Album Notes

There is no safety in conformity. The time for change is now.

Pennsylvania Loud Rockers Spinebelt formed in June 1997 with one common goal: Create pure original music on their own terms while disregarding current trends. Bill Atkinson (Bass/Vocals), Josh Warsteiner (Keyboards/Samples/Vocals), John K. (Drums/Percussion), and Butch Lloyd (Guitars/Lead Vocals) are the four musicians who make up this musical powerhouse that combines elements of metal, hard-core, goth, and punk - in addition to the non-traditional influences of classic hard rock and post-punk new wave. The band has created an entity uniquely their own from many different genres of music that has inspired and influenced them while maintaining one very important factor: Spinebelt sounds like no other band.

The combination of immense power, unrelenting rhythms, disturbing samples, and uncompromising style proved to be quite shocking to the first Central PA crowds to whom they played. Reception at first was bleak, but their determination driven even harder. Undaunted by audience reaction in the beginning, the band continued to gig at every possible outlet while concentrating on honing their live show and writing strong new material. Integrity intact by sticking to their adamantly self-imposed policy of "No Cover Songs", Spinebelt began their search of area music professionals who also believed in and agreed with the bands' ideas and persistence in making something happen solely on the strength of original musical material. In 1998 Spinebelt hooked up with producer Michael Bann to record the track "Return To Splendor". With a powerful sounding single-track demo, accompanied by a solid all-original live show, Spinebelt was beginning to build a following. Spinebelt found themselves securing management and returning to work with producer Michael Bann in February 1999. The outcome was "SHIV", a 3-Song CD EP that quickly captured the attention of the public and gained respect from the music community. News on Spinebelt spread swiftly throughout Pennsylvania during 1999 as the crowds began growing largely and quickly at their live performances.

With the success of the "SHIV" CD EP, and a diverse base of fans established through consistent performances, Spinebelt decided to keep the momentum building and release their independent debut full-length CD in May 2000. "The Throne Of The Hive" was produced by Marshall Deasy and Spinebelt at Stress Free Studios in Mechanicsburg, PA. The disc was launched by one of the largest and most strategic independent marketing campaigns to be constructed for an unsigned artist in Central PA, one that proved to generate much recognition and a much stronger following during the year 2000. The band consistently performed at larger clubs throughout the Eastern Coast, received airplay all over the Tri-State area with their single "Christopher Walken", gained successful press and retail support, and even released a professional short-form home video for added promotion. The year 2000 was the beginning of many possibilities for Spinebelt. In February 2001, Spinebelt released "A Small But Very Permanent Hell". The 4-song CD EP, featuring the single "Buckle And Strap", serving as an advance of their follow-up to "The Throne Of The Hive". After a resolved brief line-up shake-up leading back to the original line-up, the upcoming independent sophomore full-length CD entitled "Beautiful Songs For Ugly Children" scheduled for Fall 2002 release.

The "buzz" surrounding the band is definitely at an all time high point. Spinebelt find themselves poised to make their move to the next level of the entertainment industry - an entertainment industry filled with safety in conformity, and absolutely ready for change. Visit www.spinebelt.com for the latest information on the band.