The Showdown (band)
Encyclopedia
The Showdown is a southern metal/metalcore
band based in Elizabethton, Tennessee
. While the members of the band are Christian
and the band is signed to a Christian record label, the band does not consider itself a Christian act, according to guitarist Josh Childers. Lyrically, their writing tells of heroism, sojourns and battles of life, most of which draws influence from Biblical
aspects. As of 2008, they are signed to Solid State Records
.
. This album, produced by Bruce Fitzhugh
, lead singer of Living Sacrifice
, was mainly a mix of Hardcore and Metal.
, Iron Maiden
, Megadeth
, and Metallica
. In the fall of 2006, The Showdown joined the Christian rock/alternative band Pillar
on The Days of the Reckoning tour. The tour lasted from mid-October through November 2006 and also featured Christian rock bands Day of Fire and Decyfer Down
. In late 2006, after completing the album, Andrew announced he was leaving the band to get married (and possibly to pursue a career in professional wrestling). Andrew was soon replaced by another Andrew - A.J. Barrette of Still Remains
. Although the album was already completed, The Showdown along with A.J. hit the studio once more to record the track "Head Down" which would be added to the album before its release. The completed album, Temptation Come My Way
was released on February 20, 2007. Unknown to the public until release, two different versions were released, one with the song "Fanatics and Whores", and one without, probably to avoid controversy in the Christian market. This upset many fans who had pre-ordered the CD and received the incomplete album, even though most distributors listed the song in their track listing. Temptation Come My Way received high popularity in the underground culture, and The Showdown was soon signed on March 21 of 2007 to play at Ozzfest 07
.
. Back Breaker was released on August 19, 2008, with a style that is sort of a mix of their first two albums, along with the addition of a heavy groove style. Following the release they joined Shadows Fall
on tour to promote Back Breaker. The Showdown released Back Breaker through Solid State Records
. The Showdown toured with Norma Jean
on The Anti-Mother Tour, which lasted throughout October and November 2008 and also featured Haste The Day
, Mychildren Mybride
, Children 18:3
, and Oh, Sleeper
. Children 18:3 was only on half of the tour dates (October 3 to October 26), while Oh, Sleeper filled in for the rest of the tour (October 28 to November 15). On April 13, 2009, the band announced that AJ drums and Eric bass would be leaving the band in order to spend more time with their families and other responsibilities. They were replaced by Timothy "Yogi" Watts of Demon Hunter
on drums, and Jeremiah Scott of "Destroy Destroy Destroy" on bass. However, it was stated that AJ and Eric will rejoin the band for a show at the Ichthus Music Festival
on June 13; however it did not happen. During the Ichthus Music Festival, Patrick Judge, new guitarist of acclaimed band Demon Hunter
, took on the second guitar as a "fill in", according to Josh. His position in The Showdown is unknown, but he has toured with them extensively since then. Jeremiah Scott unofficially stated he will be on both The Showdown's next record, along with Demon Hunter's as well, also revealing Patrick's new endorsement with Dean Guitars
, after being endorsed by Washburn Guitars
.
Teaming up with Timothy "Yogi" Watts of Demon Hunter, The Showdown began recording their next album, Blood in the Gears. Lyrically, the album is closest to Temptation Come My Way, as the majority of the songs return to issues of life such as consumption ("The Crooked Path") and honoring God ("Bring it Down"). Musically, the band again changed its sound from that of its previous album. A heavy tone is kept for most of the album, led by the screamed vocals of David Bunton. However, the band takes a much more melodic approach on "Take Me Home" and "Diggin' My Own Grave", using a slow tempo and singing.
Former Members
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
band based in Elizabethton, Tennessee
Elizabethton, Tennessee
Elizabethton is the county seat of Carter County, Tennessee, United States. Elizabethton is also the historical site both of the first independent American government located west of both the Eastern Continental Divide and the original thirteen British American colonies.Elizabethton is also the...
. While the members of the band are Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
and the band is signed to a Christian record label, the band does not consider itself a Christian act, according to guitarist Josh Childers. Lyrically, their writing tells of heroism, sojourns and battles of life, most of which draws influence from Biblical
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
aspects. As of 2008, they are signed to Solid State Records
Solid State Records
Solid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,...
.
