Halo Fall

Gynkst started as a cover band in 2002. The Original members were Allison Hunt (Vocals), Anthony (Drums), and Tony Columbari (Guitar). They stayed mainly towards No Doubt, Garbage, and other poppy radio songs. Their first live show was at a Happy Joes in Bettendorf that Tonys guitar teacher (Ken Klein) had arranged for them.

They started practicing with Ken Klein in the Griggs basement (a local guitar store) where the trio met guitar player Ike Skelley, another one of Kens students. And immediately they noticed a great deal of talent. Allison asked him to come to practice in 2003 and fell in love with his style. The need for another sound in the band was becoming apparent. Not wanting to sound like other local bands they recruited Mary Turner (An acquaintance of a few of the band members) to play electric violin in December of 2003. She added an original element that set Gynkst apart from other local bands.

Next they needed a bass player. Allison had recently talked with an old friend, Justin Detoye, who was interested in the position. He was a guitar player, but had been out of a band for too long and just wanted to play again. He joined the band in 2004 as bass player.

The band started working on original songs and wrote a self recorded demo in guitar player Tony Columbarris basement. The demo had poor sound quality and was not entirely representative of the direction the band was going.

Soon it would become obvious that Tony wanted to go a separate direction then the bands harder, yet melodic sound. He left the band in August of 04 and Justin assumed role of rhythm guitar. The band needed another bass player and fast. Their first show with the new style was coming up and they needed a replacement. Ike had a friend, Madric or Derek Weipert, who he gave guitar lessons to, who was interested. Madric tried out and did an awesome job for his first time picking up a bass. Madric was in and the band was finally complete.

Since their first show they have opened for major acts: Kittie, Otep and Crisis. They have won 3 out of 4 battle of the bands they have taken place in. Gynkst has done many local shows in the Quad Cities area and recorded a 3 song demo with local legend Steve Ripley. They continue making wonderful music together and hope to for years and years to come.



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