Eyes to the sky

Eyes to the Sky (sometimes abbreviated to ETTS) is a four-piece straight edge, hardcore/metalcore band that hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States.

The War Begins (2004-2005)

Formed in 2004, Eyes To The Sky formed from the ashes of the band Rain Of RUiN featuring Ryan Baxter (Vocals), Ross Monagle (Guitar) and Jay Olenik (Bass). Growing decidedly tired of the current state of the local scene the three began writing music focusing in a new direction. They recruited Jake Stujenske to play drums and Austin Thomas as second guitarist and soon began playing shows in Wisconsin and Illinois under the name Eyes To The Sky. News of their unbridled energy and destructive live show spread immediately across the Midwest.

After catching the attention of Funeral Verse Records (originally First Strike Records) the band recorded and released their debut album titled "The War Begins" in December 2004, packed up their vehicles, and toured in support of it. Though the album was relatively successful levels of commitment within the band began to waver.

To Rise Above The Rest (2005-2007)

After several months had passed, Eyes To The Sky began working on their sophomore effort for Funeral Verse Records entitled To Rise Above The Rest. During the writing process of this album guitarist Ross Monagle and drummer Jake Stujenske subsequently exited the band. The band were soon joined by guitarist Nate Dela Cruz and drummer Dan Wick respectively to help in the completion of the writing process and continued touring.

"To Rise Above The Rest" proved to be Eyes To The Sky's most focused and well-promoted release to date. In support of this release Eyes To The Sky toured and played with such hardcore heavyweights as Sworn Enemy, Comeback Kid, Misery Signals, and Hoods. Other notable performances were appearance's at 2006's Edge Fest Ohio and Chaos Fest 2006 alongside bands such as Death By Stereo, and Too Pure To Die. At this time the band caught the attention of North Carolina Straight Edge record label Seventh Dagger Records and soon after signed a deal.

Since signing with Seventh Dagger the band has played numerous festivals including Edge Fest New York in 2006 and the first-annual Seventh Dagger Fest in 2008.

All Bets Are Off (2008-2009)

Eyes To The Sky's debut full-length release was released worldwide on September 30 2008 via Seventh Dagger Records. Eyes To The Sky debuted three new tracks from All Bets Are Off on March 13, 2008 and launched an official e-card on September 6, 2008.

Prior to the recording of "All Bets Are Off" co-founding member Jay Olenik amicably left the band to pursue college and a permanent replacement was found in bass player and former Eyes To The Sky roadie Mike Poeschl.

New album (2009-Present)

In February 2009, the success in sales and exposure of "All Bets Are Off" caught the attention of German record label Alveran Records. On April 10, 2009 it was formally announced that Eyes To The Sky had signed a two-album worldwide deal with Alveran, a well known European record label known for having released efforts from Shattered Realm, Icepick, Unearth, and Bury Your Dead.

Eyes To The Sky landed a co-headlining slot on the summer of 2009's Get Tough Fest in Milwaukee, alongside bands like xTyrantx, xRepresentx, and Liferuiner.

The band is currently in the process of writing for their as-of-yet untitled fourth album. They intend to enter studio this summer to record.

Band Members

Current

• Ryan Baxter (lead vocals)
• Austin Thomas (guitar)
• Mike Poeschl (bass)
• Dan Wick (drums)

Former

• Jay Olenik (bass)
• Nate Dela Cruz (guitar)
• Ross Monagle (guitar)
• Jake Stujenske (drums)

The music of Eyes To The Sky

Genre

Eyes To The Sky's music blurs the lines between traditional, hardcore, and metal. Their music mixes metal riffs, mosh riffs, solos and melodies resulting in a diverse and dynamic sound. The music has evolved over time, due to lineup changes and different MusicAL influences and directions.

Common Themes & Messages

Eyes To The Sky are a band strongly rooted in message and conviction. The greatest of these being the band's strong and often militant commitment to a straight edge message and lifestyle. In addition to finding straight edge themes in their music, the band regularly appears X'd up (black X's drawn on hands) at live performances and features straight edge themes in album artwork and merchandise.

Though the members of the band are all Christian and some religious themes can be found in their music, the band has not specifically been represented as a "Christian" band.

Distribution

Eyes To The Sky currently distributes worldwide through several well-known distributors, including but not limited to Hot Topic, iTunes, Interpunk.com, Very Distribution, RevHQ.com, and Smartpunk.com.

Sponsors

Equipment

Eyes To The Sky are currently endorsed by Basson Sound guitar amps and cabinets.

Clothing

The band is also currently sponsored by six clothing companies. Seventh Dagger Clothing, Show Your Pride Clothing, Stand Your Ground Clothing,Upstate Edge Clothing, Menace Clothing, and Diamond Cut Clothing which is run by The Acacia Strain singer Vincent Bennett.

Discography

Studio Albums

• The War Begins - Funeral Verse Records (2004)
• To Rise Above The Rest - Funeral Verse Records (2006)
• All Bets Are Off - Seventh Dagger Records (2008)
• Untitled - Alveran Records (2009)

Other Releases

• "Chaos Fest 2005" - Funeral Verse / Hold True Records (V/A, 2005)
• "Chaos Fest 2006" - Snapdragon Records (V/A, 2006)

Videography

• "Seventh Dagger Fest 2008" (DVD, 2009)

See also

• Straight Edge
• Hardcore

External links

• Official Website
• Eyes To The Sky on MySpace
• Eyes To The Sky on PureVolume
• Seventh Dagger Records Website
• Alveran Records Website

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