Benedictum

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Benedictum


Img_capt =
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Background = group_or_band
Alias = Bound
Origin = San Diego, California,
United States
Genre = Heavy metal, power metal
Years_active = 2005–present
Label = Locomotive
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.benedictum.net/ www.benedictum.net]
Current_members = Veronica Freeman
Pete Wells
Jesse Wright
Chris Morgan
Paul Courtois
Past_members = Blackie Sanchez

Benedictum is an American heavy metal band formed in 2005 in San Diego, California. Their current line-up consists of vocalist Veronica Freeman, guitarist Pete Wells, bassist Jesse Wright, keyboardist Chris Morgan, and drummer Paul Courtois. Since their formation the band released two studio albums, the debut "Uncreation" in 2006, followed by "Seasons of Tragedy" in 2008, both through Hicksville-based label Locomotive Records.

History

"Uncreation"

Benedictum was formed originally as Bound by vocalist Veronica Freeman and guitarist Pete Wells in San Diego, California in 2005.cite web|url=http://www.rockdetector.com/officialbio,58444.sm|title=Benedictum: Rockdetector Biography|last=Sharpe-Young|first=Garry|publisher=Rockdetector|accessdate=2008-08-21] The two founding members were previously in the band known as Malady for over ten years. Freeman and Wells recruited the drummer Blackie Sanchez and keyboardist Chris Morgan.cite web|url=http://www.locomotivemusic.com/index.php?option=com_artist_browser&func=detail&anzeige=12|title=Benedictum - Info|publisher=Locomotive Records|accessdate=2008-08-21] After the addition of Sanchez and Morgan, the group produced a three-track demo with the aid of producer Jeff Pilson, who also contributed playing bass guitar. In late 2005, they signed a record deal with US label Locomotive Records. [cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=39049|title=Benedictum Sign with Locomotive Records|date=2005-07-09|publisher=blabbermouth.net|accessdate=2008-08-22]

After signing with Locomotive Records, Benedictum entered in the studio to record their debut album with production by Jeff Pilson and mixing by Pilson and Tommy Henriksen. [cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=40479|title=Benedictum Complete Work on Debut Album|date=2005-08-15|publisher=blabbermouth.net|accessdate=2008-08-22] The band recorded eleven songs including two Black Sabbath′s covers for "Heaven and Hell" and "The Mob Rules". "Uncreation" was initially due to be released in October 17, 2005, but was delayed to January 20, 2006, according with statement of vocalist Veronica Freeman:

Allmusic reviewer Stewart Mason stated "Singer Veronica Freeman has a powerful, hectoring voice, similar at times to Grace Slick's potent bellow from the Jefferson Starship days, and keyboardist Chris Morgan prefers to add subtle coloration and powerful drone parts rather than lame Keith Emerson-style twiddling." [cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0pfexqrdldje~T10|title=Uncreation > Review|last=Mason|first=Stewart|publisher=allmusic|accessdate=2008-08-22]

Discography

tudio albums

*"Uncreation" (2006)
*"Seasons of Tragedy" (2008)

Members

Current members

*Veronica Freeman – vocals
*Pete Wells – guitar
*Tony Diaz – keyboard
*Chris Shrum – bass
*Paul Courtois – drums

Former members

*Blackie Sanchez – drums

Trivia

* Veronica, Blackie and Chris are former members of a Dio tribute band called Evilution. [ [http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060507/news_lz1a07view.html Heavy-metal thunder, from a new source | The San Diego Union-Tribune ] ] That is one the reasons for their Dio cover of "Rainbow in the Dark" on their demo and "The Mob Rules" and "Heaven and Hell" on "Uncreation", both Black Sabbath songs from the Dio era.
* In the song "The Mob Rules" on "Uncreation", Jimmy Bain (former Rainbow and Dio member) plays as a guest.http://www.benedictum.net/readmore.html]
* Also in the "Valkyrie Rising" song on the same album Craig Goldy from Dio is guested.
* Their producer Jeff Pilson is the former bassist of Dio, among other active and non-active bands.

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.benedictum.net/ Benedictum]
* [http://www.myspace.com/benedictum Benedictum] at MySpace