What’s wrong with prog-metal? Hard rock music that spans the musical landscape and incorporates influence from artists as varied as Yes, Metallica, Slayer, and Dream Theater.
That is The Contortionist.
The band hails from just up the road, rising from our neighbor to the north, Indianapolis, Indiana. They formed in 2007 around guitarist Robby Baca and his brother, drummer Joey Baca. They soon brought in second guitarist Cameron Maynard, along with bassist Christopher Tilley and vocalist Jonathan Carpenter.
They released their debut EP “Sporadic Movements” in 2007, to mostly positive response from a growing fanbase, as well as local and regional music critics. They followed it with two more EP’s “Shapeshifter” and “Apparition,” in 2008 and 2009, respectively. At that point it was time for The Contortionist to unleash their first full length album “Exoplanet,” 2010. That’s when the band’s career took off as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands on indie-metal circuit. Their insane grab bag of influences gave them a sound unlike anyone else out there.
In 2012, they released the follow-up album “Intrinsic.” The band toured relentlessly behind the album for over a year, playing bars, clubs, theaters, and festivals – anywhere and everywhere to spread their musical gospel. After the tour, with interest in a budding new family and less road time singer Jonathan Carpenter left the band, original bassist Tilley soon followed.
Now, with the addition of Michael Lessard on vocals and Jordan Eberhardt on bass – the band recorded their third album, “Language” and released it last year. The Contortionist is reinvigorated and revitalized with a couple of fresh voices to mix in with their already eclectic set of influences.
The Contortionist plays at Expo 5 tomorrow, May 20th at 7:30 PM. Tickets are still available for $15. Chonos, Auras, Bad People, and Pinfeather will also be on the show.
