The Human Abstract (band)

Last updated
The Human Abstract
Tfoiles THA DV small.jpg
Background information
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Progressive metal, [1] metalcore, [2] mathcore [3]
Years active2004 (2004)–2013
Labels Hopeless, eOne Music
MembersDean Herrera
Brett Powell
A.J. Minette
Travis Richter
Henry Selva
Past membersNick Olaerts
Kenny Arehart
Nathan Ells
Mike Nordeen
Sean Leonard
Andrew Tapley
Trevor Taylor

The Human Abstract was an American progressive metalcore band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 2004, the group was originally signed to the independent label Hopeless Records, the band then released the two albums Nocturne (2006) and Midheaven (2008) before signing to eOne Music and releasing Digital Veil (2011). The Human Abstract went through several lineup changes over the years, with the final consisting of founding members Dean Herrera, A.J. Minette and Brett Powell, in addition to Henry Selva and Travis Richter.

Contents

History

Formation and Nocturne (2004–2007)

The Human Abstract formed in Los Angeles, California in 2004 with guitarists Dean Herrera and A.J. Minette, drummer Brett Powell, bassist Kenny Arehart, and vocalist Nick Olaerts. The group's name was derived from the title of a William Blake poem published in Songs of Experience in 1794. The band soon released a two-track demo to sell at live performances. They would later record additional demos with Jonny Santos of Spineshank and Silent Civilian, and Logan Mader formerly of Machine Head, Soulfly and Medication. [4] The Human Abstract signed to the independent record label Hopeless Records in 2005. [5]

In late 2006, Nick Olaerts was replaced by Nathan Ells before heading into the studio to record the band's first full-length release, Nocturne . They released their debut album on Hopeless Records on August 22, 2006.

Midheaven (2008–2009)

Their album Midheaven was released on August 19, 2008.

In the past they have toured with bands such as All That Remains, The Devil Wears Prada, As I Lay Dying, God Forbid, Misery Signals, Every Time I Die, The Bled, August Burns Red, Shai Hulud, Folly, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Protest the Hero, It Dies Today, Mushroomhead, Mnemic, Goatwhore, Look What I Did, Arsis, and The Chariot.

The Human Abstract performed on 2007's Vans Warped Tour and 2008's Take Action Tour featuring Every Time I Die, From First To Last, The Bled, and August Burns Red. In fall 2008, they toured with the Japanese band Dir En Grey.

Nathan Ells addressed a situation regarding A.J. Minette in an interview stating, "A.J. was tired of playing metal, plain and simple, and the rest of the band wants to continue the high-energy live shows and hard edged sound that we have fashioned and developed over the past two years." [6]

Minette was quoted as saying "I don't feel like I can get onstage and feel honest about playing metal anymore. The rest of the band felt that totally changing the sound would have been "like a smack in the face to all those that had been coming out and supporting the shows." [7]

As of January 9, 2009, Henry Selva was named permanent bass player for the group. Selva originally filled in after Kenny Arehart's departure in 2006.

E1 and Digital Veil (2009–current)

In September 2009, the band began co-writing material for the new album, Digital Veil, with A.J. Minette. Minette also served as producer on the album. It was also announced that the band would be parting ways with vocalist Nathan Ells and they had begun a search for a new vocalist. On March 29, 2010, it was announced the band had found a new vocalist, and on April 7 it was announced that The Color of Violence and former From First to Last guitarist Travis Richter had become Ells' replacement. [8]

In November 2009, Herrera confirmed through a Myspace blog that Leonard was no longer in the band, "Sean is not technically in the band anymore... However, we have not ruled out the possibility of him having some sort of presence on the next record. He decided that touring wasn't for him, and wanted to go to music school."

In April 2010 Travis Richter revealed to Absolutepunk.net in his first interview since becoming The Human Abstract's new frontman that A.J. Minette had officially returned. [9]

The Human Abstract released their first single "Faust" from Digital Veil on November 16, 2010.

On January 10, 2011, The Human Abstract announced that they had signed to E1 Music, and that their new album Digital Veil would be released through E1 on March 8, 2011.

The song "Patterns" was released January 18, 2011, followed by "Complex Terms" on February 15, 2011. Digital Veil was produced and written by A.J. Minette, engineered by Will Putney (Lamb Of God, Chiodos), and mastered by Jamie Fergus-Jean.

