Thomas Erak
Thomas Erak | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | March 7, 1985 |
| Origin | Mukilteo, Washington |
| Genres | progressive rock, post-hardcore, mathcore, math rock, progressive metal, rock and roll |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | vocals, guitar, keyboards, drums |
| Years active | 2002-present |
| Labels | Equal Vision, Lujo, Razor & Tie |
Thomas Erak is an American musician from Mukilteo, Washington, best known as a founding member of the Seattle-based progressive post-hardcore band, The Fall of Troy and as a former member of the band Chiodos.[1]
Early life and youth career
Erak attended Kamiak High School and graduated in 2003. While there, he met fellow Fall of Troy member Andrew Forsman while participating in the Kamiak Show Band drumline.[2] Along with classmates Mike Munro and Tim Ward, they formed a band called The 30 Years War. Munro left the band during their late high school years, and in 2003 the remaining members renamed the band to The Fall of Troy.
Career
The Fall of Troy
After forming in 2003, while in high school, the band released their first album through Lujo Records. Erak remained with the band until their 2010 hiatus, and joined again in 2013 when the band announced its reunion.
Chiodos
In 2012, Erak joined Chiodos as the lead guitarist and backup vocalist. He is featured on their 2014 album, Devil.[3][4]
He left Chiodos on December 9, 2014 to focus on the next The Fall of Troy album.[5]
Other Groups
Following the 2010 breakup of The Fall of Troy, Erak formed the band Just Like Vinyl.[3] He also spent a brief period of time as the drummer for The Monday Mornings. Forsman replaced him when he left. In early 2015, Erak performed with instrumental progressive rock band Chon at SXSW for Audiotree, and played a variety of songs from The Fall of Troy, Just Like Vinyl, and a cover of Nirvana's 'Heart Shaped Box'. Despite being called a one of a kind performance, Thomas has since played 2 other shows with Chon. At the Audiotree Music Festival 2016 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, members of Chon featured with The Fall of Troy in multiple songs. Then, on Chon's "Super Chon Bros" tour stop in Detroit, Michigan, Thomas performed on Chon's song "Can't Wait" and then the group proceeded to play The Fall of Troy's song F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.
Discography
Studio Albums
The Thirty Years War
The Fall of Troy
- The Fall of Troy (2003)
- Ghostship EP/Demo (2004)
- Doppelgänger (2005)
- Manipulator (2007)
- Phantom on the Horizon EP (2008)
- In the Unlikely Event (2009)
- OK (2016)
Just Like Vinyl
- Just Like Vinyl (2010)
- Black Mass (2012)
Chiodos
- Devil (2014)
Live Albums
The Thirty Years War
- Live at the Paradox (2002)
The Fall of Troy
- Live at the Boardwalk (2007)
Collaborations
- "I.D.F.A.R." (with Ashley Mendel and Ben Kenney)
- Multiple songs and features throughout The Woods Brothers' debut album. (Also featuring Casey Crescenzo of The Dear Hunter)
Guest Appearances
- Fear Before
- "Review Our Lives (Epic)" (2008)
References
- ^ "The Fall of Troy: Equal Vision Records". Equal Vision. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ Lentz, Andrew. "Andrew Forsman: Young Prog Warrior". Drum Magazine. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ a b Whitt, Cassie. "Chiodos officially welcome Thomas Erak to the band". Alternative Press. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ Heisel, Scott. "Interview: Thomas Erak on roller skating mishaps, karaoke dreams and (maybe) joining Chiodos". Alternative Press. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ^ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/thomas_erak_exits_chiodos_in_order_to_focus_on_the_fall_of_troy