Countervela (On itunes)

Bio:

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HISTORY: Formed in Mar 2005. Four men with an unhealthy love for all things music got together to create some. Includes members of Madra, Stand-Up Guy, Shiro, Pier19 and Eclectic (RIP).

Since the summer of 2005 Countervela have undertaken many sporadic gigs and seven tours: four Irish, two UK and one Fininsh. Countervela have toured with: Belfast's Stand-up Guy, Doagh's Skypilot, Malta's Slit, Finland's Farewell, London's Namaste and Derry's Triggerman amongst others. The band recorded their first EP in 2006 consisting three tracks of progressive, heavy and beautiful tunes...

FUTURE: More touring will ensue with a number of tours and shows being planned that will see Countervela venture further afield. A self-funded three-track ep has been completed with a view to a May 2009 release. Countervela will now begin work on a debut album.

Keep checking back for news, new tracks and more importantly when Countervela are playing a town close to you.

REVIEWS:

Date Created ep 2009:

Alternative Ulster Magazine:

'The sound twists and turns, at once heavy and complex, filled to the brim with emotion, intelligence and wit.'

'Countervela have created something powerful and captivating'

The Metal Observer:

'Not only do Countervela keep the Metal scene fresh and variable, they also set new standards within this genre'

'Countervela is not afraid of blending different styles and discovering new musical horizons and that is something, which distinguishes great bands from the average ones'

Sea Of Tranquility:

'...a well executed slice of modern metal with some progressive tendencies and overall a very promising effort from Countervela. Worthy of further investigation. '

Countervela ep 2006:

Jackie Hayden in Hot Press:

'a fine example of the juxtaposition of heavy-light, but they do it better than most, slipping effortlessly from sledgehammer heavy to gossamer light and back... for over seven minutes.'

'Countervela are proof that being heavy doesn't mean that you can't do it with intelligence and subtlety'

Ciaran Tracey on metalireland.com:

'impressive opener 'Fugit' shows also a more considered Porcupine Tree slant, referencing especially their 'Dark Matter' vibe - a floaty, ascendant piece'

'do make the effort if they're down your local'

Alternative Ulster Magazine:

'Crunchy, dome-crushing, chugga-chugg riffs forge a destructive path into your psyche before swirling, slinky guitar motifs work their hypnotic magic.'

Rock Sound Magazine:

'an intense approach to a progressive sound'

'by merging dark vocals with rich, soaring instrumentals that segue through heavy guitars and gently contained picking, Countervela manage to keep it engaging and tight.'

Member Since:

January 31, 2005

Members:

Conor Mullan - Percussion

Michael Ahern - Guitar and Samples

Ciaran Colton (Rocktron) - Guitar and Vox

Brian Collins (STONES) - Bass and Samples

Influences:

In no particular order:
APC, NIN, Mike Patton, Dillinger Escape Plan, Meshuggah, Tool, Bartok, Deftones, Bjork, Failure, Helmet, Metallica, Jerry Cantrell, Alice in Chains, Pantera, Anthrax.

Sounds Like:

THE METAL OBSERVER: 8.5/10: ...definitely a thing to check out.

ROCK SOUND: 7/10: ...engaging and tight.

LIVE REVIEWS:

'They were just world class. I still get tingles every time i think about it. If you get the chance to see countervela, take the opportunity, they're fantastic.' - Rory McConnell, BBC Radio 1

'Certainly heavier and clever than most….packed into their sledgehammer set was the belief that these guys knew how to make loud into an art form.'
'It was the clever juxtaposition of the light, almost ethereal interludes which elevated them above the pack.'
'You just wished that when they finished you were treated to a light show worthy of the material they just played.'- live review, Michael McGlade, FAMEmagazine.co.uk

LOOKS LIKE:

ORDER THE NEW COUNTERVELA CD 'DATE CREATED' HERE