Five til Ground Zero
Five Til Ground Zero is an American Progressive Metal band from Warren, Ohio assembled in 2007 by Mark Shannon. The band incorporates elements from styles such as Progressive Rock, Post Rock, and basically every sub-genre of Heavy Metal into their songs, and also makes use of a variety of vocal styles.
Biography
Five Til Ground Zero is the beginning of a dream and the ending of a search. In July of 2007, guitarist Mark Shannon made a decision. Having played in several local bands with unsatisfactory results, he decided it was time to take the helm and start his own band. A band unrestricted by traditional conventions. An open forum for all styles of music to be melded into one. The search for a full band was on.
Joining from the onset on keyboards was Joey Esposito, Shannon's charismatic half-brother. Before long, Shannon also recruited the groove of Tom Zocolo on bass, an acquaintance from prior bands. All that was needed now was a drummer, a lead guitarist, and a vocalist.
With a stroke of good timing and good fortune, Shannon's former bandmate in Altum Silencium, Chris Meeker, became available. Meeker decided to man the drumset for the band, as well as bringing to the fray a throat-tearing screaming vocal and poetic lyricism. Lead guitarist Kyle Cavanaugh from nearby Middlefield, OH, then contacted Shannon and showed interest in joining. Meeker had played with Cavanaugh briefly in the past and encouraged bringing him into the band.
All the pieces assembled, Five Til Ground Zero held their first session in July. The connection was instantaneous and the vision shared between all. The search for a vocalist went on for several months until the right one was found in October of 2007. With the addition of Gene Wilson on vocals, the puzzle was finally complete.
Line-up
Current
- Kyle Cavanaugh - lead & rhythm guitars (2007 - present)
- Mark Shannon - rhythm guitars (2007 - present)
- Tom Zoccolo - bass (2007-Present)
- Christopher Meeker - drums, percussion, lyrics (2007 - present)
- Gene Wilson - vocals, lyrics (2007-present)
- Joe Esposito - keys (2007-present)
Former members
- Kevin Neale - vocals (2007)
Influences
- Pink Floyd
- Tool
- Dream Theater
- Porcupine Tree
- Opeth
- King Crimson
- Between the Buried and Me
- Smashing Pumpkins
- Devin Townsend Band
Discography
Coming Soon!
References
The thoughts and minds of Kyle Cavanaugh and Mark Shannon plus a little boredom. Credits to Christopher Meeker for the biography.