Louisville five-piece rock band Five.Bolt.Main is not your typical brand new hard rock band. Five.Bolt.Main features former members of the hard rock band Flaw, including lead singer Chris Volz as well as original members Ivan Arnold (drums) and Ben Patrick (bass). Flaw, which was signed to Republic/Universal Records, released two albums that sold almost half a million copies before being unceremoniously dropped in late 2004.
With a sound uniquely its own but with influences that span every inch of the hard rock landscape, Five.Bolt.Main writes songs with vibrant melodies, yet maintain an in-your-face delivery that will label them as a new generation in metal. They do, however, have a wide range of influences that extend from the old school rock of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, to the post-punk grunge flavor of Alice in Chains and Faith No More, and even 80's pop icons Journey.
Five.Bolt.Main was recently signed to upstart Rock Ridge Music, a label that cares a lot about its artists maintaining creative direction. The band's debut on Rock Ridge Music is due out September 13. For Volz, it was a no-brainer to work with Rock Ridge Music. "We have so much creative control in every aspect that it makes signing with a major seem stupid," he says. "I should have been on this roster a long time ago."
And what separates Five.Bolt.Main from a lot of the other bands is a tireless work ethic. This is a band that is constantly involved with its fans on the web and at shows. They also believe in the power of their live show, and in building a core audience through touring. "If you want to meet a bunch of down to earth rock musicians who don't think they’re better than anyone else," says Volz. "It's us."
For a label such as Rock Ridge Music, the road warrior approach is the best way to sell records long-term. "Five.Bolt.Main's professionalism and work ethic are the foundation of what we see as a very successful endeavor," says Rock Ridge Music's Tom Derr.
If all goes according to plan, Five.Bolt.Main and Rock Ridge Music will turn their courtship into a long-term commitment. Volz sees the band recording and touring continuously. "The greatest gift I have in this world is the ability to express myself through music," he says. "I wish for nothing else but the ability to continue with that. It is my life."
Five Bolt Main is: Chris Volz - vocals Ivan Arnold - drums Ben Patrick - bass Aaron Welenken - guitar Jason Chandler - guitar
