Called to Arms

History
When Called to Arms formed in 2003, the lineup was made up of Jamie Nickerson (guitar), Josh Phillips(bass), and Zack Van Hoy (drums) and Daniel Grissom (vocals). Phillips and Grissom had played together in a previous band "Apex Chaos Orchestra" in the Raleigh/Apex area of North Carolina in 2001-2002. In 2003, Nickerson moved to Raleigh, NC to attend North Carolina State University, where he met up with Daniel. Sharing common musical interests, the two decided to start writing music together and recruited Grissom's old bass player from ACO, Josh Phillips. Shortly after, the still untitled project was looking for a drummer when Grissom and Phillips ran into an old friend Zack Van Hoy at a Beloved show in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Thus, the initial form of Called to Arms was formed. Quickly writing and recording a demo EP, CTA started promoting their sound at live venues in November 2003.

A New Life Given
In 2004, CTA begin work on their EP, A New Life Given to be released independently. Recorded and mixed by Jesse Clausen of Raleigh, NC, A New Life Given would not have garnered the buzzing response it received had the band not introduced new lead guitarist Brady Sweat to the band in the middle of recording the record. With nearly the entire album written and recorded, Sweat went back and dubbed 2nd and 3rd guitar tracks onto the album before the master copy was made. Sweat's adept technicality and jazz background perhaps changed the path of CTA's music permanently and ultimately lead to a success that might not have been possible without him. The album was finally released in May 2004 at Lincoln Theater in Raleigh with supporting acts He Is Legend (of Solid State Records) and Forever Changed.

The Brewery, NC
As Called To Arms' fan base grew in the southeast, one venue can be described as a "hometown" venue for the band more than any other. While playing out of state shows as well as shows across all of NC, CTA continually came back to The Brewery in Raleigh, NC to play in their home city.

The Last Lament
With their fan base at an all time high. With a fresh batch of songs masterminded by Brady Sweat, CTA went into the studio in 2005 with Producer Jamie King who had done work with such bands as Between the Buried and Me, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Glass Casket, Swift and many more. This session consisted of 5 brand new tracks the band had never recorded in a professional studio. After being recruited by several record companies, the band declined any contracts, stating they did not want to be tied down financially or obligated to tour, they just wanted to make music. The song 'Last Lament' was released to rave reviews online, and CTA's full length was becoming more highly anticipated at every new show they played and released new songs.

Fading out
With a highly anticipated full length scheduled to be released in 2006, the band began to slow down due to other obligations. Sweat had become more involved in 2 of his side projects and Grissom had been out of the country for extended periods of time on more than one occasion. During this time Van Hoy began to play with Raleigh indie rock favorites Dakota Darling during this down time for CTA.

At this point, Called To Arms had not officially called it quits, although Van Hoy was not set to return to the band anytime soon as Dakota Darling had been busy promoting their label supported release.

The Return
Nearly a year after the band's last show, Grissom decided the band was not dead. Bringing back Brady Sweat, Jamie Nickerson, and Josh Phillips, the band added Brady's younger brother Grayson on the drums, solidifying the new Called to Arms lineup. Playing for a packed out house in their Raleigh return (June 4th, 2007) it was apparent the break had not killed the band but made it stronger. Tommy LaCombe (owner of Tragic Hero Records) saw the potential in the band's return and CTA inked a deal with Tragic Hero soon after.

Called To Arms released "The Last Lament" ep with tragic hero records on October 13th at The Brewery with Advent, The Avenger, Bloodjinn, and Injun Joe. Cds are available through the band's myspace/bigcartel pages, at shows, and through Tragic Hero. Cds should also be available in stores and on itunes shortly.

Sources of Information:
http://www.purevolume.com/calledtoarms
http://www.myspace.com/tragicherorecords
http://www.myspace.com/calledtoarms
http://www.calledtoarms.com
http://www.lambgoat.com/news

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