A Chorus of Obliteration
Over time longtime metalhead Josh's metal influences saw 2540 morph from punk to metal. This change in style prompted a change of the band's name to "The Showdown". In 2003, Daniel left the band to get married at which time Andrew Hall took the drumming position. With Andrew on board the fivesome headed to the studio and recorded their first Full length album A Chorus of ObliterationA Chorus of Obliteration
A Chorus of Obliteration is The Showdown's debut album. It blends Christian metalcore with Southern metal, and Melodic Death Metal. Every song on A Chorus of Obliteration is based on a story in the Bible...
. This album, produced by Bruce Fitzhugh
Bruce Fitzhugh
Bruce Fitzhugh is the second and best known lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and founding member of Arkansas's Christian metal band Living Sacrifice...
, lead singer of Living Sacrifice
Living Sacrifice
Living Sacrifice is a Christian heavy metal band that formed in September 1989 in Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. The band has released seven studio albums, out of which the first three were recorded under R.E.X. Records with their original vocalist Darren Johnson as a more thrash metal and death metal...
, was mainly a mix of Hardcore and Metal.
Temptation Come My Way
After a great deal of touring in both the US and Europe, The Showdown went back to the studio to record their second full length album. This album took a different direction trading in the screaming double-bassing death metal for a more southern approach mixed with elements of their older style such as heavy guitar riffs, some screams (although not as dominated by them), and distinct bass and drum lines, drawing also from 1980s to early 1990s-era metal like PanteraPantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
, Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
, and Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
. In the fall of 2006, The Showdown joined the Christian rock/alternative band Pillar
Pillar (band)
Pillar is a Christian rock band currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their sixth studio album, Confessions, was released in 2009.- Formation and independent albums :...
on The Days of the Reckoning tour. The tour lasted from mid-October through November 2006 and also featured Christian rock bands Day of Fire and Decyfer Down
Decyfer Down
Decyfer Down is a Rock band formed in 1999 and based in Morehead City, North Carolina. Up until 2002–the year that Chris Clonts joined the band–they went by the moniker Allysonhymn . Following Clonts' arrival they switched to the current name, Decyfer Down...
. In late 2006, after completing the album, Andrew announced he was leaving the band to get married (and possibly to pursue a career in professional wrestling). Andrew was soon replaced by another Andrew - A.J. Barrette of Still Remains
Still Remains
Still Remains is a metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They formed out of previous local bands Shades of Amber and Unition. They released two studio albums, Of Love and Lunacy and The Serpent, both to positive reviews, and had minor UK chart success with the single "Dancing with the Enemy"....
. Although the album was already completed, The Showdown along with A.J. hit the studio once more to record the track "Head Down" which would be added to the album before its release. The completed album, Temptation Come My Way
Temptation Come My Way
Temptation Come My Way is The Showdown's second album. It is a departure from the sound of their previous album, which was a combination of southern metal, and death metal...
was released on February 20, 2007. Unknown to the public until release, two different versions were released, one with the song "Fanatics and Whores", and one without, probably to avoid controversy in the Christian market. This upset many fans who had pre-ordered the CD and received the incomplete album, even though most distributors listed the song in their track listing. Temptation Come My Way received high popularity in the underground culture, and The Showdown was soon signed on March 21 of 2007 to play at Ozzfest 07
Ozzfest
Ozzfest is an annual festival tour of the United States featuring performances by many heavy metal and hard rock musical groups. It was founded by Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne, both of whom also organize each yearly tour with their son Jack Osbourne...
.
Back Breaker
After extensive touring and popular reception, the band announced on their MySpace page that they had begun recording their next album on January 2008. On April 19, 2008, the Showdown completed their new album entitled Back BreakerBack Breaker
Back Breaker is the third album from the Tennessee heavy metal band The Showdown. It's their first album with Solid State Records. Footage from the band in the process of recording the album can be viewed on their . On June 27, 2008 The Showdown released the track listing...
. Back Breaker was released on August 19, 2008, with a style that is sort of a mix of their first two albums, along with the addition of a heavy groove style. Following the release they joined Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall
Shadows Fall is an American heavy metal band from Springfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1995. They are one of the few contemporary metal bands who take their lyrical influence from Eastern philosophy and some references to the Rastafari culture...
on tour to promote Back Breaker. The Showdown released Back Breaker through Solid State Records
Solid State Records
Solid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,...