There was some speculation that Andrew Tapley is not in the band anymore, as he is no longer listed as a member on the band's Facebook profile. On February 9, 2011, Tapley confirmed this speculation via Facebook with the public message:

As some of you know and many have been wondering, I will not be playing with The Human Abstract anymore. This wasn't decided by me; however, there are no hard feelings. Thanks to everyone who supported the band these past few years and to all the wonderful friends I had the pleasure of meeting. I will be in Los Angeles continuing with music; art is long and time is fleeting --see y'all soon!

A few weeks after Digital Veil's release, they announced that they would embark on what would be called the "Pull Me From The Gallows" Tour with Scale the Summit. Its name comes from a line in their latest album's title track. The band has posted an update via Facebook on 31 May that the remaining dates will be canceled "...due to a sudden and devastating loss to the THA family." [10]

As of 24 August 2011, Travis Richter parted ways with the band, citing a desire to focus on his girlfriend and amateur electronic music side of his career.

It has been announced that Ryan Devlin, frontman from the band Corelia, will be filling in for the "Frak the Gods Tour" headlined by Periphery. [11]

On December 29, 2011, bassist Henry Selva, when questioned over why he was selling equipment, announced that the band was calling it quits. "Folks, we are not looking for a new vocalist. We are not touring anytime soon. I think it's only fair you guys know that we're on "break or hiatus if you will." I don't know why we haven't said anything. I guess it's because there is always that "maybe if something happens, etc..etc..." Or maybe it's hard for us to realize the reality of our situation, the bands situation, to finally let go. I'll be honest when I say the following: Periphery and Never Say Die were our last tours together as a band." [12]

On February 8th, 2012 guitarist Dean Herrera was asked on his Formspring page whether they would've broken up even if Richter hadn't left the band. Herrera had replied stating that the band had never actually come together to decide the fate of the band. "as far as I'm concerned we aren’t broken up, that was Henry going out and spewing the inner workings of the band. We never actually came together and decided anything. I’m still real pissed at him for that. Sure we’re taking time, but that doesn’t mean anything other than that... Taking time.. As far as Travis.... who knows... can’t say what might have happened." [13] On July 16, 2012, via his personal Facebook profile, vocalist Travis Richter expressed a desire to return and make another album with the band if the other members reconciled their differences. Richter said, "Life would be a lot easier if we could just make another human abstract record - music for me is only alive when there are releases - even touring is second when you create art on that level." [14]

On February 14, 2012, The Human Abstract released a cover EP of Beethoven's 3-movement "Moonlight Sonata". All guitars were recorded by Dean Herrera during the Digital Veil recording sessions with engineer Will Putney in 2010. The EP is available on iTunes and Xbox music.

In 2013, E1 dropped the band.

Band members

Timeline

The Human Abstract (band)

Discography

Studio albums

YearAlbumLabelChart peaks
US
[16] 		US Heat
[17] 		US Indie
[18] 		US Rock
[19] 		US Hard Rock
[20]
2006 Nocturne Hopeless —————
2008 Midheaven 163622——
2011 Digital Veil [21] E1 1775—4412
"—" denotes a release that did not chart.

Extended plays

YearAlbumLabel
2005The Human Abstract (self-titled; demo EP)Independent release
2008Midheaven SamplerHopeless
2012 Moonlight Sonata E1

Music videos

YearSongAlbumDirector
2007"Crossing the Rubicon" [22] Nocturne Darren Doane
"Vela, Together We Await the Storm" [23] Michael Grodner
2008"Vela, Together We Await the Storm" (Remix) [24] Midheaven Sampler Tim Lambesis
"Procession of the Fates" [25] MidheavenMichael Grodner
2009"Counting Down the Days" [26] N/A
2011"Digital Veil" [27] Digital Veil
"Faust" [28] Rico Roman
"Patterns" [29] N/A

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atreyu</span> American metalcore band

Atreyu is an American rock band from Yorba Linda, California, formed in 1998. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Brandon Saller, guitarists Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel, bassist and unclean vocalist Marc "Porter" McKnight, and drummer Kyle Rosa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">From First to Last</span> American post-hardcore band

From First to Last is an American post-hardcore band formed in Tampa, Florida but based in Los Angeles, California. Formed by Matt Good, Scott Oord, and Parker Nelms in November 1999, the current line-up consists of Matt Good, Travis Richter, Derek Bloom (drums), and Matt Manning (bass).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Travis Richter</span> Musical artist

Travis Brandon Richter is an American musician, singer and record producer. He is known for being a vocalist and guitarist in the band From First to Last and the lead vocalist of The Color of Violence and The Human Abstract. He is also a record producer and in 2018 cofounded a music venue in Los Angeles, CA called "1720", with Alex Alereza (Nekrogoblikon) and Brett Powell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Good</span> Musical artist

