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As the re-birth of heavy metal continues to force its way into the collective consciousness, four brilliant minds have stood together at the forefront of the movement for over three years. Guitarist Pat Buckley, bassist Chris "Verde" Green, vocalist Mike Forige and drummer Scott Johnson make up Foreground, a riff heavy, high energy, all original heavy metal band from the new metal breeding ground of Northern California. Foreground was formed in 1998 in Chico, California, but each member will proudly claim the San Francisco Bay Area as their true home. Not only because three of its members hail from the Delta town of Antioch, but also because the Bay Area is the nucleus of the new metal movement. For the past two years Foreground has delivered its ordinance to the stages of the Paradise Lounge and The Pound in San Francisco, Hobies and the Cadillac Ranch in Concord and many others throughout northern California. "The Bay Area rock scene is exploding," explains Buckley, "and we want Foreground to be recognized as part of that explosion." Gracing the stage with bands like Systematic, 40Grit, Unjust, Skinlab and The Blue to name a few, the Foreground fan base becomes larger after every show. With the help of Bay Area-based Lammori Productions and Concord's student-run radio station 90.5 The Edge, Foreground is becoming a well-known component of the bay area rock scene. Calling on the influence of Zakk Wylde, Tonly Iommi, and Tom Morrello, Buckley leads Foreground into new metal territory that at once feels unabashedly new and refreshingly familiar. His riffs are unique and stylish and his solos are technically impressive without being retrospective. Instead of simply showing his impressive skill, Buckley's leads add melodic flavor to each song. "I play leads to help paint the picture of the feel of the song and to bring back the solid punch of the old metal axe-men." says Buckley San Diego born and bred Chris Green, who currently studies recording arts at Chico State, is a student of the bass in every sense of the term. Early on he grew to admire the works of Jaco Pastorius, Bootsy Collins and Victor Wooten among many. Playing the bass is his life. Foreground is his passion. "Pat supplies the heavy-ass riffs and I try and even them out with a certain style of funk," says Green. "The end result is the melting pot of Foreground." With a degree in math and physics, drummer Scott Johnson is the most unlikely candidate for a member of a metal band. Scott lays a solid foundation and adds his own personal touch into the mixture of Foreground. His drive and dedication and attention to feel has allowed him to advance greatly both as a drummer and as a vital part of the business of Foreground. Vocalist Mike Forige, a longtime friend of Johnson and Buckley, was asked to join Foreground in the early days when the band was performing improvisational rock for hours at a time for crowds of inebriated college students in Buckley's back yard. Forige quickly found his staccato style and had no trouble penning insightful lyrics over Buckley's intense guitar riffs. With the lineup complete, Foreground made a commitment to expose as many people as possible to their style of music. Along the way they have made many friends, won over legions of devoted fans and made some very advantageous alliances. The music is heavy, but it is not contrived. Foreground is an honest rock band whose course will not be altered by outside or commercial influences and their evolution will be dictated by their own terms. Together with a live show that has been called, "an outright ass-kickin party" the Foreground machine is a formidable part of the New Metal scene. Foreground's first studio album, which was paid for by a raffle/spaghetti feed organized by the band, is an eight-song onslaught of classic riffs, sonic imagery, and skilled craftsmanship by each performer. "We raised over $10,000 at the spaghetti feed, and most of that went toward the album," says Buckley. "We went into Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, CA. We had a great time and came out with an album we are extremely proud of." The title of the album, "Chaos," describes the energy of the tunes and their live show well, but it does not describe the structure and mentality of the band itself. Foreground is organized, committed, disciplined and motivated. Foreground is comprised of members who are aware of their surroundings, the world they live in, and the methods to success. With their strong vision, energy and determination, the members of Foreground will accomplish their goal of spreading their music to the masses. Foreground has a complete live show, CDs and a wide range of merchandise to sell and the desire and the means to hit the road. And they are convinced that nothing can stand in their way. All songs written and produced by Foreground. Recorded at Prairie Sun Studios - Cotati, CA Distributed by Mr. Toads Records - San Francisco, CA Artwork by Deanna Alcorn Check out the artist's website: http://www.foreground.net Track List: 1. Locked Up 2. Satans Hypocrisy 3. Resilience 4. Chaos 5. Uniform of Hate 6. The Payment 7. Feelings of Fright 8. Perceive it to Be Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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