Axis
Description : Progressive Metal/Hard Rock
Brief History :
Axis was formed in early April of 1997 by bass player Tony Florio. With the break up of another local band, Tony siezed the opportunity and quickly picked up their drummer, Kris Wingo.
Tony and Kris jammed with local guitarist, Charlie Esposito in Tony's garage. Although currently without a name, the three jammed on what would be Axis's first original. But, alas it was never meant to be. After a few weeks Charlie left the group due to musical differences..(he thought it was to cold to play in the garage!! not AXIS material...)
After Charlie's departure Tony and Kris jammed with other guitar players, Jason Nigoza, and Arne Olson. No one seemed to be exactly what Tony was looking for though. That was until Dan Godsil finally made it to a jam session. There was a click immediately between the trio. Dan and Kris had played together in a previous band, so they were familiar with each others styles.
Tony, Kris, and Dan began writing and playing material, establishing themselves as a progressive power trio around local Galesburg. Dan came up with a name that everyone could agree on from his powerful book of Geometry Spells... Axis. Others on the list of possible names were Flat Earth and Whirlwind Party.
However, Axis was still short one essential ingrediant, a singer.
Everything had been instrumental until the band finally realized that they could not survive without a singer. They conducted a desperate search and yet that final piece of the puzzle alluded them. Dan was forced to take the job.
For the next few months, and the band's first few gigs, Dan sang lead vocals. The whole time these searches for singers were going on, Axis was constantly writing new material, the most progressive stuff their hometown had seen. It was a difficult task and Dan grew tired of singing. That was when the band found their first singer, Curt Busse. Curt was with the band for approximately 2 months. Although he was a good singer it was obvious that he just wasn't what the band needed. So Curt was let go, and the band was
again without a singer.
Then band was introduced to Kirk Walters. Kirk was the singer and guitar player for another local band called New W(h)ine. After hearing Axis he left New W(h)ine to join immediately.
Kirk brought a whole new energy to the band and restored faith which had begun to dwindle. Kirk's strong vocals and awesome stage presence was just what the band needed.
Axis is the only progressive heavy metal band in the area and continues to kick ass daily. Currently AXIS gigs around the local area and has recorded at various studio's in Galesburg and Peoria. Axis has a song being released on a compilation CD this winter. Axis won the Galesburg Battle of the Bands and is in the process of winning the Battle of the Bands in Monmouth.
Il (AXIS won it's preliminary and is waiting to go to the finals on Oct. 2)
AXIS considers themselves a breeds of Progressive metal/hard rock. Main influences are Iron Maiden, Savatage, Dream Theater, Rush, Royal Hunt, Saigon Kick
Contact Information :
Kris Wingo or Kirk Walters at
719 W. Fremont St.
Galessburg, Il 61401
(309) 344-6505
WEBSITE : http://www.geocities.com/~axis1214
EMAIL : nflorio@galesburg.net
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