The Minus Tide

Metal / Rock

Wheeling, WV

Billboard

In a scene increasingly populated by hackneyed metalcore acts, Wheeling WV's The Minus Tide has conjured a unique brand of screamy metallic rock with an explosive feel of technological apocalypticism.

The music blends the melodicism of traditional heavy metal with the rhythmic and technical proficiency of modern metal, spawning comparisons to everyone from Converge to Iron Maiden. In addition to the dual-guitar attack, The Minus Tide's songs are given voice by the addition of otherworldly synths which sound like something out of a 16-bit video game. The songs are nightmarish visions of technological advancement -- in this timeline and others -- where minds meld with machines and genetic manipulation has become a terrifying art form, tales that with each release have deepened in their horrific portrayals and perhaps their prophetic significance as well. Certainly a welcome break from the usual ultra-macho, blood-and-skulls routine typically associated with this genre.

The debut self-released EP The Rock Autopsy Has Begun sold out of its first pressing in less than one year supported by no distribution whatsoever, save the band playing as many shows as possible, including a short summer tour in 2001. Soon after, The Minus Tide solidified its lineup with the addition of longtime Zao bassist Rob Horner. Six more months of live performances brought The Rock Autopsy to the attention of the MACROCK fest in Virginia and the Toledo, Ohio record label Action Driver which re-released the EP, giving it the domestic and worldwide distribution it deserved, landing positive reviews from Heartattack, Metal Maniacs, and Revolver magazines.

A year later, the band released twin split vinyl follow-up releases: a 12" LP split with Morgantown, WV's Turn Around Norman on the consistently trustworthy Mountain Records, and a 7" split with Akron, Ohio's Pankration on Action Driver. The band's fourth release and debut full-length, 2004's Anakuklosis, was widely hailed as a masterpiece, revealing a band maturing in technical ability, exploring more creative songwriting techniques, and expressing deeper and darker visions of their mechanical space-horror theme.

The Minus Tide went on hiatus in early 2005 to focus more intently on side projects such as Drown Culture and M Iafrate & The Priesthood. In addition to these ongoing projects, the tight-knit foursome of Dallas, Rosanne, Mikey and Dave simply could not stay away very long from their "wall-of-sound" tendencies, founding the band COBRA which recently released a debut full-length called Feels Like Freedom. Fans of the Tide who mourn the band's passing should indeed take note, and will not be disappointed.

COBRA
Drown Culture
M Iafrate & The Priesthood

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can one obtain The Minus Tide's releases, what with the demise of Action Driver Records and all?
A: All of our four releases (CDs and vinyl) are available directly from the band. Email for info. They are also available from the odd online retailer, mostly the indies, but maybe from the corporate giants as well. Might we suggest ordering them from us?

Both CDs are also available as mp3 downloads from such sources as iTunes.

Do you still have merch, such as "t-shirt" apparel, available?
A: There may be some shirts and stickers lying around. Email for info. No plans to make more of that stuff anytime soon.

Q: Will the songs from the vinyl releases ever be available on compakt disks?
A: It's possible.

Q: Will The Minus Tide reunite?
A: It's possible.