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Based out of Phoenix, Arizona, Versed In Grey was formed on July 4th, 2005 as a
metal union between (2) deceased bands: Placement [Augie, Jim], and
Ignis [Norm, Jeremy].
Augie and Jim had been playing together since 1998, and their last few years had been devoted to Placement.
Due to various setbacks within the group they disbanded in 2004. Norm and Jeremy have been playing together since 1991, forming
the core of several bands, collaborating most recently with Ignis (1999-2001). As brothers,
Norm and Jeremy have a deep musical connection. This connection resonated strongly in Ignis, and
has grown even stronger in Versed In Grey.
In early 2005, Augie met Jeremy at a rehearsal studio in Phoenix while working on an experimental
venture with a local guitar player. After working a few months on a project that wasn't going anywhere,
they decided to try something else. Augie introduced Jeremy to Jim, and Jeremy introduced them both to Norm.
As Placement and Ignis both saw a fair amount of success in the local scene, the potential union
sounded very promising to both camps. After the initial 4th of July Jam-Session, it was clear the
members had chemistry working as a unit. The first rehearsal yielded an entire original song,
entitled "Self-Absorbed". Subsequent rehearsals were also fruitful as "Tides", "I Thought
They Were Fake" and other originals started to come together. The band melded styles and sounds
seamlessly, and it was clear that a successful partnership had been formed.
The band subsequently recorded and released "Burning the Circuit Tree" in 2006.The album was Engineered/Produced
by Larry Elyea of Minds Eye Digital Recording Studios and Co-Engineered
by Greg Norris of 32 Leaves. In support of the record the band played
several live shows, and was featured on several bills with top local acts such as Digital Summer
and Signs Of Betrayal.
2009 through 2011 were pivotal years for the band. A change was made on Bass guitar due to differences
in musical direction and a variety of other factors. The band began looking for a new bass player, and several months
later Gerard Burick joined the band. As writing had been nearly completed the previous fall, the group immediately began
preparations to record their 2nd full length studio album: "Asides To My Demons".
"Asides" was recorded in June/July of 2009, mixed in August 2009, Mastered in December 2009, and subsequently released
in May of 2010. The album captured the true voice of the band. Greg Norris was once again tapped to Engineer the record, with Greg also taking
on the roll of Producer. The album was tracked in the home studio that was used to record the 32 Leaves album "Panoramic".
Following the release of "Asides" the band played several shows supporting the record, including the Digital Summer CD release for
"Counting the Hours" hosted by 98KUPD at the Marquee Theater.
In 2011 Kelly Morales joined the band on bass guitar. Kelly has a long history collaborating with the Wall brothers in bands
since high school (including Ignis), and was persuaded to make the move from El Paso to Phoenix to rejoin his old friends.
Kelly has played in a variety of bands and dozens of shows over the years, and brings that experience, showmanship, and intensity to Versed In Grey.
Versed In Grey has a unique sound that is difficult to put a label on, so we won't.
What it is, is the sound of what moves them. Whether it be an epic progression, or a powerful 3-minute
venture into the human psyche, Versed In Grey haunts the listener with melodic vocals,
foot-on-throat guitar work, driving low-end, and penetrating percussion. Influences include:
Tool, Alice In Chains, Faith No More and Pink Floyd.
...And what of the band's name? Versed In Grey identifies an entire culture, and
speaks about how most of us choose to live. We do not live in complete darkness, nor do we live
surrounded by light. We thrive "in the grey": somewhere between good and evil, right and wrong,
today and tomorrow, life and death. Nothing in this world is absolute.
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