Thrice

Members: Dustin Kensrue, Teppei Teranishi, Eddie Breckenridge, Riley Breckenridge

Active: 1998-present

HISTORY

Thrice is an American experimental hardcore band that formed in Irvine, California in 1998. In 1999 they self-released an EP called First Impressions, of which only 1,000 copies were made and sold out of their cars. In 2000, Thrice signed-up with Sub City Records and released two LPs. The first, Identity Crisis (2000), only received 1.5 stars in the AMG review and little buzz. The second, The Illusion of Safety (2002), was widely acclaimed and received attention from major record labels. Even though Thrice's music has always included some metal influences, The Illusion of Safety contains a heavier metalcore sound than the rest of their records. The Illusion of Safety was recorded in Beltsville, Maryland and the track "The Beltsville Crucible" reflects this.

In 2003 Thrice signed up with Island Records and released The Artist in the Ambulance, which featured more structured songs while keeping true to their hardcore influences. The band's recent work has noticeably diverged from its metal and hardcore roots. In 2005 a DVD outlining their entire career thus far was released under the title If We Could Only See Us Now. The package was named after a lyric from So Strange I Remember You, a song from Thrice's early punk days that was later redone by the band to reflect their matured sound. It included a CD with live tracks from the Apple Store and various B-sides. Thrice released their fourth full-length album, Vheissu, on October 18, 2005. Vheissu features a bit of a departure from their previous sound by introducing electronics and new instruments - namely a Rhodes Piano - that they hadn't used before this album. Another notable sound of the album is the lesser amount of a metal/hardcore style of guitar playing, and more of a variation in the vocals. The album as a whole is very emotional and haunting in both it's message and it's harmonies. Vheissu is hailed by critics as far more mature album than Thrice's previous records. Many of its lyrics reflect Biblical and Christian themes. Thrice are currently holed up, working on a new project, according to thrice.net.

The band embarked on a tour (October 4?November 21, 2005) to garner support for Vheissu with Underoath, The Bled, and Veda, beginning at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada and finishing at the House of Blues in Los Angeles, California. Thrice also toured as part of the multi-band Taste of Chaos tour. Touring in the UK with Coheed and Cambria garnered the group many more fans, as well as providing a basis for a new live video of The Earth Will Shake.

The band released "Red Sky" on March 17, 2006 as their second single from Vheissu, following "Image Of The Invisible". The video was directed by Tim Hope (Coldplay - "Trouble", Jimmy Eat World - "Sweetness").

Dustin Kensrue is currently recording a solo album and doing a small tour in late summer, 2006. A demo is in place to be sent out to labels. The rest of Thrice will be involved with the recording process, as well as working on a project of their own.

Thrice is currently in the process of writing new material which will eventually be released as a set of four EP's. It is rumoured that each band member is writing their own EP in isolation at this time. The four EP's represent the four elements earth, wind, fire and water. It has also been suggested that the project, due out some time in late 2006, will involve producer/engineer Matt Bayles.

ALBUMS

1999 - First Impressions (EP)

2000 - Identity Crisis

2002 - The Illusion of Safety

2003 - The Artist in the Ambulance

2005 - If We Could Only See Us Now

2005 - Vheissu

2006 - Red Sky (EP)

DVD'S

2005 - If We Could Only See Us Now