Vendetta formed early in ‘97 at Greg’s home studio located in Southern California. Band members Benjamin, Greg, Hiro, Jeff and Vahagn started forming ideas as to the type of music they wanted to play. After several months of writing and composing, they have come out with their first EP. This self titled album reflects their aspirations to expand people’s horizons as pertained to mainstream music. Their style of music is diverse in nature yet while listening to their music one can definitely hear their specific influences, some of which include: classical music, heavy metal, styles derived from middle eastern music, and of course, classic rock.
Geoff Wilbur's Renegade Newsletter
Newport, RI
May, 1999
The song lengths on Vendetta's CD range from 5:14 to 7:35, placing them quite clearly in the progressive rock category, but their music has a broader appeal. They have elements of Styx pop stylings in songs like "Vendetta" and "The Other Part of Me," but with definite darker influences-almost a soft, melodic Metallca, in spots. This is a band that will appeal to all subgenres of melodic hard rockers, from pop metal fans to guitar hero aficionados.
The Daily Sundial - CSUN - Thursday, April 22, 1999
Band on the r u n
By: MICHAEL DELGADO
Contributing writer
For many CSUN students, life revolves around books and studying, but for Benjamin Chan, life plays a different melody.
Chan, a senior at CSUN, is a member of a multiethnic, progressive rock band called Vendetta. The five-member band includes two Armenians, a Japanese, a Chinese and a Caucasian.
“We’re close buds and we’re tight,” said Jeff Thompson, lead singer of Vendetta. “We help each other out when we have problems and that’s the way it should be.”
“A band is like a relationship,” added Chan. “There’s always disagreements but we work things out.”
Vendetta’s style of music is different from other rock bands. The band plays progressive rock, with influences from classical music and heavy metal, both styles derived from Middle Eastern music and classic rock.
“It’s more 90s with heavy keyboards and a lot of time changes,” Thompson said.
Vendetta formed in 1997 at Greg Hosharian’s home studio in Montebello. With help from Vahagn Hovhanisian, Hosharian’s longtime friend, the band began expanding.
“Why don’t we get serious and think about getting some serious musicians for a serious band?” Hovhanisian asked.
Hosharian and Hovhanisian responded by posting ads in area newspapers until the right musicians came along. Chan was an instant success with the band, and Hiro Shibayama followed later. With the additions of Chan and Shibayama, the band had found their missing pieces. Thompson, a Texas native, moved to Los Angeles in search of a music career and was introduced to the band through an industry friend. He later became Vendetta’s lead singer.
With three new members, Vendetta was ready to rock ‘n roll. The band quickly released an extended play (EP) titled “Vendetta” which received positive reviews from Keith Langerman, music reviewer for Metal and Hard rock Magazine. “Vendetta’s sound would most likely be categorized in the same vein as Dream Theater, but more melodic, straightforward and keyboard-based,” said Langerman. “ all in all, this is a great beginning chapter in what should be a very profitable musical career for this new awesome band. I see great things ahead for Vendetta.”
Vendetta has performed at numerous clubs throughout the Los Angeles area, most notably The Whiskey and The Roxy Theater, both on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Vendetta constantly performs and people are beginning to notice them. Vendetta hasn’t yet signed with a record company, but perseverance has kept them focused and together.
“We’re climbing the ladder right now and we’re taking each step at a time and we’re getting higher and higher on the ladder,” Thompson said.
The band practices four times per week for about two and a half hours per session, which is why the group feels optimistic about their musical careers. But countless practices and other duties, takes a toll on the members. Chan also takes a full load of units at school, which he described as exhausting.
“I get burned and stressed out,” Chan said. Nevertheless, Chan knows the nature of the music industry and is determined to achieve the ultimate goal--a music contract.
Thompson said, the band is currently working on a full-length CD to be released in the fall. If everything goes well, Vendetta will be a band to be reckoned with in the new millennium.
