Prototype (band)
| Prototype | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Progressive metal, thrash metal |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Labels | Nightmare, MetalAxe, WWIII Music/AMC, Massacre, Sublevel Records |
| Associated acts | Alchemist, Heathen, Warbringer, Steel Prophet, Psychosis |
| Website | www.prototypeonline.com |
| Members | |
| Vince Levalois Kragen Lum Kirk Scherer Pat Magrath |
|
| Past members | |
| Nic Ritter Damion Ramirez Mike Bear Steve Gambina |
|
Prototype is an American progressive metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1994.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] 1990s
Prototype was formed in 1994, when vocalist and guitarist Vince Levalois and guitarist Kragen Lum stopped performing as the Los Angeles band Psychosis and decided change the band's name to Prototype. They quickly hired a new drummer, Damion Ramirez (Fathom, Capitol Eye, Long Beach Shortbus), and a new bassist, Stephen Gambina (Æon Spoke), and began recording new compositions of their debut release, a demo titled Seed. The critically acclaimed cassette contained only three songs: "Seed", "Shine", and "Dead of Jericho". All three tracks later appeared on two more of the band's albums. Critics worldwide[who?] praised the demo and even referred to it as a benchmark for modern progressive metal.
In 1997, new drummer Pat Magrath (Killing Culture, Steel Prophet) and new bassist Mike Bear were added to the band, replacing Damion Ramirez and Steve Gambina respectively. The new Prototype line-up began recording the band's debut EP, Cloned, which was released in 1998.
In 1999, Mike Bear was replaced by a new bassist, Kirk Scherer.
[edit] 2000s
In 2002, Pat Magrath left Prototype. The same year, the band appeared on Phantom Lords - A Tribute to Metallica covering Metallica's song "Battery".
The band's first full length album, Trinity, was released in 2002. The following year, five songs from the album were featured on the soundtrack for the video game True Crime: Streets of LA.
The band's second full length and latest album, Continuum, was released in 2006. Pat Magrath guested on one track while the balance of the drum tracks were performed by Damion Ramirez. Also, the first track from the album, "The Way It Ends" was featured as a bonus song on the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Lum, Levalois, and Scherer were endorsed by Jackson Guitars for two years and appeared in the product catalogs. Lum's custom seven string Soloist was featured in the catalog's custom shop guitars.
In 2008, Prototype enlisted drummer Nic Ritter, who currently performs in Los Angeles thrash metal band Warbringer. Due to Ritter's commitments with Warbringer, the band decided to re-enlist former drummer Pat Magrath in 2009. 2008 also saw Kragen Lum join the revamped line up for San-Francisco Bay Area Thrash band Heathen.
[edit] 2010s
Prototype will release their 3rd full length album “CATALYST” in early 2012 via Nightmare Records. Nearly 2 years in the making, “CATALYST” is a science fiction themed concept album featuring 12 tracks and over 60 minutes of all new music. The effort was produced by PROTOTYPE and is currently being mixed by Neil Kernon. “CATALYST” will be mastered by Alan Douches and artwork will once again be created by Travis Smith. The official release date for the album will be announced soon.
[edit] Band members
- Current members
- Vince Levalois – vocals, guitars
- Kragen Lum – guitars
- Pat Magrath – drums
- Kirk Scherer – bass guitar
[edit] Discography
[edit] In popular culture
- In 2004, an instrumental version of the Prototype song "Probe" was featured on the MTX Mototrax video game.
- Several of their songs, including "Pure", "Shine" and "Trinity" are featured in the 2004 video game True Crime: Streets of L.A..
- In 2006, the song "Synthespian" appeared on the Wii game Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam.
- In 2007, Prototype's song "The Way It Ends" was featured as a playable song in Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
