PARADOX 44 was founded in 1993 as ‘PARADOX’ by guitarist John Phillips and vocalist/bassist Michael V on the foundation of writing and performing music that makes you grit your teeth--the foundation on which the band still stands today. The ‘44’ moniker, which stands for ‘Indianapolis, IN” (the ‘4’ key on a phone is the letters ‘GHI’), was later added to differentiate themselves from other bands that were using the name PARADOX. The line-up changed in 1997 with the addition of drummer Travis “T-Bag” Leake and vocalist/auxiliary percussionist Eric Davis. In December of 2002, Leake opted to leave the band to focus on raising a family and Greg Van Winkle entered to take over on drums, forging the line-up as it stands today.
PARADOX 44 has built a massive and loyal following from the ground up through their intense live shows, three self-released full-length CD’s: Victim of Society (1999), Triumph Through Self-Empowerment (2000) and My Mind: The Weapon (2001), as well as the rippling word of mouth throughout the midwest.
The response has been
amazing. PARADOX 44 was named 'best hardcore/metal band of 2001' by Nuvo
Newsweekly. The band has also had the opportunity to share the stage with such
notable acts as AVENGED SEVENFOLD, The Dillinger Escape
Plan, CANDIRIA, ZAO, DOPE, GOD FORBID, HASTE, THE STEP KINGS, DOG
FASHION DISCO, PRIMER 55, D.R.I, and FLAW, as well as playing events sponsored
by such notorious companies as PEVEY™ MUSIC EQUIPMENT and Alien Workshop™. The
members of Paradox 44 have also had their music featured on numerous
compilation CD's and videos, including the infamous "Bad Ideas," an
extreme-stunt sport bike video available through Twisted Grip, Inc™. The
members of PARADOX 44 are also the founders of Indianapolis's infamous
"RISING FORCE FEST™," an annual metal festival that has played to growing
crowds since it's inception in 1999. The band began the festival as a way to
unify and strengthen the local Indianapolis metal scene, but has grown to
include bands from throughout the midwest and beyond.
The title of their latest full-length disc, "My Mind: The Weapon," is an encapsulated version of the band’s philosophy. They believe in creating their own opportunities and defining their own success. They are a band willing to work to achieve their brightest dream—the dream of performing their music for fans around the world.
PARADOX 44 has most recently
released a 5-song EP entitled "No Mercy For The Undeserving." Which the band
is distributing for free at all of their shows and is available for download
via their website: www.paradox44.com
PARADOX 44 has opted to call it a day, playing one final show on June 12th, 2004 at The Emerson Theater in Indianapolis, IN. The band has not ended on sour terms by any means. "We all have just grown tired and feel the need to move forward in different directions musically," says Davis. "We will all remain the best of friends for the rest of our lives. We wouldn't trade the music we've written or the experiences we've had as members of PARADOX 44 for the world. It has definitely been one hell of a ride."