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If you're ready for some face melting, heart pounding, yet melodious and chill giving music, then I have one name for you.  Carbon 9.

 This LA band caught my attention when I received a friend request for the band's page on myspace.  Now, before I add any band that I don't know, I do a quick sound bite review of what they have on their playlist.  And as I was busy, I did a very quick listen, not enough to get immersed, but enough to know that I was going to like them.  So, I added them without hesitation.  When I got around to having more time on my hands, I went back to their profile and kicked on their playlist.  And I was amazed at what I was hearing.

Carbon 9 is made up of a stellar group of musicians, including:  Stacey Quinealty on vocals that are haunting,to say the least, Darwin DeVitis on guitars that are a driving force, Danny Cistone on amazing backing vocals, Omar D Brancato on bass and Matti Milani on drums providing a combination that lays a heart pounding foundation.

Recently signed with WorldSound Music, they are taking the US by storm, having sold over 5000 copies of their albums and can be heard on XM Satellite Radio.  They've played some of LA's top venues, received numerous awards and have even recorded for companies such as:  McDonalds, Radio Shack and Warner Bros.  They are also big internationally in Germany and Russia and will soon be released in Japan.

What I would call the band's mission statement sums up this intense quintet.  "Know who you are, know who you are not and while doing so, do not lose sight of humanity. Beware of the advancements in technology splitting apart the human psyche".  Their new CD entitled The Bull, which hits stores on February 24th, drives forth the message, "You are not alone."

Now that we broken down the band, or I should say have been broken down by the band, let me turn your attention to the music.  The first song I want to hit on is their take on Danzig's Mother.  When I first started listening to it, I thought, Naaahhhhhh.  The opening arrangement is so unique and amazing.... I was hearing words that I knew to a mind blowing new take on the song.  As the song broke out of the intro into the first verse, I had goosebumps on goosebumps and had to stop multitasking and just absorbe the music and give it my undivided attention.  Very rarely will I say that a remake of a song is ever better than the original, however, this is one time that I will go on record saying that Carbon 9's version of Mother puts it's original counterpart to shame, and I say this with no disrespect towards Danzig.

The scorching track My Friend starts out with guitar that's like a punch to the gut, with vocals that make you feel you've stepped into the presence of the likes of the Vampire Lestat, holding you captive.  It's a hard hitting song you feel to your bones, with lyrics that say, "I'm ripping out my hair and tearing off my skin,  while watching you call everyone, my friend, my friend."   Back stabbers and betrayers beware, this song will shake you to your core as it will call you out, but then, maybe that's just what you need.

For a fuller sampling of this groundbreaking, innovative band that truly stands with a sound all their own, you can visit their myspace page or their official web site at:
www.myspace.com/carbon9
www.carbon9.com

BUT, be sure to don that fire proof gear if you don't want your face melted off!

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