"This band's main theme has been progession."
Atherstone has walked a long, rough road for the last two years. As though the ups and downs of life were never difficult enough, Atherstone has encountered hurdle after hurdle of discouragement, disrespect, and doubt, yet have never fallen off the path of their dreams.
The group was founded by guitarist Jerry Stewart, and drummer Daniel Begley in 2003. The duo worked to strengthen their skills as musicians, and even at an early stage, began to try their hand at song-writing. In 2005, Stewart and Begley brought in long time high-school classmate, Cody Prose on guitar. The trio mapped out a set of four progressive rock songs, demonstrating their skills as young musicians, and exploiting their common influence: Thrice.
Stewart, Prose and Begley assumed the name "Dare by Takeout", and began the search for the rest of their members, a singer and a bass player. DBT cycled through a number of musicians, including close friends, and even Jeromy Herigstad, former frontman of Grants Pass's own The Crossing (myspace.com/thecrossingor).
In 2006, Stewart was approached by classmate, Tanner Cowens, about his band. He offered to audition as a singer and guitarist for the band, and scheduled a place to demonstrate his offerings, as well as introduce long-time friend, Joshua Oliveri, a fellow guitar enthusiast, and former drummer of local band "Aftermass".
Cowens made the cut, and the rest of DBT asked Oliveri to join and play bass. Oliveri accepted the position after some time of consideration, and Dare by Takeout had finally completed their lineup.
Dare by Takeout's career was rough at first. Their unwillingness to follow the norm, and fall into line in an age of gutter punk or metalcore, Dare by Takeout set themselves out to be the most unique sounding band in Southern Oregon. The band began to take a turn towards more mature subject matter in the music, began to reflect feelings through their playing, and began to stun crowds with their level of showmanship. The band was growing and it was nearly time for a change.
In May of 2006, Dare by Takeout suffered the loss of long-time friend, and began to truly write music from the heart. In honor of the deceased, the band played one last show in homage as Dare by Takeout.
After about a month, the band reemerged as Atherstone. The members were refreshed, honest, determined, and excited to bring something new to the music realm. Atherstone slowly began to take over the Southern Oregon area with their new breed of post-hardcore.
In 2007, Oliveri announced his departure from not only Atherstone, but from Grants Pass, OR to be with his newly wed (congrats!).
Atherstone turned to long-time friend, former bass player of sister band Black Thursday, Salvador Barahona, better known as Chava.
Chava's willingness to learn the material soon developed into bettering it, and forming a tight bond with drummer Begley. The rhythm section was booming. The guitars were blaring. The vocals were fierce.
In the spring of 2008, long-time guitarist Cody Prose announced his departure from the band, leaving Stewart, Begley, Barahona and Cowens to continue on as a four-piece assembly.
However, in the summertime of 2008, Atherstone aqcuired long-time friend and former guitarist of Barahona's previous band, Black Thursday, Scott Gissel. The addition of Gissel has brought Atherstone to a new level in a short amount of time, and gives hope to Atherstone's fan base.
Atherstone is currently recording their first LP, entitled "A Brand New Way to Breathe". The record will feature Jerry Stewart on guitars and backing vocals, Chava Barahona on bass guitar and backing vocals, Scott Gissel on guitar and vocals, Daniel Begley on drums, and Tanner Cowens on vocals.
Booking:
To book Atherstone in your area, please contact Aaron at atherstonebooking@hotmail.com
Contact:
To contact Atherstone's band members individually, click on their picture and you will be redirected to their personal MySpace profile.
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