The legend of Sleepy Hollow begins in Lodi, NJ during the summer of 1999. Joe Dell (former keyboardist/founder of progressive metal band Spectrum Green) approached bassist/vocalist Dan Castiel (of Thrillseeker, etc.) about forming a band. They form [+]The legend of Sleepy Hollow begins in Lodi, NJ during the summer of 1999. Joe Dell (former keyboardist/founder of progressive metal band Spectrum Green) approached bassist/vocalist Dan Castiel (of Thrillseeker, etc.) about forming a band. They formed a vision of a band that would be firmly based in classic hard rock and metal, yet incorporate varied, eclectic influences - classical, jazz, folk, funk, etc. Dan also brought the idea of a band of equals, where all members sang and all instruments contributed equally to a greater whole - and idea well supported by examples such as the Beatles and Pink Floyd. They soon added Frank Melick, an inventive drummer and excellent backup vocalist (as well as a fine lead vocalist and showman). They finished the lineup with eclectic guitarist Matt Schwarz - who compliments his power metal electric guitar riffing with a background in classical and traditional folk, and a varied arsenal of other instruments (including flute, acoustic guitar, and Celtic harp with Sleepy Hollow). Within months, they were performing 2 hour sets of (mostly) original material at nightclubs, bars, and small festivals. 2000 saw them recording their 4-song EP (also available from CDbaby) - each song featuring a different band member on lead vocals. The CD was well-received and required a second pressing in a year. 2001 saw Sleepy Hollow focusing on NYC clubs. The shorter sets and quick set-up time brought an emphasis on songs centered around electric guitar and organ, with less use of piano, acoustic guitar, and flute. The band decided their next album would focus on this hard-rocking material, and entered the studio towards the end of the year with this in mind. Although the recording went quickly - the songs having been well practiced on the live circuit - the final mix lost the heaviness the band had worked so hard to get live, and they decided to remix. After a long search for the right engineer, they decided on Rick Bennett (known for his guitar playing with Naughty Angel,Haphazard, and live Dio). Many of the guitar parts were re-recorded with Matt drop-tuning his guitar, and Rick helped get the songs a heavier sound in the mix. Finally, after further delays with the graphic design, pressing, etc. the disc was releas
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