PureVolume

Here's what we're supposed to tell you...

The five years since Torment The Vein formed have been merciless. It’s a cruel world for musicians and crueler still for an original rock band from Syracuse, NY. Undaunted, TTV tore their way onto the scene with music that cuts across the genres: modern rock with a metal edge.

In 2007, they released their debut album, “Faded Life,” which cracks open the afflicted mind of lyricist/vocalist AJ Cole to expose the raw emotion and disturbing struggles within. If you truly wish to experience the Torment, you will find it there. Doug Rice (bass) and Fred Akasha (drums) drive the pulse with emphatic beats and hypnotic cadences. With haunting melodies and cutting tones from Brad Baker (guitar, backup vocals), Torment The Vein’s songs plague the lips and consume the mind.

At TTV’s live performances, fans feed off of a unique energy that compels some to dance, others to mosh and all to break free from their numbness and experience the thrill of mortality. Rocking the stage with the likes of Drowning Pool, Candlebox, Trust Company, The Exies, Framing Hanley, Powerman 5000 and many other great national and local bands, their dedication to quality musicianship has inspired fierce support from fans and music industry representatives on the local and national levels. As a result, Torment The Vein has been featured on special events, compilation discs and radio shows, in print and online publications, and they receive regular radio play in the U.S. and Canada.

But here's the real story:

Torment The Vein vocalist AJ Cole and guitarist Brad Baker started out together in 2004 as an NWA cover band, CWAKBT (Crackers With A Kinda Bad Temper). Though they received little support from the local music community, they did receive several subpoena notices from NWA’s record label. Taking this as an obvious sign of NWA’s fear of their musical ability, CWAKBT decided to focus on creating original music. After a chance encounter at a Punky Brewster fan club meeting, AJ and Brad found ??? (guitar) and Doug Rice (bass) and Torment The Vein was born. They completed their lineup with Fred Akasha, who accidentally responded to their ad for a drummer after confusing the number with an ad for nude models (what an audition that was!).

Hailing from Syracuse, NY, Torment The Vein decided to ignore the local demand for cover bands and hardcore music. Instead they pursued a musical course that would hopefully get them some hot chicks: alterna-metal and power ballads. (Turns out that chicks mostly just like guys that have paying jobs though.)

Though well received in several American states, four European territories, three Canadian provinces and by at least one fan in Poland, Torment The Vein is still struggling to achieve mainstream recognition. Their debut album, “Faded Life,” showcases the band’s musical abilities and exceptional range, but also provides an interesting peek into lyricist AJ Cole’s persistent fear of catfish. “They’re just so creepy with those things growing out of their face,” said Cole in a 2005 interview. “I’m pretty sure they’re aliens.”

Released in 2007, “Faded Life” garnered fast praise from independent reviewers:



“AJ sounds so good on the CD. He always was a talented boy. And he looks so handsome in that picture.” – AJ’s mom

“I like it better than that hip-hop crap. Of course, it’s nothing like the music we had in my day. Frank Sinatra, Fatty Arbuckle, now that was music.” – Brad’s great uncle

“I listen to it over and over again. By the way, can you show me how to shut that CD machine off?” – Fred’s grandmother

“i luv ur cd. u guys r 2 kewl.” – Stacy, MySpace friend
To promote the album, Torment The Vein has big plans for 2009. “I can’t tell you too much,” said Brad Baker, “but I think we all know that headbands will be making a major comeback this year.” There are also rumors of a guest appearance on South Park, but the band says, “That’ll probably never happen.”