Inhale/ Exhale is as straightforward as breathing itself. The Lost, The Sick, The Sacred, the Ohio band’s Solid State debut, is refreshing in equal measure for its love of heavy diverse music as it is the depth to which it mines classic rock. Imagine the Southern-fried sludge of Down merging with the post-hardcore angst of Refused and the snake-boogie of Velvet Revolver. Add to that formula the gutter growl of Soilwork, the song-craft of Killswitch Engage and the diversity and depth of feeling of Thrice and you might start to get the right idea. “We have our own style of rock.” States Larussa, echoing a sentiment shared by singer Ryland Raus, bass player Brian Pitman and drummer Bobby Poole. “We feel that it’s structured well, and that it brings people in.We want someone to pop our disc in on the way to work if they need to hear something that will lift them up, and at the same time hear something with passion and raw energy.” Thrash metal (including Bay Area legends Testament), singer-songwriters (ever heard of Johnny Cash?) and even a bit of country music informs what Inhale/ Exhale brings forth…emotionally moving but brutal tunes.

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