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Alesana

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Alesana

Alesana (often typeset as alesana; Template:PronEng) is a 6-piece American post-hardcore band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The band has so far released one EP, two albums and are featured in seven compilations.

History

Formation and Try This With Your Eyes Closed (2004–2005)

Although the band's members first began playing together in Baltimore, Maryland, the band officially formed in October 2004 in Raleigh, North Carolina by Shawn Milke, Patrick Thompson, Dennis Lee, Steven Tomany and Daniel Magnuson. The name of the band is derived from Alice-anna St., which Shawn Milke and Patrick Thompson lived on when playing in Baltimore, MD. Alice-anna St. is located in Fells Point, a neighborhood in Baltimore. Alesana was the first band to join Tragic Hero Records in 2005, and they 3 demo songs titled "Apology", "Beautiful in Blue" and "Goodbye, Goodnight for Good" which were featured on a compilation All The Tragedy Money Can't Buy. Later they released their debut EP, Try This With Your Eyes Closed, in May of that year. They toured in the United States, including an appearance at the Cornerstone Festival. In the same year Daniel Magnuson was replaced by Will Anderson due to creative differences with Shawn Milke.

On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax (2006–2007)

In 2006 they added a new drummer Jeremy Bryan to replace Will Anderson and added guitarist/vocalist Adam Ferguson to their lineup.[1] They followed with a full-length album, entitled On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax, in the summer of 2006. Many of the songs on the album take inspiration from Greek mythology.[citation needed] In late 2006, they signed on to Fearless Records, which re-released their LP in March 2007 to mixed reviews and released a music video for "Ambrosia". In the same year, the song "Apology" featuring acoustic guitars was featured on Punk Goes Acoustic 2. Later in the middle of the year, Steven Tomany left the band and was replaced by Shane Crump who had previously played bass for Your Name In Vain. They also played at the entire Warped Tour 2007. In early 2008, On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax charted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, peaking at #44.[2]

Where Myth Fades To Legend (2008–present)

In 2008 Alesana finished recording their newest album, "Where Myth Fades To Legend". The album was released on June 3, 2008. Where Myth Fades To Legend is also the title of their headlining tour with Sky Eats Airplane, Our Last Night, Lovehatehero, and The Chariot. Shane Crump was recently revealed in the intro to Alesana's 4th video blog on purevolume to be a vocalist on the new album. Their new album, 'Where Myth Fades To Legend' was leaked on popular torrent sites on May 25, 2008 and released officially on June 3, 2008. All the female vocals done on the band's albums are done by guitarist Shawn Milke's sister, Melissa. Alesana is touring as of November, and will head to the eastern United States, which includes shows in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania with A Static Lullaby, Greeley Estates, Jamies Elsewhere, and many more.

As with their previous album, the majority of the songs are related to fables and the members’ “Favorite Stories” compiled from The Brother’s Grimm. Except for “As You Wish”, that is based on the story The Princess Bride.[citation needed] The only song that isn’t based on anything is “All Night Dance Parties In The Underground Palace.” It was written by Shawn Milke, for his fiance, Naima.[citation needed] The album was produced by Steve Evetts and recorded in Los Angeles, California. The song “Seduction” is said to be the first single from Where Myth Fades To Legend, as well as the music video, which was recorded late summer ‘08. The track “A Most Profound Quiet” has been released on their MySpace page. The Single “Seduction” was leaked onto the internet with the title “Subscription” on the Warped Tour 2008 compilation. According to guitarist/vocalist Shawn Milke, “This is Usually the Part Where People Scream” is influenced by the television show Heroes. “Obsession is Such an Ugly Word” features vocals from the entire band.

Since the release of the album, the band has gone through several line-up changes. On the 2008 Warped Tour, Shane Crump left, and Huck was forced to play bass. They were a bit off for a few days, until Jake Campbell (Twelve Gauge Valentine guitarist) became a temporary fill in bassist. Just recently, they have announced Shane has come back, but Adam has left, and Jake is now the permanent rhythm guitarist.

In 2009 they have also been named along with Nine Inch Nails, Alice in Chains and The Bloodhound Gang to tour Australia with the Soundwave 2009 festival and also this spring Alesana toured with Drop Dead Gorgeous, Fear Before, I Set My Friends On Fire, and Fall From Grace. Due to injury, Shane Crump was forced to play the last two weeks of this tour while on crutches.

On January 20, 2009 the music video for "Seduction" was officially released and on March 10, 2009 the album Punk Goes Pop 2 was released which includes Alesana's cover of "What Goes Around...Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake.

Later in February Shawn Milke said Alesana is starting to write new material for their upcoming album. During their tour, Alesana stated they will be recording their next album over several weeks in Portland, Oregon and are expecting to release it in winter on this year.

Members

Current members
Former members
Contributors
  • Melissa Milke - Female vocals on "The Third Temptation of Paris" and "As You Wish" as well as some backing vocals on other songs
  • Kit Walters - Producer and Backing vocals on "The Third Temptation of Paris"

Associated acts

  • Former drummer Daniel Magnuson joined Left on Cates as his most recent project and his side projects band An Autumn Surrender
  • Former bassist Steven Tomany joined We Were Gentlemen after leaving Alesana
  • Former guitarist/backup vocalist Adam Ferguson and former drummer Will Anderson started Christian Metal band At His Right Hand
  • Current bassist/backup vocalist Shane Crump played bass for Your Name In Vain before he joined Alesana
  • Former drummer Will Anderson joined alternative band Harbor View
  • Former guitarist/backup vocalist Adam "Huck" Ferguson started a solo project called Love Equals Life
  • Current guitarist Jake Campbell played guitar for Twelve Gauge Valentine before he joined Alesana
  • Shawn Milke's sister Melissa Milke, is said to be joining a band called Tempting Paris
  • Shawn Milke's new project is called Wake Me Up, Juliet

Discography

EPs

Albums

  • 2009-10: TBA

Alesana claims they are in the process of writing a new album that will be based on one story and out around next Christmas [5]

Music Videos

  • Ambrosia from On Frail Wings Of Vanity And Wax
  • Seduction from Where Myth Fades To Legend

Compilation Appearances

Unreleased 2003

  • Cancer Or Car Accidents - Baltimore Sessions
  • Days That End In Why - Baltimore Sessions

Trivia

  • "As You Wish", from Where Myth Fades to Legend is based on the story of The Princess Bride.
  • "Obsession is Such an Ugly Word" features vocals from the band.
  • Alesana played the song "Congratulations, I Hate You" in every show, until they toured headlining the Where Myth Fades to Legend tour.
  • The name "Alesana" comes from Alice-Anna street, where Shawn and Patrick were living at the time.
  • Many Alesana songs in the first album are based on mythology, mostly Ancient Greek, for example: "Ambrosia" is based upon King Midas & his golden touch, and "The Third Temptation of Paris" is based upon the Trojan War.
  • "This is Usually the Part Where People Scream" is based on the television program Heroes.
  • The Justin Timberlake's cover was recorded in just 8 hours, drummer Jeremy Bryan was sick and weak from food poisoning the whole time.

References

  1. ^ Alesana at Allmusic
  2. ^ Billboard, Allmusic.com
  3. ^ Band WebsiteList of Original Members
  4. ^ Billboard, Allmusic
  5. ^ http://www.indiestar.tv/
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