. The Showdown toured with Norma Jean
Norma Jean
Norma Jean may refer to:*Norma Jeane Mortenson, the given name of actress Marilyn Monroe*Norma Jean , a metalcore band from Douglasville, GA*Norma Jean , country music singer, nicknamed "Pretty Miss Norma Jean"...
on The Anti-Mother Tour, which lasted throughout October and November 2008 and also featured Haste The Day
Haste the Day
Haste the Day was an American Christian metalcore band signed with Solid State Records that was formed in Carmel, Indiana 2001. Their band is named after a lyric in the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul." The band released their debut release, an extended play titled That They May Know You, in 2002,...
, Mychildren Mybride
Mychildren Mybride
MyChildren MyBride is an American Christian metalcore band originating from Madison, Alabama. They are signed to Solid State Records after being noticed by extensive constant touring, including various dates in European countries.-History:...
, Children 18:3
Children 18:3
Children 18:3 is a punk band from Morris, Minnesota. The band is composed of homeschooled siblings David, Lee Marie and Seth. The lead vocals are shared by David and Lee Marie with their brother Seth on the drums.-Formation and debut album:...
, and Oh, Sleeper
Oh, Sleeper
Oh, Sleeper is an American metalcore band from Fort Worth, Texas and is signed to Solid State Records. They have recorded three full-length albums to date, the most recent being their third album Children of Fire, released on September 6, 2011....
. Children 18:3 was only on half of the tour dates (October 3 to October 26), while Oh, Sleeper filled in for the rest of the tour (October 28 to November 15). On April 13, 2009, the band announced that AJ drums and Eric bass would be leaving the band in order to spend more time with their families and other responsibilities. They were replaced by Timothy "Yogi" Watts of Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
on drums, and Jeremiah Scott of "Destroy Destroy Destroy" on bass. However, it was stated that AJ and Eric will rejoin the band for a show at the Ichthus Music Festival
Ichthus Music Festival
The Ichthus Music Festival is an annual Christian music festival in Wilmore, Kentucky. Begun in 1970, it is the oldest Christian music festival in the nation. The festival began as the brainchild of Dr. Bob Lyon, and a group of seminary students at Asbury Theological Seminary, in response to...
on June 13; however it did not happen. During the Ichthus Music Festival, Patrick Judge, new guitarist of acclaimed band Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter
Demon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
, took on the second guitar as a "fill in", according to Josh. His position in The Showdown is unknown, but he has toured with them extensively since then. Jeremiah Scott unofficially stated he will be on both The Showdown's next record, along with Demon Hunter's as well, also revealing Patrick's new endorsement with Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars
Dean Guitars is an American manufacturer of guitars. It was founded in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky in Chicago, Illinois and is currently under the ownership of Armadillo Enterprises in Tampa, Florida.- History :...
, after being endorsed by Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars
Washburn Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer. It was established in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois. Washburn is a part of U.S. Music Corporation.- History :...
.
Blood in the Gears
The Showdown's latest album is titled Blood in the Gears. On March 17, 2010, David posted on his Facebook page that The Showdown had finished recording Blood in the Gears and that they were hoping for a summer release. Blood in the Gears was released August 24, 2010.Teaming up with Timothy "Yogi" Watts of Demon Hunter, The Showdown began recording their next album, Blood in the Gears. Lyrically, the album is closest to Temptation Come My Way, as the majority of the songs return to issues of life such as consumption ("The Crooked Path") and honoring God ("Bring it Down"). Musically, the band again changed its sound from that of its previous album. A heavy tone is kept for most of the album, led by the screamed vocals of David Bunton. However, the band takes a much more melodic approach on "Take Me Home" and "Diggin' My Own Grave", using a slow tempo and singing.
Members
Current Members- David Bunton - vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
- Josh Childers - guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments... - Jeremiah Scott - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(Destroy Destroy DestroyDestroy Destroy DestroyDestroy Destroy Destroy is an American heavy metal band formed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in late February 2003. With a line-up of Brian Kemp , Jeremiah Scott , and Andrew Hall , they began writing songs; Soon thereafter, Destroy Destroy Destroy completed their outfit with Way Barrier , Adam...
) - Patrick Judge - guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(Demon HunterDemon HunterDemon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
) - Isaac Harris - drums
Former Members
- Travis Bailey - guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments... - Andrew Hall - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Daniel Swain - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments... - AJ Barrette - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(ex-Still RemainsStill RemainsStill Remains is a metalcore band from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They formed out of previous local bands Shades of Amber and Unition. They released two studio albums, Of Love and Lunacy and The Serpent, both to positive reviews, and had minor UK chart success with the single "Dancing with the Enemy"....
