Aghora
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New Progressive Band Forges Original Sound
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Take a Berklee-trained guitarist, add an experienced, killer rhythm section, a classically trained mezzo-soprano who has also studied jazz vocals and a local death metal rhythm guitar player and you begin to understand the combination of forces behind Aghora, who've just released their self-titled CD. Guitarist Santiago Dobles anchors this five piece progressive group, which features a unique combination of ultra-heavy rhythms, gorgeous, ethereal female vocals, challenging song structures and, the icing on the cake, wickedly fast, impressively fluid guitar solos and riffage (powered by Dobles). The CD is loaded with high quality material; the opening track for example, "Immortal Bliss", features all of their sonic trademarks, gives a great first impression and sets the standard for the remainder of the recording. Even guitarist Ron Thal has stated, " I just can't describe it. It's from another place. Ya gotta hear it." Well said.
The concept of Aghora was first devised in 1995 by Santiago Dobles while attending the Berklee School of Music. However, iit was not until 1997, when Santiago and Andy moved to Miami and met up with the other members, vocalist Danishta Rivero (Santiago's sister), local death metal guitarist Charlie Ekendahl and drummer Sean Reinert, that the music started to come alive. Together they recorded two demos and began searching for an outlet for their music. Since then, Aghora has become well-known through the Internet in the progressive rock and metal scene. In 1999, the band began work on their debut album. Before the recording sessions started, there was a change of bass player and Sean Malone (who had worked with Reinert in two previous bands) was asked to join Aghora. His entrance into the band and unique playing was the last element in putting together the sound and energy desired by all the band members.
The members of the group are working to get as many distributors as possible for their CD, as well spreading the word about their music through interviews and reviews.
Contact Information
Dobles Productions, Inc.
P.O. Box 257
Chappaqua, NY 10514
United States
E-mail:
Aghora
Web site:
www.doblesproductions.com
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Tomi Tuomi
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Finnish Shredder Pours Out Emotion
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Tomi Tuomi, a guitar player from Kouvola, Finland, submitted a three-song demo CD-R, with wall-to-wall, full throttle shred, recorded in a metal or neo-classical context. Recorded in his home studio, Tuomi prefers to control all the instruments, so the tracks feature just himself on guitar, bass and keyboard/drum programming. The first track "Strength Within" is a neo-classical, harmony guitar maelstrom over a pounding double bass drum workout. "Darken" opens with some Rob Johnson-style, blindingly fast sweeps and Vinnie Moore-like pedal licks and tells a hauntingly chilling musical tale. Even thought the first two tracks are blisteringly fast, Tuomi cranks it up a notch with the last track, "Wanted Shred Or Alive", a showcase for every speed technique in his formidable arsenal. Tuomi definately has speed nailed -- time and experience should help this fiery player develop his own personal writing style.
Tomi is a twenty-seven year old guitarist who started playing at the end of the '80s, with a goal of being able to play fast solos. Shredding has since become a trademark of his playing -- a way to express feelings such as anger and frustration which arise from living in a non-stimulating environment. Tomi's influences include Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Jason Becker, Gary Moore, George Bellas and Yngwie Malmsteen.
Tuomi plans to continue to improve on the guitar and learn more about different music styles. He even wants to play faster than he does now!
Contact Information
Tomi Tuomi
Torikatu 2 as 12
45100 Kouvola
Finland
E-mail:
Tomi Tuomi
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