Artist Bio
POWND – biography (Nightmare Records )
The hard-rocking, heavy-hitting band Pownd hails from Kentucky, but you'll probably be seeing them soon at a venue near you. With the January 2007 release of their first CD on a national label (Circle of Power-Nightmare Records) they promise to capture the ears of fans and industry professionals alike with their brand of old-style rock armored in metal. The range of subject matter and diverse stylistic influences evident in the 11 songs on Circle of Power guarantees that serious metal enthusiasts and non-metal fans alike will find something to love. Like many metal bands, most of their material is original. But what sets Pownd apart is their skilled song craft, tight arrangements, and flawless execution. Listeners will find everything from melodic mid-tempo ballads to gritty hard-core originals with driving riffs and intricate rhythms. Much of the material is derived from personal experiences of "the trials that every soul goes through", and the group often collaborates on writing.
Continuing in the tradition of some of rock's most successful bands, Pownd was founded by brothers Michael and Ronnie Duncan. Vocalist/Songwriter Michael boasts formidable songwriting chops, a virtuostic range, and a soaring melodic voice that can reach near-impossible highs. Guitarist Ronnie's solid playing, incredible taste, and meticulous attention to tone help create the grooves and leads that define Pownd's melodic mega-riff sound. Rick Sargent is the shredder of the dual guitar attack and adds solid harmonies. Bassist Steve Watts incorporates technique and soul in equal measure, performing melodic bass lines with grace and precision. Drummer Clint McMaine drives the band's sound with power, passion; and hook-filled rhythms; his band mates say he's "the rock that makes us roll".
Pownd formed in 1996, released a DIY album in 1998 which sold faster than they could burn them, and toured almost every state in America. Despite their goals to take their music to a higher level, Pownd never compromised by jumping on the latest trends to try and be more popular. Their dedication to their artistic vision began to pay off with the acquisition of manager David Jones of Soldier of Rock Entertainment, their tours with major bands like Iced Earth, Rob Halford, Opeth, Nevermore, Children of Bodom, and ultimately, their contract with national label Nightmare Records based in St. Paul, MN. Their music will also be featured in the upcoming horror movie Stash, and they will tour extensively in 2007 in support of Circle of Power.
Pownd has clearly struck a nerve with fans both at home and abroad. Pownd has that magical and original "special something" that is so hard to define, but so easy to recognize when you hear it. They are a band that can explore dark territory lyrically, and still
have some fun along the way. Listeners might want to check out track #4 from Circle of Power, The Stand, an anthemic, hook-filled rocker about not getting caught up in someone else's drama.
To find out more, to listen, to buy, or just to hang out, visit:
www.pownd.com
www.myspace.com/pownd
www.nightmare-records.com
NIGHTMARE RECORDS & DISTRIBUTION
7751 Greenwood Drive,
St. Paul, MN 55112 U.S.A.
Tel 763-784-9654 / Fax 763-784-7914
