Chris Danecek | voice Nick Peyer | guitar Dave Sheaffer | bass Dan Meath | drums ('98-'01) Darren Cesca | drums ('01-'02)
VIRULENCE is based in Boston, MA. The band formed in the spring of 1998 through a common interest in exploring extreme music. What the members shared was a desire to free their minds of the norms, precedents, and stylistic features of existing genres. Wanting to push these limits, Dan Meath (drums), Nick Peyer (guitar), and Chris Danecek (bass/vocals) began their mission to create intense multi-faceted music. The trio produced songs with solid groundwork of grind, hardcore, and deathmetal mixed with overtones from various other styles. Lyrical themes of their music questioned the evolution of human behavior in such areas as abstract communication, violence, and sexual deviance.
The Dormant Strains CD EP was recorded and then released in the spring of 2000. The self-financed release solidified a new fan-base in the US, attracted listeners worldwide and caught the eyes of magazines, radio stations and labels. The Dormant Strains EP began to create a buzz, gained underground popularity and received impressive reviews. The year 1999 added a new level to VIRULENCE when Dave Sheaffer was asked to join as bassist and continue the low-frequency research. With a solid 4th member in the ranks, Chris was able to focus all his efforts as vocalist, while the refreshing presence of Dave added an entirely new facet to the unit. The new lineup allowed each member to express his varied musical perspective. Juxtaposing over-the-top grindcore with lightning-fast jazzy torpedo licks and fragrant melody, littered with stop-and-go tempo changes and anvil-heavy grooves, the band still maintained a dynamic live sound soaked with intensity.
The sound of VIRULENCE evolved further when the band set up camp in the studio to release their first full-length record: A Conflict Scenario. Released in the fall of 2001. the record is getting a wide circulation and receiving a fury of positive response from fans of unorthodox metals as well as hatred from strict defenders of the old school. Soon to follow, the band performed at the Millwauke Metal Fest 2001, and has since appeared throughout Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and a select number of shadowy grind get-togethers.
Recently the bands lineup changed as Darren Cesca was drafted for strategic bombardment and homefront security missions, and the band is preparing for a January 2002 US mini-tour to spread word of the new album and expose newly evolving bubbling tonal material. Protective gear is recommened, and may be obtained directly from the band via mail. No doubt, the band will change accordingly with the new member’s musical personality, and produce new sounds at which not even the members can guess.