A little history lesson for those of you who'd like to keep the memory going
In summer of 2007 the band formerly known as Dreams Die First ended a long run and decided to disband, playing one final show. At this final show though, the band announced their plans to take most of the same members, with a few additions, and make an entirely new band together; This creation was HellacopterDino. At this show the first new member, Johnnie Pimentel (Guitar), was brought in.
Shortly after they had their first few practices as a band, playing original work composed by Tom Porcella (Main screams, backup vocals) and Jon Leyden (Main vocals, backup screams). Besides Johnnie, the band also consisted of Trevor Bergero (Drums) and Cameron Wansley (Bass). About a month before their first show Kevin Erwin was finally brought in on Synth. It was at this time that the band dropped the silly name of HellacopterDino, and adopted their new permanent name, Tetragrammatron.
Their first show as a full band was on Dec. 1st at everyone's favorite Concord venue, "Bourbon Street." Needless to say, the show was a failure, but they went on to play an epic second show at "The Red House" in Walnut Creek where the sealed their name in the scene and gained an immediate fan base. Through the course of the winter they began recording at singer Jon's Lightning Studios. Recordings were going fairly smooth until a few controversies erupted between the band and Jon, which lead to his replacement by singer Marcus Russel of Action Tycoon. The only song released was "Intro," a song that will be requested for re-up till the end of time. [edit: song is now up for a limited time]
With the new lineup, the band started off 2008 with a bang, playing all over the Bay Area and surrounding areas, driving extreme distances to please their fans. The new year brought a surge of genius as Tetragrammatron, or "TGT", wrote some of the area's most original music. Fusing half of the members experience in full orchestral and jazz bands with everyone's experience of living in the Bay Area Hardcore and Metal scene, TGT set out to be original, and it kept them getting show after show throughout the year.
In late March TGT found TWS Recordings (now known as The Lion's Den) and recorded a 3-song EP titled "Islands," which skyrocketed their fanbase and opened them up to a brand new class of shows. The songs "The Whore Of Babylon" and "Satirefaction" were instantly crowd favorites, so a satisfied TGT returned to TWS Recordings in May to record another 3-song EP, releasing it alongside the arrival of their new shirts (which were short lived). In total the band had a songlist of about 25, only actually playing about 10 of them live.
Come June, bassist Cameron was forced to leave to Rhode Island for the summer, so a great friend of TGT's, Cody Koroslev, stepped in to help fill the spot. The band wrote several new songs with Cody, playing shows alongside I Am Ghost and Eyes Set To Kill at TGT's all time favorite venue, "Blakes on Telegraph."
At the end of August TGT played what was supposed to be their final show, and they announced their hiatus which was supposed to be over in the new year. Kevin was leaving the band for the Academy of Art, and every other member was either going full time into work, school, or both. After a little more than a month, the members couldn't handle it any more, and decided to get back together with Cameron (who recently returned from RI) on Synth.
The band wrote several brand new songs, and played quite possibly their biggest show ever at "The Red House" for Will of Lane Photography's birthday. Sadly, two days after the show, Marcus left the band for a spot in the band We're Not Friends Anymore from the Discovery Bay/Brentwood area. A month passed of the remaining members jamming, trying to write new material, and looking for a new singer before they decided on a coin toss to end the band.
It was a peaceful departure, as almost all of the members, even former keyboardist Kevin, still hangout together and try to find new ways to incorporate themselves in to the music scene. Every single member is in some sort of project with another, and are continuing to tear it up here in the bay area.
It was a wonderful experience for all of us, and you'll be able to see our future work posted here for all to see.
Thank you for giving us the spark to keep the flame going, we would have been nothing without our fans
Sincerely,
Tetragrammatron
