QUAD CITY ALT-METAL BAND - ALBORN, TAKES ON THE RIGHT HAND OF THE UNITED STATES - The Echo

ALBORN – Photo from: Alborn’s EPK. 

 

Formed in 2016, Northern Illinois based alternative metal band Alborn consists of Justin Taylor [guitar/lead vocals], Alex Raser [Drums/vocals], Zame Lewis [bass] and Nate Guske [guitar/vocals]. Their sound has been compared to Deftones or a heavier version of Alice in Chains.  But, make no mistake, Alborn has created something unique, hard and melodic.

Alborn released their debut EP, “Impairative” in 2020.  Follow up singles “Full Circle”, “Cause to Create” and “Hindsight” took them through 2021 and had initial success including Spotify’s “Rock Hard” playlist, SiriusXM Octane, Music Choice as well as terrestrial radio rotation.

The band went on to play every live show they could, having huge success in sharing stages with the likes of Shinedown, Sevendust, Buckcherry, Adelitas Way, Badflower, Gemini Syndrome, Plush and others.

Entering 2022, the band was invited to again join Sevendust and Plush on a run of New Year’s shows in the southeast.  “It was everything we could have hoped for. Sevendust’s fanbase are true die-hards and they travel all over to see the shows, so to be welcomed in by them, especially in 7D’s hometown, on NYE was surreal.” – Justin Taylor.

To round out 2022, the band buckled down, did more writing and flew to Las Vegas to work with Chris Collier and James “Fluff” Harley.  This dynamic production duo was fresh off working with Korn on their ‘Requiem’ album.  There, Alborn recorded 3 songs, ‘Push’, ‘Learn to Live’ and ‘Even Numbers’.  These 3 songs are being packaged with a 4th song, ‘Ten Times’ (recorded with Morgan Rose and Jose Urquiza) to form the EP, “Push”, which the band will put out through Pavement Entertainment (Sony / The Orchard) on 2/24/23.

In March 2023, Alborn will hit the road for 18 days providing direct support to Powerman 5000 while Alborn’s new single, “Push” will be impacting radio at that same time.

Stay tuned to albornmusic.com for all things Alborn.

Name/Band Name:

ALBORN

Genre:

Alternative Metal

Members in band:

Justin Taylor (JT) [guitar/lead vocals]

Alex Raser (AR) [Drums/vocals]

Zame Lewis [bass]

Nate Guske [guitar/vocals]

First paid gig:

Longshots, Rock Falls, IL.

Favorite venue to play at:

The Rust Belt – East Moline, IL.

Before gig/On tour Food choice:

Jimmy Johns

Celebrating their EP release, “PUSH”, & 2023 Tour  with action rock band, Powerman 5000. We sat down with Quad City’s fastest growing alternative metal band, Alborn to discuss their tour, EP, playing in the Quad Cities, and their unique sound.

What has other press said about Alborn?

JT – They’ve mostly tried to compare, which I’ve learned is a universal way of listeners to make others understand easily, but I don’t always agree with the comparisons.

 

How would you describe Alborn’s sound?

AR –  “Melodic and dramatic; we try to keep the spectrum of ALBORN’s style as broad as it needs to be to let whatever creativity that comes to mind, to come naturally and without boundaries. We will have some of the heaviest stuff we’ve written and the lightest in the same track, whatever encapsulates the vibe we are feeling the best.”

 

How would you describe your new EP, “PUSH” coming out on February 25th, 2023?

AR – The closest to what we’ve wanted to be. These songs will be the start of a new stepping stone for us in terms of musical direction.

 

Alex Raser laying it down behind the kit at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK / Bad Ingram Life

IF YOU DIDN’T BECOME A MUSICIAN/MUSICIANS, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WOULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW?

JT – I used to buy old cars and trucks and fix them up a bit, I’d certainly try to do that again. My hands would be dirty for sure.

AR – Almost certainly a trade. Being one of the most common career paths in our area and most of my family background, it seems the most logical.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN PLAYING MUSIC IN THE QUAD CITIES?

AR – We had done a couple one-off shows in the QC area early on, but the big one that I remember really getting the buzz going was winning the RIBCO battle of the bands in 2017. That was truly a special night, and afterwards, positive relationships with venues, promoters, and the local radios started falling into place.

 

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FOR A FIRST TIME FAN AT YOUR SHOW?

JT – We like to be ourselves and fit in with the crowd, which I assume makes a first timer think we’re just “another local band,” but once they hear us I hope that they’re impressed, or at least surprised.

AR – We do our best to make sure it feels immersive, like every person in the room is on stage with us. We want them to feel the same things that we feel when we are in that moment.

Alborn performs at the Mississippi Valley Fair, opening up for Shinedown. – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS FOR MAKING NEW MUSIC?

AR – Very organic. Typically it will start with a guitar riff, but from then on we just go with the flow of whatever feels like it should come next. The formula is hardly ever the same.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS IN THE QC MUSIC SCENE?

JT – Loyalty. That’s what we hear the most from the people anyways. We’ve adamantly stayed true to ourselves, not just as musicians but as regular people, because at the end of the day, that’s what we are.

 

Alborn performing at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

JT – The acceptance to all kinds of music. I’ve gotten close with a lot of people who are regulars at our shows, and their interests in music go far beyond hard rock and metal. The QC has a love and appreciation for almost anyone who truly puts their all into their art.

AR – The general musical culture of the QC is just felt there. It is simply full of amazing bands/artists, venues, and diehard show-goers to pack those venues!

 

ARE THERE ANY REASONS YOU DON’T LIKE PLAYING IN THE QC AREA?

AR – Some people love the cold, long, icy Midwestern winters. We are not those people. But, the QC braves them like any other season and the live shows are just as killer as ever!

HOW DO YOU THINK WE CAN OVERCOME THIS ISSUE?

AR – Weather happens, our vehicles and tailbones will continue to endure hahaha.

Alborn – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHER LOCAL MUSICIANS?

JT – Rely on no one but yourself. The second you expect something from someone else, your expectations start to overshadow the outcome and take you further away from your goal.

Justin Taylor loading up a nuclear breakdown on the 7-string at The Rust Belt in East Moline. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

HOW HAVE YOU BEEN PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR WITH POWERMAN 5000?

AR – Just trying to cover all the bases we can think of. Making sure our sound is as tight as ever, sorting travel and merchandise, and mentally preparing to be vehicle-mates for many many miles haha.


IF YOU COULD HAVE QUAD CITY FANS REMEMBER ONE THING ABOUT YOU?

JT – Certainly that I swear way too much!

Alborn at The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL. Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

Zame Lewis – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

Nate Guske – Photo provided by: Alborn’s EPK. 

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