Sight Unscene

Sight Unscene has been wooing the ears of headbangers with its blistering but melodic brand of metal since the release of their debut album “Devils in the Details” in 2007. Sung vocals are punctuated by enthusiastic screams while the instrumental aspect of the songs reflect that dichotomy, offering bright, strong melodies incarnated as heady, hard metal.
The foundation for Sight Unscene was laid in 2004 when guitarist Mike Halsdorff posted an ad seeking a drummer. At the time, Halsdorff’s band was intact, but by the time he received a response from drummer John Jackson, Halsdorff’s group had withered away. But with Halsdorff undeterred and Jackson aboard, plus the addition of lead guitarist Tony LaMarra, a friend of John’s – Sight Unscene was formed. The trio – still operating under the banner of Beneath the Surface, the name of Mike’s old, now-defunct band – began what became the lengthy task of finding a bass player and a singer. In the process, Beneath the Surface became Rhetoric.
In 2005, Anthony Dedrick joined up, offering his bass services. The next step was another name change and in 06 the group officially became Sight Unscene. Eventually, with the vocal slot unfilled, Anthony agreed to take on the singing & screaming duties as well. In 07 with the release of the full length “Devils” the band quickly established themselves on the San Diego & SoCal club circuit. Having proven himself behind the mic, Erik Robertson was brought into the fold in 08 to take over on bass and allow Dedrick to focus his energies on vocals – a decision the band says opened up its creative possibilities exponentially.
The 5 piece was hard at work in 09 writing and recording their sophomore effort, entitled “Resilience”, due out in May of 2010. Such tracks as the band’s electrifying new single “Conviction in Silence” – which also boasts a video – reveal what a fusion occurred with the combined talent of these musicians. Dueling vocals, heavy but harmonious guitar melodies and a groove-rich rhythm section come together in a sizzling union of musical elements that rises into being as rich, colorful modern metal. “It definitely represents the elements of our sound – up-tempo drums, catchy riffs played on heavy distorted guitars, some vicious screams mixed into catchy clean vocals over a melodic chorus, some ripping guitar solos, melodic breakdowns with clean guitars, lots of melody and more,” enthuses one band member.
The path to putting Sight Unscene together was long and challenging, but, say these metal performers, it was worth it to see a bright future opening up. More information is available by visiting www.myspace.com/sightunscene.