Review by Music connection Feburary 1 - 14, 1999
Jethro Tull-ish guitar tones and an exotic prog-rock attack on the first track, " Vendetta," sets the tone for this 5 song CD on which the band's singer seems like he could give Journey's Steve Perry a run for his money. The power ballad, "The other part of me," keeps the band's sonic grandeur alive and, for the most part compelling.
Review by Keith Langerman from Metal and Hard rock area for Feburary 1999
"Vendetta" is the debut self titled CD ep from the very talented Los Angeles progressive metal band Vendetta.
Consisting of five tracks, with the shortest track being a little over five minutes, combining for a running time of almost 34 minutes, this ep gives the listener more musical enjoyment than most full length albums do in twice the time!
Vendetta's sound would most likely be categorized as in the same vein as Dream Theater, but more melodic, straightforward and keyboard based. But let it not be said that this is just another Dream Theater clone band! Far from it! First of all, the excellent keyboard work of Gregory Hosharian featured prominently gives Vendetta a unique sound. Add to that the fantastic lead vocals of Jeff Thompson (who sounds nothing like James LaBrie) and you have the makings of an original force on the progressive metal scene!
And I haven't even yet mentioned the great contributions of the other great players in the band! Guitarist Ben Chan is an excellent instrumentalist, cutting through Hosharian's keyboard work with solos that are rocking, yet melodic.Chan also contributes a heavy, thick, rhythm sound, which makes these songs rock! This is consistent throughout all the songs, but is highlighted on the 7:30 closing track, the wonderful instrumental "hence the choice"! In addition to his stellar electric work, Chan also shines on both 6 and 12 string acoustic guitar, and contributes fine backup vocals! Hiroshi Shibayama does a great job handling the complex bass lines when required, often in sync with drummer Vahagn Hovhanisian's thunderous, powerful drumming!
Now to the songs: "vendetta" starts off the EP in fine fashion, a hard driving rocker with a very memorable riff, with keyboardist Hosharian doubling guitarist Chan's heavy rhythm. Excellent synthesizer work on this track! "the other part of me" starts off with beautiful piano work by Gregory Hosharian, and turns into a great semi ballad, with great harmony vocals by four members of the band. Rounding this great track off is a great, melodic guitar solo by Ben Chan! A moving song about losing a loved one, with great lyrics by drummer Vahagn Hovhanisian! "out of the streets" continues the winning streak, picking up the tempo, alternating between mellower verse lines and heavier bridge and chorus parts. More great keyboard work by Hosharian on this track! The rhythm section also contributes heavily, with fantastic interplay between Shibayama and Hovhanisian! Another great song, with yet another strong performance by vocalist Jeff Thompson! "struggle" begins with achingly beautiful classically inspired piano work by Hosharian, then transforms into a mid tempo rocker, featuring great harmony vocals, which at times reminded me of Uriah Heep! This song features an awesome guitar solo by guitarist Chan! This is a fantastic song!
Ending this fine CD is the aforementioned instrumental "hence the choice", which begins with thundering drums, then turning into a complex prog metal workout. Every member of the band is allowed a chance to shine on this track, which moves from straightforward tempos to complex and back again effortlessly! This track also features a clarinet solo(!) by keyboardist Hosharian's brother Peter. A most fine ending to a great release!
Production of this self release is fantastic, up to par with any major label release! All in all this is a great beginning chapter in what should be a very profitable (both musically and monetarily) musical career for this awesome new band! I see great things ahead for Vendetta! Do yourself a favor and purchase this CD! You will not be disappointed!! (For ordering or other info visit the band's website at www.vendettarocks.com)
band Personnel: Gregory Hosharian: Pianoforte,Keyboard,DB-8,Effects, Jeff Thompson:Lead Vocals, Ben Chan: 6 &12 string Classical guitar, Electric Guitar, Bazooki, Hiroshi Shibayama: Bass Guitar,Vahagn Hovhanisian: Drums, Percussion.
CHECK IT OUT!
Here are a couple of their songs in "Real" audio
"REAL" VIDEO!
"Out of The Streets" (56K) (ISDN)
NOTE:All images and music on this page are the soul property of "Vendetta"
