NEWS: Holdstrong is trying out drummers and 2nd guitarists right now. Matt and Dan decided they weren't into it anymore. As soon as Holdstrong finds new members they will finish writing the songs for the new full length and will do a short tour. Please email pindrop1@ix.netcom.com if you live in the MA area and would like to try out. Holdstrong wishes to thank everyone that came out to their shows on the Holdstrong/Brother's Keeper/78days Tour this past June.
Holdstrong formed in the Spring of 93, with core members Matt Myrdal and Bill Cole. That summer they replaced the original singer with Chris Berthiaume and recorded their first effort "Gaining Ground" (PDR01) which was released as the first record ever put out by Pin Drop Records, and which proved to be the start of success for both the band and the label.
After a few lineup changes and an extensive amount of local touring, they were ready to release newer material, which formed the basis for their CD "Nothing In Return" (PDR04) and which ultimately gained them a national level of notoriety and distribution. At the time of that recording, an almost permanent lineup of the band included Chris Berthiaume on vocals and Tim Carlson on bass, in addition to Matt and Bill.
Second guitarist, Dan Reynolds was added right after the "Nothing in Return" CD came out. With a new fuller sound and a new CD out the band embarked on a very successful national tour. Upon returning, they hit the practice space with fury, churning out even more intense material.
With the addition of permanent bassist Desmond Connolly, they recorded four songs to release as the 7" "Pursuit In the Face of Misfortune" (PDR06). Unfortunatly the recording had to be rushed to have it out in time for the upcoming tour that was planned. Amazingly the songs came out incredable! Some of the best material Holdstrong has ever recorded.
A second national tour in support of the "Pursuit" 7" hit the streets in the summer of '97. The tour took Holdstrong and Grimlock all over the US including places as far away from their home(MA) as Seattle, WA, California, Arizona and Denver, CO. They were lucky enough to hook up with some other great bands when they were out on the west coast. Bands like Harvest, Endeavor, Eyelid and Painstake.
At this present time, Holdstrong is doing shows up and down the East Coast. The band is also working on 2 new releases. One will be a 7" with 3 or 4 new songs for More Than Words Records in Japan. The other is a new full length CD that Pin Drop will put out. Plans are to get that out by the middle of summer '98. Two US tours are in the works for this summer. In June they are going out in the northeast with Brother's Keeper and 78days. Then at the end of August a US tour is planned with Die My Will and Barrit. So keep an eye out for a show near you.
For more info visit their site .. and go to the shows page to see when they are playing near you.
