Strata (band)
| Strata | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Campbell, California, United States |
| Genres |
Alternative metal hard rock post grunge nu metal |
| Years active | 2000–2008; 2014-present |
| Labels | Wind-up Records |
| Associated acts | Beta State, The Limousines |
| Website | stratadirect.com |
| Members |
Ryan Hernandez Eric Victorino Hrag Chanchanian Andy Bailey |
| Past members |
Adrian Robison Patrick Spain |
Strata is an Alternative Metal band from Campbell, California formed in 2000. They released two full-length albums with Wind-up Records, before disbanding[1] after the departure of vocalist Eric Victorino on 19 January 2008.[2][3] In 2014 the band reunited, minus Adrian Robinson on drums, replaced by longtime friend of the band Andy Bailey.[4]
History
In 2001, under the name Downside, the band released the nine-track EP Sleep. Issues surrounding the name being trademarked by another band caused the band to change their name to Strata. In 2003, after changing the band name to Strata, they released the seven-track EP Now the Industry is Outnumbered. Their Factories are Burning Down.[5]
Self-titled album (2004)
In 2004, they released their first full-length album on Wind-up Records. The album was featured on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, where it peaked at number forty-one.[6] The album contained a lot of revised material from their previous Internet-only release When It's All Burning, and EP Now the Industry is Outnumbered. Their Factories are Burning Down'.[5] The album spawned two singles: "The Panic" and "Never There (She Stabs)," which were accompanied by music videos. Another song, "Piece By Piece", was featured on the soundtrack for the movie The Punisher, and the video game Madden NFL 2005.[7] "Never There (She Stabs)" was featured on the soundtrack of the movie Elektra.[8] During 2004, the band toured with Alien Ant Farm, dredg, Sno-Core, Smile Empty Soul, Finger Eleven, Nonpoint, and Skindred.[5]
The End of the World (2007)
On 17 July 2007, the band released their second full-length album, titled Strata Presents The End of the World. The album spawned two singles, "Cocaine (We're All Going to Hell)"[9] and "Stay Young". Critics noted a departure from the band's previous nu-metal grunge sound, into a more 'atmospheric' and 'epic' sound, similar to that of My Chemical Romance or the Mars Volta.[10]
In September 2007, Strata toured with Kaddisfly.[11] The tour was their first co-headlining tour and covered most of the United States West Coast. Between 29 November 2007 and 16 December 2007, Strata toured the West Coast of the U.S., beginning in Orangevale, California and finishing in San Francisco.
Hiatus, disbandment, and reunion (2008-2014)
On January 19, 2008, vocalist Eric Victorino announced that he was leaving the band, stating that he wanted to explore his creativity,[1] and encouraging fans to "let this be a time of growth and evolution, a celebration of the past eight years and anticipation of what's to come." The band was subsequently disbanded, with Hernandez and Robison forming a new project titled Beta State.[1] Victorino later started a new band named The Limousines, and also published two books; a short story and poetry compilation titled Coma Therapy, and Trading Shadows for Sunshine: A Loosely Chronicled Descent into the World of Exercise Bikes and Antidepressants.[12] On September 17, 2010, Beta State released their full-length album entitled Stars. On August 30, 2011, a reissue of Sleep was released to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release of the EP, which includes previously unreleased songs, demos, and acoustic songs.
In early 2014, Victorino and Hernandez began posting pictures and videos of the members practicing songs from both of their studio albums as well as setlists, causing rumor of a reunion. Strata has begun playing shows again, and officially announced their reunion in June 2014. Drummer Adrian Robinson was invited to join, but declined. Longtime friend of the band Andy Bailey has joined on drums.[4]
Members
Current Lineup
- Ryan Hernandez – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Synthesizer, Piano
- Hrag Chanchanian – Bass, Piano
- Eric Victorino – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Andy Bailey – Drums
Former Members
- Adrian Robinson – Drums, Percussion, Programming
- Patrick Spain – Drums
Discography
| Date of Release | Title | Label |
| 2001 | Sleep | Self-released |
| 2003 | Now the Industry... | Self-released |
| July 27, 2004 | Strata | Wind-up |
| July 17, 2007 | Strata Presents The End of the World | Wind-up |
Other independent releases:
"For testing purposes V1.0" (2000)
track list:
1. Sapphire
2. Flawless
3. Die Together
4. Champagne
"Falling Asleep" [2000]
1. Medicinal
2. Sleep
Breather Promo disc [2001]
1. Off Axis (Colour)
2. Recover
- Enhanced portion contains live "Sleep" video
Downside Demo [2002]
1. I Will Breathe Fire
2. She Stabs
3. The Panic
Klown Demos [2002]
1. The Panic
2. New Eternal
3. I Will Breathe Fire
4. In A Sweet Dream
5. She Stabs
6. Sleep
7. Just Like Silk
"When It's All Burning" (2003)
track list:
1. In/evolve
2. When It's All Burning
3. You Are Eternal
4. White Hot Light
5. I Will Breathe Fire
6. Piece By Piece
7. Trust Kill Trust
8. The Panic
9. Waiting
10. Never There
11. Just Like Silk
12. We've Changed
13. In A Sweet Dream
14. Out/slow To Home
Singles
| Year | Title | US Modern Rock | US Mainstream Rock | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | "The Panic" | — | —- | Strata |
| 2005 | "Never There" | — | —- | |
| 2007 | "Cocaine (We're All Going to Hell)" | — | — | Strata Presents The End of the World |
| 2007 | "Stay Young" | —- | — | |
References
- 1 2 3 "Former Strata in Beta Stage". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ "Writing Coma". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ "Eric Victorino Leaves Strata". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- 1 2 "Strata Returns to the Stage at Blank Club This Weekend". Retrieved 25 June 2014.
- 1 2 3 Quelland,Sarah. "The buzz over Strata heats up, and the Campbell band fires up the fans". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ allmusic
- ↑ Green Day Unveiling Song In 'Madden' Game - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News
- ↑ Diettinger, Cristina. "How A Breakup, Existential Angst And Acid Reflux Inspired Strata's New Single". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ "Interview With Eric Victorino of Strata". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ "Strata - Strata Presents The End of The World". Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ Hill, Ian (September 21, 2007). "La Circa kicks off 209Vibe launch". 209Vibe.com. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
- ↑ "Eric Victorino: Songwriter, Singer, Author". June 24, 2008. Retrieved 29 October 2009.