Evident even in its name, Divided We Stand is not a band that bows to clichés. The five- piece metal band combines melodic, clean vocals with heavy rock instrumentals to create music that sounds like a mash-up of some of the best rock bands in the industry. Bands that come to mind include the likes of Atreyu, Breaking Benjamin, Escape the Fate, and for a fleeting moment, even System of the Down.
“I think Joe and Phil used to be in church music,” Randy, the band’s bassist, explains. “The
drummer – Mike – has played in some local bands, and I think he played in church a little
too… [He] loves All that Remains, and power metal. Our lead guitarist listens to crazy
experimental type metal, like Meshuggah. It makes you feel like you’re hallucinating when
you’re listening to them.”
He adds with a chuckle, “I used to play in death metal bands. Now I’m playing with a band
that sings. It’s almost like having an extra instrument in the band. I like it… It was an
adjustment for the lead singer too, because his favorite band is Coldplay and Bono is his
idol… A lot of bands start heavy and then incorporate singing. He’s doing the opposite…
now he’s learning how to do screams.”
In fact, when Joe showed up at the band’s audition, he had no real intention of joining, but
later changed his mind. And in spite of Joe’s unusual background for heavy rock, Randy
says of his band mate, “He was a good fit. He has a good voice.”
That voice continued to grow as the band put out two albums, and then later began
working on singles. Joe has definitely gained more confidence as a metal vocalist since his
earlier days in the band – perhaps under the tutelage of his death-metal- loving band mate?
Aside from the amazing musical range of all its members, the band also has another
strength: its mainstream appeal. Divided We Stand essentially swallows all that’s good in
mainstream music – high quality recordings and videos, bi-annual touring, radio-friendly
lyrics, and infectious melodies – and then spits out the rest.
This mainstream appeal and good deal of airplay on local radio stations, helped earned
them the opportunity to share stages with bands like Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, and
Mushroomhead.
It’s also allowed them to work with big names behind the scenes, like Travis Wyrick, who
has also worked with notable musicians like P.O.D., 10 Years, and Dolly Parton.
When asked about how the band came by its own notable name, Randy laughs. “We
debated it for a long time… We started arguing about it, and we picked the name because
we were pretty divided about what the name should be. And that’s kind of what’s going on
in the world. So… Divided We Stand.”
Interested in seeing more of the band? Divided We Stand recently put out a video for its
single ‘New Era’ and is working on making new music.
Keep an ear out. They’re definitely worth the listen!
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