Seether - The Surface Seems So Far

Overview

MAMMOTH WVH
First impressions last a lifetime. Wolfgang Van Halen has prepared a lifetime to make his first impression. The songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist worked tirelessly towards the introduction of MAMMOTH [Explorer1], his self-titled 2021 debut album. Playing every instrument and singing each and every note, his music presents a personal and powerful perspective, balancing memorable hooks and tight technicality. As many times as audiences have experienced his talent alongside the likes of Tremonti, Clint Lowery, and of course, Van Halen, they meet Wolf as an individual for the very first time now.
“You only have one chance to make a first impression, and I wanted to do so to the best of my abilities,” he affirms. “Throughout the whole process, I was finding who I am musically and by the end, I got a pretty good handle on a sound I can claim for myself.”
His father often played guitar against his mother’s pregnant belly, and Wolf absorbed those vibrations from the womb. At the age of 10, his Pop gave him a drum kit for his birthday. To this day, Wolf considers himself “a drummer before anything else.” As he developed as a musician, he learned how to play guitar in order to perform “316” — which his father penned for him — at a 6th-grade talent show.
It may come as a surprise, but outside of his father teaching him one drumbeat from an AC/DC song, Wolfgang taught himself every instrument.“My dad wasn’t the best teacher,” he laughs. “I would ask him to play something, and then he would just proceed to be Eddie Van Halen. He would look at me and say, ‘Do that.’ to which I would laugh and sarcastically reply, ‘Sure thing, no problem.’”
In the summer of 2006 when he was 15 years old, Wolf grabbed a bass and began noodling. While at the legendary 5150 Studios, his impromptu woodshedding inspired Eddie and Uncle Alex. Endless family jam sessions followed. By summer’s end, Wolfgang phoned David Lee Roth’s manager and by winter Roth showed up for rehearsal. They rocked “On Fire,” and “That’s how the 2007 tour began,” says Wolf.
Not only did Wolf canvas the world with Van Halen while in high school, but he also held down the low end on 2012’s A Different Kind of Truth—which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200. When not on tour with Van Halen, he cut bass for Tremonti’s critically acclaimed Cauterize [2015] and Dust [2016] in addition to joining the band on the road. In 2019, Wolf handled drums and also played bass on half of the 10 songs for Clint Lowery’s solo debut, God Bless The Renegades.
In the midst of all this, at the beginning of 2015, Wolf broke ground on what would become MAMMOTH with producer Michael “Elvis” Baskette [Alter Bridge, Slash] behind the board. Wolf began to embrace his voice, inspired by everyone from his father, to bands like AC/DC, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, TOOL, and Jimmy Eat World. “I’ve been singing my whole life, but it wasn’t until MAMMOTH that I really found my voice. Elvis was great, and he helped me gain the confidence to become a lead vocalist.”
“The name Mammoth is really special to me.” says Wolf. “Not only was it the name of Van Halen before it became Van Halen, but my father was also the lead singer. Ever since my dad told me this, I always thought that when I grew up, I’d call my own band Mammoth, because I loved the name so much. I’m so thankful that my father was able to listen to, and enjoy the music I made. I’m really proud of the work I’ve done and nothing made me happier than seeing how proud he was that I was continuing the family legacy.”


NONPOINT

Nonpoint: Unveiling the Enigma of a Rock Powerhouse
What defines Nonpoint? Is it their legendary live performances that leave audiences in awe? Is it the continuous torrent of anthems, infectious riffs, and mighty rhythms that emanate from their music? Perhaps it's the compelling lyrics that have played a pivotal role in transforming and shaping lives. Or, equally significant, is it the unwavering commitment of the five remarkable individuals who, night after night, show after show, express their profound gratitude to the devoted fans who come to witness their electrifying performances?
Embracing their roles as masters and pioneers within the nu-metal/rap-rock genre, Nonpoint has remained a well-kept secret in the expansive world of rock and metal. Their music and acclaimed live shows have attracted the attention of music legends from all corners of the industry, each of whom has witnessed the sheer chaos and spellbinding magic that unfolds onstage. Audiences fervently recite the iconic melodies and lyrics delivered by the charismatic frontman, Elias Soriano, whose iconic dreadlocks and magnetic stage presence captivate every onlooker.
Standing beside Elias is the co-founder and showman, Robb Rivera, who generates a rhythmic thunder, soaring through the air before crashing down with unparalleled force, infusing their music with raw energy. Rhythm guitarist, vocalist, and visual performance virtuoso Rasheed Thomas, alongside the dynamic bassist Adam Woloszyn, introduce their commanding presence with hair-whipping theatrics and soaring guitars, effectively redefining the latest incarnation of Nonpoint. The recent addition of lead guitarist Jason Zeilstra has ignited a chemistry that promises to captivate both their loyal fan base and a new generation of listeners, setting the stage for a stellar 2024 for Team Nonpoint.
Now, with the triumph of their new independent label, 361 Degrees Records, Nonpoint has transcended the underground scene and rightfully secured their place in the annals of metal history. They continue to rewrite the rules of engagement with their latest track, "A Million Watts," a quintessential Nonpoint composition that beckons you closer, delivers a thunderous punch to the chest, and locks an infectious lyric in your mind, ensuring it never escapes. This track is featured on their Heartless EP, the highly anticipated follow-up to their 2021 release, Ruthless.
Nonpoint's journey has been marked by a highly successful headline tour with sold-out shows in early 2023, supporting the Psychotherapy Sessions Mudvayne Tour during the summer, and making their way to South America for the Festival Melinia in Chile, where they shared the stage with Evanescence. Wrapping up the year with their latest ticket, THE MILLION WATTS TOUR, which is already selling out fast, Nonpoint shows no signs of slowing down.
Today, Nonpoint continues to receive invitations to headline 2024's premier festivals, such as Sick New World, with more announcements on the horizon for the coming year. Their presence continues to light up streaming platforms, news feeds, social media platforms, and festival stages, cementing the fact that the secret is now out – Nonpoint is a true force of nature and shows no intention of easing off the throttle.