Sol Ascending - Lecture

Sol Ascending was started as Beggle in 1997, in the east bay town of Fremont by founders Gian-Alberto Perez and Caleb Swift. They began a "New Metal" band, in the vein of Korn, The Deftones, and Tool. They quickly enlisted the services of a high school classmate, Mike Canfara (bassist of RevivALL), and began to practice on a regular basis. A year passed of endless practice, but nothing came of it. In September of 1998, the band finally found a lead singer in Gabe Arroyo, who was a rapper with no metal experience what so ever. The band recorded one demo, but quickly dissolved, leaving Gian-Alberto and Caleb alone again.
Another member was added in June of 1999, Thomas Peterson, and the band started to progress more than ever. Thomas was like a breath of fresh air to the band, and more songs were written. Soon, the final member was added, Paul S. The band began to take flight, changing up the style a little to more melodic and more progressive, like Tool, Incubus, and Helmet. But after failing to land a singer (after trying out many a different horror), the band almost dissolved again. Caleb Swift (co-founder) moved back to his hometown of Bakersfield in December of 1999, to deal with family issues. Things did not look good for The Sol Ascending. No singer, no drummer, and not too much motivation.
But Thomas, Gian-Alberto, and Paul did not want to give up just yet. They "borrowed" a drummer from another band in the same practice studio, and began to play again. After not being able to find a singer, the band decided to just sing themselves. Gian-Alberto took over the lead singing role, with Thomas and Paul assuming back-up vocals. The band quickly recorded another demo, and began the hunt for another drummer, taking shows here and there to get the name out. Finally, in August of 2000, Mike Belleci, a kid just who graduated high school, answers the ad for a drummer. The band thought they had found there final drummer. They recorded another demo, played a whole GANG of shows, things were looking good. But once again, it wasn't meant to be. Mike informed Gian-Alberto, Thomas, and Paul that he was moving to Sacramento soon, and that he would be leaving the band. This almost ended the band, but less than a week later, old high school friend Matt Cash gave Alberto a call, asking if he wanted to jam. A few practices with the band, and Matt picked up EVERYTHING. They played a show with him in less than a week, and tore shit up! Things once again were looking good... This story shall be continued.

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Simply amazing!