Once Nothing

Once Nothing is a self-proclaimed "Blue Collar Metal" band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and were signed to Solid State Records.^[1]

History

Formation and Early Years

Pittsburgh, PA's Once Nothing was formed in early 2000 by Todd Lowry on vocals, Dave Burkes on bass, Ryan Carroll on guitar, and Kevin Hough on drums. Shortly after guitarist Josh Branas was added and the quintet did regional touring until 2005, when Ryan and Kevin announced they would be leaving the band. Replacing Kevin was Giuseppe Capolupo on drums, previously of Demise of Eros. Dave Burkes moved to guitar, as Steve Lucarelli was added to the band to take over the bass slot. The band continued to do regional touring and in 2006 self-released an EP entitled, "Voice of the Paragon." They started touring more and more frequently, and in early 2007 announced they had signed with CI Records. In July 2007, they released another EP entitled "Earthmover." ^[2]

First Came The Law

First Came the Law was the bands first and only present release on Solid State Records. Released on January 15, 2008, the album was toured on for almost a year, though due to member changes and economic hard times, the band broke up before the end of the year.^[3]

Breakup

In August 2008, longtime guitarist Josh Branas decided to leave the band, with guitarist Jordan Tomb taking his place. After several failed tours, bassist Steve Lucarelli, and drummer Giuseppe Capolupo decided to leave the band. In February 2009, Todd Lowry announced the band was done with two farewell shows; one on April 4 at the Sterling Community Center in Sterling, Virginia (with Kodiak and In Alcatraz 1962) and another on April 5 at Altabar in Pittsburgh, PA (with The Last Hope, Neocracy, Failure To Fall, and Hyperion).^[4]

The April 4 concert featured Josh and Dave on guitars for every song, with Jordan playing for a handful. The band played an extra-long setlist featuring "... And Then Came Grace" (one of the few times the song was ever played live) and "How To Build A Sandcastle" (which had not been played for several years). One song, "Whiskey Breath", was cut from the setlist due to noise curfew (despite the previous band, In Alcatraz 1962, having already cut two songs from their own setlist to allow Once Nothing one more time).

The April 5 concert featured the same line-up, but with surprise addition of former guitarist Ryan Carroll and former drummer Kevin Hough appearing on "How to Build a Sandcastle."

Reunion

Once Nothing reunited for 2 shows at the end of May 2010. On May 29 they played at The Champion Ship, in Harrisburg, Pa with Lorna Shore and local acts. On May 30, they played in Pittsburgh, Pa at Altarbar with local acts.^[5]

Reformation

On May 24, 2012, they announced a reformation via the band's Facebook page. The official statement reads:

"First Came the Law" was released January 15, 2008 on Solid State Records. "Earthmover" was release July 24, 2007 on CI Records. We self-released "Voice of the Paragon" June 2, 2006. Before we originally called it quits, we did over 800 shows in 4 years. Seriously. We cut loose at the end of 2008, and did our "last" show May 2009. Then, a year later, almost to the day, we had a reunion show with some of our best friends.

Now, we are older, and our lives are increasingly different from what they were. It'd be hard to find five guys whose lives have changed as much as ours have in only two years. Some of us have careers, some have wives, and some are still fighting the good fight. What matters most now is that we are 5 dudes who love making music together, and that is what we will continue to do. August 11 at Altar Bar in Pittsburgh marks the official return, what comes after that is unwritten. So slick back your hair, grow out your beard, and let's see where we go from here. Once Nothing//2012 ^[6]

Members

• Todd Lowry - Vocals
• David Burkes - Guitar / Bass
• Josh Branas - Guitar
• Giuseppe "Joey" Antonio Capolupo - Drums (Also with Gypsy and His Band of Ghosts)
• Steve Lucarelli - Bass (ex - Terrible Things)

Former Members

• Geoff Jenkins (2007–2009) - Guitar/Vocals
• Jordan Tomb (2008–2009) - Guitar
• Ryan Carroll (2000–2005) - Guitar
• Kevin Hough (2000–2005) - Drums

Discography

• 2003 - ...And the Blood of the Wicked Shall Flow Like a River (self-released)
• 2005 - A Reckoning (self-released)
• 2006 - Voice Of The Paragon (self-released)
• 2006 - The City Is Surrounded - 2003-2006 Compilation (self-released)
• 2007 - Earthmover (CI)
• 2008 - First Came The Law (Solid State)
• 2013 - The Indiana Sessions (self-released)

External links

• Once Nothing on Facebook
• Once Nothing on Twitter
• Once Nothing at MySpace
• Once Nothing at PureVolume
• Official website of Solid State Records

References