Matthew Aaron Good is an American musician, singer and record producer. He is best known for being the lead guitarist, lead vocalist and the only constant member of the post-hardcore band From First to Last from its conception in 1999 until now. He was formerly the guitarist of grindcore band The Color of Violence, which featured future From First to Last members Travis Richter, Derek Bloom, and Joey Antillon. He joined Chiodos vocalist Craig Owens' band, D.R.U.G.S., eventually moving on to produce music under the name Kit Fysto with friend AJ Calderon. He currently owns and operates a music recording studio in Tempe, Arizona called Good Sounds and plays guitar in From First to Last. He also produced Asking Alexandria's self titled album, which was released on 15 December 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dance Gavin Dance</span> American post-hardcore band

Dance Gavin Dance is an American rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2005. It consists of vocalist Jon Mess, lead guitarist Will Swan, clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Andrew Wells, and drummer Matthew Mingus. The band formerly included lead vocalists Jonny Craig, Kurt Travis, and Tilian Pearson, and the lineup has changed numerous times since their inception. Swan and Mingus are the only band members who have appeared on every studio album.

<i>Nocturne</i> (The Human Abstract album) 2006 studio album by The Human Abstract

Nocturne is the debut studio album by American metal band The Human Abstract. It was recorded at The Basement in Rural Hall, North Carolina and Trax East in South River, New Jersey. On the band's MySpace page, as well as in the Metal=Life compilation CD, the last 30 or so seconds of "Desiderata" are included as part of the intro to "Vela, Together We Await the Storm". Music videos were made for "Crossing the Rubicon" and "Vela, Together We Await the Storm". Nocturne has sold roughly 40,000 units in the USA since its release in August 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pierce the Veil</span> American rock band

Pierce the Veil is an American rock band formed in San Diego, California, in 2006. Founded by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes after the disbanding of Before Today, which formed out of the San Diego punk scene, Jaime Preciado and Tony Perry joined the group in 2007, on bass and lead guitar respectively.

The Color of Violence is an American experimental band, currently a side project of the post-hardcore band From First to Last. It features drummer Derek Bloom and vocalist/guitarist Travis Richter. The Color of Violence is a way for the members to experiment and have fun with music outside of their other group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emmure</span> American metalcore band

Emmure is an American metalcore band formed in 2003. Originally based in New Fairfield, Connecticut, before moving to Queens, New York, the group has released eight albums, with their first public release being a 2006 EP entitled The Complete Guide to Needlework.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sky Eats Airplane</span> American post-hardcore band

Sky Eats Airplane was an American electronicore/post-hardcore band from Fort Worth, Texas. The band was signed to indie label Equal Vision Records and most recently released their self-titled full-length album through the label in July 2008. In March 2012, the official Sky Eats Airplane Facebook fan page indicated that there would be new SEA music sometime that year, although in November it was revealed that the band appears to be in an indefinite hiatus.

<i>Midheaven</i> (album) 2008 studio album by The Human Abstract

Midheaven is the second album by metal band The Human Abstract. It was released on August 19, 2008 through Hopeless Records. This is the band's last release with vocalist Ells, only album with keyboardist Sean Leonard, and only album to not feature guitarist A. J. Minette.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I See Stars</span> American electronicore band

I See Stars are an American electronicore band from Warren, Michigan formed in 2006. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Devin Oliver, guitarist Brent Allen, keyboardist and co-vocalist Andrew Oliver, and bass guitarist Jeff Valentine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss May I</span> American metalcore band

Miss May I is an American metalcore band from Troy, Ohio. Formed in 2007, they signed to Rise Records in 2008 and released their debut album, Apologies Are for the Weak through the label while the members were still attending high school. The album reached 76 on the Billboard 200, No. 29 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers, and No. 66 on Top Independent Albums. The band has also had some of their material featured in big name productions; the song "Forgive and Forget" is featured on the Saw VI Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and their song "Apologies Are for the Weak" is included in the video game Saints Row: The Third.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurt Travis</span> American musician

Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veil of Maya</span> American metalcore band

Veil of Maya is an American metalcore band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 2004. The group consists of guitarist Marc Okubo, drummer Sam Applebaum, bassist Danny Hauser and vocalist Lukas Magyar. They are currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released seven studio albums. Their seventh studio album, Mother, was released on May 12, 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Periphery (band)</span> American progressive metal band

Periphery is an American progressive metal band formed in Washington, D.C., in 2005. Their musical style has been described as progressive metal, djent, and progressive metalcore. They are considered one of the pioneers of the djent movement within progressive metal. They have also received a Grammy nomination. The band consists of vocalist Spencer Sotelo, guitarists Misha Mansoor, Mark Holcomb, Jake Bowen, and drummer Matt Halpern.

