Blowfex

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Blowfex
Origin Los Angeles, California, USA Flag of the United States
Genre(s) Alternative metal, hard rock, progressive metal
Years active 2003–present
Label(s) Lava Records
Associated acts Four Sick Cats
Slaves to the System
Backwoods Warriors
LA Suicide Pact Number Nine
I Am You
Dopamine Freaks
Manufacture
Shovel
Website Official Site
Members
Edward Royster
Ronnie Phelps
Carl Rodrigo
Dave Norlander
Tim Azaria
Sam Grendel
Former members
Vinnie Smith
Ben Roth
Edward Haverlock
Garrett Harver

Blowfex is an alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California, USA. The band features members from other bands such as Four Sick Cats, LA Suicide Pact #9, Shovel, and Dopamine Freaks.

Contents

[edit] Etymology

The name Blowfex came out of a drunk converstion about an informercial about the exercise machine Bowflex. Edward Royster remarked "what kinda machine is a blowfex, sounds like some kinky sex toy" and the name stuck.

[edit] Formation

Blowfex started in early 2003 following the breakup of legendary 90's Southern California band Four Sick Cats. Edward Royster and Ronnie Phelps, whose bands that came out of that break up (Backwoods Warriors and I Am You), had failed and the two began a new project. They recruited LA Suicide Pact #9 electronics man Dave Norlander and bassist Ben Roth, and Dopamine Freaks rhythm guitarist Edward Haverlock. Lead guitarist Tim Azaria rounded out the group. The band signed with Lava Records in late 2003.

[edit] Evolution in Revolution

The band released their debut album, Evolution in Revolution, on March 23, 2004. The album had a cult following in the Los Angeles area, but little to no success elsewhere, much like Four Sick Cats and Backwoods Warriors. The band toured and many of the members returned to other bands and projects afterwards. Bassist Ben Roth left and was replaced by Garrett Harver of Slaves to the System.

[edit] The Freaks Come Out in the Morning

In 2006, the band began work on their second studio album. During recording, rhythm guitarist Edward Haverlock left the band and was replaced for a time by former Four Sick Cats member Vinnie Smith. He eventually left and suggested to add Carl Rodrigo in his place. Carl Rodrigo was offered the job and took it. On June 6, 2006, the band released The Freaks Come Out in the Morning. The first week copies, labeled "666% more evil, the 6-6-6 edition", featured a bonus DVD and bonus tracks. The album had more widespread success then the previous, selling enough copies to hit #17 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart in its debut week.

In May 2007, Garrett Harver left the band. He was replaced by former Shovel and Manufacture bassist Sam Grendel.

[edit] Future

The future of Blowfex seems uncertain currently, as Edward Royster has returned to work with Backwoods Warriors, and talk of a Four Sick Cats reunion continues.

[edit] Members

Current members

  • Edward Royster - vocals (2003 - present)
  • Ronnie Phelps - drums (2003 - present)
  • Dave Norlander - electronics (2003 - present)
  • Tim Azaria - lead guitar (2003 - present)
  • Carl Rodrigo - rhythm guitar (2006 - present)
  • Sam Grendel - bass (2007 - present)

Former members

  • Edward Haverlock - rhythm guitar (2003 - 2006)
  • Vinnie Smith - rhythm guitar (2006)
  • Ben Roth - bass (2003 - 2004)
  • Garrett Harver - bass (2004 - 2007)

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

Date of Release Title Label Charting
March 23, 2004 Evolution in Revolution Lava Records -
June 6, 2006 The Freaks Come Out in the Morning Lava Records #17 US Heatseekers

[edit] Singles

  • "Morph" - 2004
  • "Los Angeles is on Fire" - 2004
  • "Tonight, We Burn" - 2006
  • "Energy" - 2006
  • "Tonight, We Burn" (re-release) - 2006
  • "Life of Felonies" - 2007