The music history in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia is known for its Hip-hop/R & B roots. From Teddy Riley of BLACKstreet to Timbaland, it is very rare that a rock band comes out of this area. Enter Epsilon Uprising. A combination of Lamb of God and Linkin Park, this band brings a raw, in-your-face approach to the rock music world. However, they have a twist: They use auxiliary percussions. Yes, you are thinking right if the movie Drumline just flashed in your mind.

Epsilon Uprising consists of Maleki on lead vocals and emcee duties, Machete on guitars and vocals, Professor X on auxiliary percussions, and G-Dub on drums. The band name originated from the 1930s novel Brand New World by Aldous Huxley. They credit Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, System of a Down, Canibus, Big Pun, and Hed P.E. of influencing the sound that flows from their fingers and voices. In early December, they lost their bassist, Doe, but continue to troop on playing shows. They have a steady following in the Virginia/DC/Maryland area that continues to grow on a daily basis based on numerous fan requests on the band’s Myspace page.

Seeing these guys live is truly an event that you have to witness to understand the magic and power they have. Venues such as Gil’s, The Half Shell, and Element Lounge have opened their doors and welcomed this magnificent energy to their stages. They have also played the notorious Norva, in Norfolk, Virginia as headliners. That alone is a feat that not many bands in this area can claim. From the moment that the set opener “Bring It All On Myself” kicks in, these guys demand the attention of the crowd, sparking mash pits and heave headbanging. With Machete’s crunching guitars to Maleki’s accelerated rhymes, Epsilon Uprising defines boundaries where have their own uniqueness is vital in the music business these days. Professor X and G-Dub bring percussion to a whole other level by complimenting each other with their performance. The band’s energy has the crowd always begging for more once the lights dim out.

Epsilon Uprising is currently in the process of recording an EP with an anticipated release date of Summer 2010. You can head over to the band’s Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/epsilonuprisingto hear demos and catch up on upcoming shows. In addition, they are also booking shows. You can receive booking information by emailing epsilonuprising@gmail.com.

• Sounds Like: If Lamb of God and Linkin Park combined forces and made a super group.
• Recommended Songs: Bring It All On Myself, Rude Awakening, This War
• Website: http://www.myspace.com/epsilonuprising