<i>Digital Veil</i> 2011 studio album by The Human Abstract

Digital Veil is the third album by American progressive metal band The Human Abstract. The album was released on March 8, 2011, through E1 Music. Digital Veil marks the return of founding guitarist A.J. Minette, who left in 2007, and the introduction of the new lead vocalist Travis Richter, who replaced former vocalist Nathan Ells. The first single off the album, titled "Faust," was released digitally on November 16, 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intervals (band)</span> Canadian instrumental progressive metal band

Intervals is a Canadian instrumental progressive metal band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 2011. The band has toured throughout Canada and the United States with bands such as Animals as Leaders, Protest the Hero, Between the Buried and Me and The Contortionist.

Corelia was an American heavy metal band from San Diego, California, United States. The band was managed by Outerloop Management until October 2016 and have released two EPs, Nostalgia (2011), and Nostalgia (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Entheos</span> American progressive metal band

Entheos is an American progressive metal super-group formed in 2015 by ex-members of Animosity, Animals as Leaders, and The Faceless. They released their debut EP Primal in March 2015 and their debut album The Infinite Nothing in April 2016. The band announced their return to the studio in March 2017 and released Dark Future in November of the same year.

References

  1. ↑ "The Human Abstract stream new album | News | Killyourstereo.com". Killyourstereo.com. Retrieved 2017-05-26.
  2. ↑ "Album reviews, biography and music news for The Human Abstract at sputnikmusic". SputnikMusic. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  3. ↑ THE HUMAN ABSTRACT’S MIDHEAVEN: PROOF THAT WE DON’T ALL ALWAYS AGREE HERE AT METALSUCKS - MetalSucks
  4. ↑ Sharpe-Young, Garry (2005). New Wave of American Heavy Metal. New Plymouth, New Zealand: Zonda Books Limited. p. 319. ISBN   0-9582684-0-1.
  5. ↑ Mason, Stewart. "The Human Abstract – Biography". Allmusic . Rovi Corporation . Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  6. ↑ "The Human Abstract Announces New members". metalnews.com.
  7. ↑ "The Human Abstract parts ways with guitarist". blabbermouth.net. 2008-02-04. Archived from the original on 2012-06-29. Retrieved 2008-08-09.
  8. ↑ Karan, Tim (April 7, 2010). "Exclusive: Travis Richter (ex-From First to Last) named Human Abstract frontman". Alternative Press . Retrieved April 7, 2010.[ dead link ]
  9. ↑ DiVincenzo, Alex (April 10, 2010). "Interview: The Human Abstract". AbsolutePunk . Retrieved April 12, 2010.
  10. ↑ "We are extremely sad to announce that... - The Human Abstract - Facebook". Facebook . Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  11. ↑ "Exclusive: The Human Abstract Announce Touring Vocalist". Metal Insider. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  12. ↑ "Facebook". Facebook . Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  13. ↑ "THE HUMAN ABSTRACT'S DEAN HERRERA: "WE AREN'T BROKEN UP" - MetalSucks". MetalSucks. 8 February 2012. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  14. ↑ [ dead link ]
  15. ↑ Teitelman, Bram (August 24, 2011). "Exclusive: The Human Abstract Announce Touring Vocalist". Metal Insider. The Syndicate. Retrieved August 24, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Artist Chart History - The Human Abstract" Billboard.com. Retrieved on August 29, 2008.
  17. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Chart history". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  18. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Chart history". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  19. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Chart history". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  20. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Chart history". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  21. ↑ "The Human Abstract: New Album Title Revealed". Blabbermouth.net . Roadrunner Records. October 1, 2010. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved October 1, 2010.
  22. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Crossing The Rubicon (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2010-10-02. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  23. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Vela, Together We Await the Storm (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2010-07-23. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  24. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Vela, Together We Await The Storm (Remix) (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  25. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Procession of the Fates (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2010-10-02. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  26. ↑ "The Human Abstract - Procession of the Fates (Official Music Video)". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2010-07-14. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  27. ↑ "The Human Abstract - "Digital Veil"". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  28. ↑ "The Human Abstract - "Faust" Official Music Video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
  29. ↑ "The Human Abstract "Patterns" video". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-13. Retrieved September 9, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.