| HISTORY |
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| In January of 1998, a new project emerged from the underground. After the fall of the band Incision, the remaining members rose from the ashes with a new name and a new musical direction. Drawing from a wide array of influences, the music of Painmask meshes old-school speed metal with heavy hardcore grooves to create a sound which is memorable without sacrificing any of it's brutality. It's a non-stop sonic barrage which blends a raw, metallic attack with hardcore sensability. From grinding blast beats to massive power-chord dirges, there's plenty of aggression to be found in the Painmask style. The Painmask live show is a powerful display of energy and in it's short history, the band has shared the stage with national acts such as Biohazard, Hatebreed, Madball, Blood for Blood, All Out War, Candiria, Diecast and 25 ta Life, as well as the best of the hardcore underground like Irate, Blood Has Been Shed, Inner Dam, Beneath the Remains, From Autumn To Ashes and recently-signed labelmates Billyclub Sandwich. |
| October 2000 brought the release of the band's first full-length CD, Are You Prepared to Meet the Truth, on InnerStrength Records. The album encompasses all that Painmask has set out to prove and through non-stop promotion, worldwide distribution and many positive reviews from major print and online 'zines, it has definitely brought the band to the next level. After several member changes, the current line-up stands as the strongest yet. Drummer Scott Waters incorporates flawless double-bass and his own unique style while bassist Carl Carlew adds to the mix with thunderous precision. This pummeling rhythm section creates the backdrop for guitarist Sean Kennedy to unleash his brutal, yet intricate, bottom-heavy riffs. Vocalist Jason Avery completes the line-up and adds another dimension to the band with a wide range of vocal styles and interesting, thought-provoking lyrics. The summer of 2001 sees the band preparing to launch their first full U.S. tour in support of new-school death metal heroes Dying Fetus on a bill which also includes California hardcore thugs the Hoods. The tour will see the band playing some of the biggest cities in the U.S., including Cleveland, Detroit, and St. Louis, and will also include a stop at the 15th Annual Milwaukee Metalfest as well as the World Series of Metal. The tour also provides the band with the opportunity to reach a new level and expand their growing fanbase across the country, playing in front of new audiences every night. This is a challenge the band eagerly welcomes. Though Painmask has been faced with adversity, they've overcome all obstacles and show no signs of letting up. The band continues to write new material and looks forward to recording in the near future. With the support of the diehard WorldwideOne-5, Painmask is now poised to unleash their brand of metalcore nationwide. All four members are experienced musicians whose love of music and dedication to the scene drive them to continue spreading the message of Painmask across the country and throughout the world. |
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| Jason Avery- vocals Carl Carlew- bass Sean Kennedy- guitar Scott Waters- drums |
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