Biography:
Cletus, formed in the Summer of 2001, was created under the concept of utilizing the best musicians from local death bands to create one band with exceptional talent and abilities. So it was begun, with Dave Miller, Lead Guitarist/Lead Vocalist, who brought a wealth of talent and experience from previous bands such as Ungodly and Butchery. Secondly, Greg Fritzler, Lead Guitarist, coming from an extensive background, including time spent with Apostle of Perversion, added strength to the merciless onslaught of technical prowess with which Cletus would soon establish. Bassist/Lead Vocalist Brent Simstad from noted bands such as Amputist and Exploding Zombies soon caught wind of the line up and was anxious to lend his talent and skills to an already impressive roster of players. Rounding off the band was Drummer Tom Boyke, whose brutality was well displayed with his playing in Apostle of Perversion.
With a solid base of expertise, Cletus began on its journey to become one of the best death bands in Michigan. Establishing an agreement early on, Cletus decided to concentrate their efforts on completing an entire album first, and playing shows to support the album second. This formula proved to be somewhat trying, and, giving into pressure, did play a few live shows, including headlining a show with fellow Michigan band, Summon. Other shows included appearances in Saginaw, and, helping out up and coming Skin Casket, at their CD release party in Flint.
Throughout the chaos, Cletus did manage to get down to Uptown Studios in Owosso to record their first album, Cornfed and Inbred. Consisting of eight songs of a complex mix of brutality, technicality, melody and, most importantly, groove. Work on the album took over a year, and when it was finally completed, Cletus was able to take a collective sigh.
Unfortunately, soon after the album was finished, problems began to arise between members and it was decided to seek out a new drummer. Brian Tomlinson of Exploding Zombies was the logical choice for replacement due to his weekly playing with Brent in their sessions with the Zombies. With the addition of Tomlinson, it was decided to write a complete new set of songs and continue on the quest of recording. Ten new songs were written with the new lineup and are currently being recorded by Cletus in their own home studio. Release of this album is expected to be in the Winter of 2004. The previously unreleased album, Cornfed and Inbred, will be rerecorded with Tomlinson's drumming and hopefully released sometime in 2005. In the meantime, Cletus will be playing a few live shows, SO KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN!!!!! |
