"Sovereignty, To rule thy own, Ruthlessly, Claim bloody thrones..." - Exerpt from Desperate Land - "FRAME OF MIND"
In 1992, several individuals with similar musical likenesses formed a band by the name of Sidewinder. In 1994, after recording their first project (a self titled 3 song demo), they changed their name due to copyright infringements, and the result became AZTEC JADE...
New York based AZTEC JADE has become one of the new driving forces in the next era of modern rock. Uninhibited by the normal trends prevalent in the mainstream music of today, AZTEC JADE has developed a unique chemistry of off-time progressive rock rhythms, hooky choruses, and thought provoking lyrics.
Founding members Matt Howenstein (Guitars), Bryan Kowalski (Bass), and Rick Miller (Drums) laid the groundwork for one of their area's hottest progressive rock acts. It wasn't until the addition of their singer (Lead Vocals) that AZTEC JADE broke through to the next level. In 1995, the band hooked up with veteran Producer, Scott MacPherson (Drivin' n Cryin', Brian Setzer, Steve Perry) to record a six song EP recorded and mixed at Millbrook Studios, Millbrook NY (Kiss, Liquid Tension Experiment). The result was "Modern Prophet", which was released under CMG Records. In 1997, AZTEC JADE returned to the studio to record their sophomore CD "Frame of Mind". This CD was recorded at CMG Studios (Saratoga NY) again with Scott MacPherson at the helm. With more artistic freedom in the recording, this CD took on a more technical approach and became very successful in getting the name AZTEC JADE into the Progressive Rock/Metal scene. In 1999, AZTEC JADE was approached by Adrenaline Records (Italy) to record a track for their upcoming tribute to Dream Theater ("Voices"), which they recorded "Another Day". Following that release, AZTEC JADE performed on another Adrenaline Records' tribute, this time to Queen ("The Attack of the Dragons"), which they recorded "The Show Must Go On". Both tributes received worldwide distribution and promotion.
AZTEC JADE signed on to a licensing deal with Adrenaline Records to re-release their previous 2 works ("Modern Prophet" and "Frame of Mind") as one complete CD in a special digi-pack package, including a full 16 page color booklet - the result was "Paradise Lost", which was released worldwide in May 2000. In January 2001, the band headed back to the studio and recorded their most powerful work to date. The material took on a much heavier and technical approach, but maintains the melodic overtures that AZTEC JADE is best known for. This material was released on the "Concrete Eden" CD in June 2002 under Stealheart Records (a Div. of Adrenaline Records, Italy).
Although many aspects of AZTEC JADE go against the current trends, the members continue to remain optimistic that their music will awaken minds to the wonders and possibilities of the world, while bringing color and imagination into today's music.
Join us, won't you?
Source: http://www.bluekabuto.com/aztecjade/jadeography.html
