Spring Break
Bringing the hard rock back to Corvallis
Jenna Santelli
Issue date: 2/16/07 Section: Diversions
When people think of Corvallis' band scene, many think of ska and punk music (thanks to Sweater Club), but most people don't think of hard rock. Dark Shark is trying to change that.
Dark Shark was founded in September of 2005 and was finalized last year as the band it is currently. Previously known as Honest to Empire, the band just changed its name to Dark Shark in recent weeks; however the band continues to play its unique brand of progressive rock, influenced by hard rock with a hint of metal.
"We want to bring the hard rock back to Corvallis," bassist Peter Mart said. "We just want to put on show that will rock our audience's faces off."
But don't think this band is going to do a lot of screaming. "We don't want to be like other types of bands. We are trying to be unique," the band members said.
Unique they are, with their creative lyrics and highly energized shows by which people do rock their faces off.
"We love to have fun and show passion about our music," added Mart, whose face lit up every time he talked about the band.
Including Mart, the band has five members and is led by vocalist Roland Ashton. To accompany Ashton's vocals and lyrics are Justin Gibson as lead guitarist and backup singer, Ryan Ronnander on rhythm guitar and Charley McGowan on the drums.
Dark Shark cites many influences, ranging from "speed metal" band Dragon Force, to other bands of hard rock like Dream Theatre and Metallica, to even the classic rock band Led Zeppelin.
"I listen to a lot of funk drummers, which I incorporate into our sound as well," said McGowan, who has been playing the drums for 12 years now.
If you want to rock your face off and enjoy a highly energized show, go and check out Dark Shark at the Wish Upon a Rockstar event Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in Milam Auditorium or check out the band's MySpace account.
Rock on!
Dark Shark was founded in September of 2005 and was finalized last year as the band it is currently. Previously known as Honest to Empire, the band just changed its name to Dark Shark in recent weeks; however the band continues to play its unique brand of progressive rock, influenced by hard rock with a hint of metal.
"We want to bring the hard rock back to Corvallis," bassist Peter Mart said. "We just want to put on show that will rock our audience's faces off."
But don't think this band is going to do a lot of screaming. "We don't want to be like other types of bands. We are trying to be unique," the band members said.
Unique they are, with their creative lyrics and highly energized shows by which people do rock their faces off.
"We love to have fun and show passion about our music," added Mart, whose face lit up every time he talked about the band.
Including Mart, the band has five members and is led by vocalist Roland Ashton. To accompany Ashton's vocals and lyrics are Justin Gibson as lead guitarist and backup singer, Ryan Ronnander on rhythm guitar and Charley McGowan on the drums.
Dark Shark cites many influences, ranging from "speed metal" band Dragon Force, to other bands of hard rock like Dream Theatre and Metallica, to even the classic rock band Led Zeppelin.
"I listen to a lot of funk drummers, which I incorporate into our sound as well," said McGowan, who has been playing the drums for 12 years now.
If you want to rock your face off and enjoy a highly energized show, go and check out Dark Shark at the Wish Upon a Rockstar event Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in Milam Auditorium or check out the band's MySpace account.
Rock on!
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