Seventh Seal is still active and working on new material, Chris felt the time was right for CHARACTER to reappear when he met drummer and co-founding member, Brian Hurst. Together they hooked up with bassist, Curt Hanks and vocalist, Lee Foster. Based on Chris' friendship with Lillian Axe guitarist, Stevie Blaze, and Stevie's love for Chris' previous work, he gladly helped CHARACTER in the studio with the recording of their debut self-titled EP. Stevie co-produced the song "I Am Willing To Do", which quickly became a favorite of Mad Max Hammer's show on the national Z-Rock Network. He loved the song so much it was featured as his "Most Maximum Song Of The Week." Stevie also lent his vocal talents to the back-ups on that song. CHARACTER's second release "Checkmate", which is a 6-song EP, features a song that was written by Stevie Blaze for Lillian Axe which was never on an album titled "Last Goodbye." ** This release welcomes new bassist, Derrik Hughes and vocalist, Dan Ahrman. Dan also lends his writing talents to Chris' and Brian's. Shortly before the release of "Checkmate", Lee and the band decided to mutually part ways. Shortly thereafter, Curt moved to Florida. CHARACTER is currently busy writing new material and gaining a following overseas--mainly in England, Germany, and Japan. In addition, Chris is always busy with numerous projects, including writing some guitar method books and working on his recording studio, The Dojo.

Group Members Chris Dunnett -- Guitar and vocals, Lee Foster -- Vocals, Brian Hurst -- Drums and vocals, Derrick Hughes -- Bass and vocals

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums, and Vocals...some Keyboards

Albums Checkmate & Running For Success

Press Reviews "From the opening tunes of "The Best Is Yet To Come" I was impressed, and I cursed myself for not giving a chance to the band earlier. The memorable choruses complete this excellent work. A melodic metal/hard rock masterpiece. This is recommended for every metal fan"...Singing Swords magazine...Greece."What is so terrific about CHARACTER? The simple answer is: just everything! - CHARACTER understand how to showcase their talents in style in great compositions"...Underground Empire magazine...Germany."Rarely have I listened more often to a demo. Thus I can claim with good conscience that tracks such as the hard 'Nowhere To Be Found' and the unbelievabally good opener 'The Best Is Yet To Come' take off as well as the ballads called 'I Am Willing to Do' or 'When You're Away'. Moreover, the tracks are laid down with technical perfection"...Dying Illusion magazine...Germany."This band has a real pro in it's ranks and they present a piece of flawless technical production"...Heavy magazine...Germany."Really great music from great musicians"...Concrete Records... Germany."This group plays first-class melodic metal. All tracks demonstrate top level musicianship. If the future doesn't belong to this band than I don't understand the world any more"...Andi...That's It magazine...Germany"Excellent melodic metal with catchy choruses and memorable hook lines"...Undertow magazine...Belgium."One of the best new US melodic metal bands. Virtuosity and brilliant songwriting. A band that delivers all the potential that a great band must have. You won't believe your ears!"...Experience The Power magazine...Greece."All in all this is a really great band. You need to give them a listen...Laura Martin...Future World Of Rock magazine...U.S."The guitar is very incredible, the vocalist has an amazing voice"...Tylene Fong...Band Crazy magazine...U.S."Polished and professional are just two of the many adjectives that came to mind when I listened to CHARACTER. The songs are extremely well written, great lyrics, fantastic music, and some beautiful guitar work and excellent vocals. What more could you ask for?"...Miki...Noise! letter/Wyrd magazine...U.S."Vocals are clear and strong supported by thoughtful guitar arrangements, thumping bass lines and a hard-driving drummer. CHARACTER is a must for every hard rock fan's collection"...Stars Of Tomorrow magazine...U.S."Dude...you guys rock!!!"...drunk guy in bar...U.S.

Location Cincinnati, Ohio - USA

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