) - Eric Koruschak - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
- Timothy "Yogi" Watts- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(Demon HunterDemon HunterDemon Hunter is an American heavy metal band from Seattle, Washington, started in 2000 by brothers Don Clark and Ryan Clark. All of Demon Hunter's members are Christians and express their love for Jesus in many of their songs. Although the brothers created the band, only one remains, Don Clark...
)
Discography
| Title | Release Date | Label | Billboard 200 | US Sales |
| A Chorus of Obliteration A Chorus of Obliteration A Chorus of Obliteration is The Showdown's debut album. It blends Christian metalcore with Southern metal, and Melodic Death Metal. Every song on A Chorus of Obliteration is based on a story in the Bible... |
November 16, 2004 November 14, 2006 (Re-release) |
Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo is an independent record label based in Franklin, Tennessee. It was founded in 2003 as an imprint label of Gotee Records. While Gotee signs mostly rap, hip-hop, and pop-rock artists, MVS leaned more towards indie music.-2003–2006:... |
- | 40,000+ |
| Temptation Come My Way Temptation Come My Way Temptation Come My Way is The Showdown's second album. It is a departure from the sound of their previous album, which was a combination of southern metal, and death metal... |
February 20, 2007 | Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo is an independent record label based in Franklin, Tennessee. It was founded in 2003 as an imprint label of Gotee Records. While Gotee signs mostly rap, hip-hop, and pop-rock artists, MVS leaned more towards indie music.-2003–2006:... |
#191 | 60,000+ |
| Feel Like Hell EP Feel Like Hell EP The Feel Like Hell EP is The Showdown's first EP. It is a collection of b-sides from their album Temptation Come My Way.-Track listing:# "Feel Like Hell" - 3:59# "When It All Comes Down" - 3:32# "Snake In The Grass" - 2:40... |
September 18, 2007 | Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo Mono Vs Stereo is an independent record label based in Franklin, Tennessee. It was founded in 2003 as an imprint label of Gotee Records. While Gotee signs mostly rap, hip-hop, and pop-rock artists, MVS leaned more towards indie music.-2003–2006:... |
- | - |
| Back Breaker Back Breaker Back Breaker is the third album from the Tennessee heavy metal band The Showdown. It's their first album with Solid State Records. Footage from the band in the process of recording the album can be viewed on their . On June 27, 2008 The Showdown released the track listing... |
August 19, 2008 | Solid State Records Solid State Records Solid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,... |
25,000+ | |
| Blood In The Gears | August 24, 2010 | Solid State Records Solid State Records Solid State Records is a Christian record label, a division of Tooth & Nail Records. Unlike Tooth & Nail, Solid State signs hardcore and metal bands. Like Tooth & Nail, Solid State is primarily a Christian label. However, they have signed several bands that don't label themselves as Christian,... |
- The Showdown has also recorded a cover of "So Help Me God," by ChristianChristianA Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
rock/pop group dc TalkDc TalkDC Talk , is a Grammy-winning Christian rock music trio. The group was formed in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk , Nu Thang , Free at Last , Jesus Freak , and Supernatural...
, which appears on the compilation album Freaked!Freaked!Freaked! is a tribute album to the album Jesus Freak. It features artists from Gotee singing most of the songs on the original album. The last track from Jesus Freak is omitted, as it was a poem by Kevin Max.-Track listing:...
A Gotee Tribute to dc TalkDc TalkDC Talk , is a Grammy-winning Christian rock music trio. The group was formed in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1987 by Toby McKeehan, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max Smith. They have released five major studio albums together: DC Talk , Nu Thang , Free at Last , Jesus Freak , and Supernatural...
's "Jesus Freak." - In the 2006, European version of A Chorus of Obliteration, "Give Us This Day" was included as a bonus track and is also featured in the 2008 American release of Back Breaker.
- In 2010, David Bunton contributed to the latest Living SacrificeLiving SacrificeLiving Sacrifice is a Christian heavy metal band that formed in September 1989 in Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. The band has released seven studio albums, out of which the first three were recorded under R.E.X. Records with their original vocalist Darren Johnson as a more thrash metal and death metal...
album "The Infinite OrderThe Infinite Order- Personnel :Living Sacrifice*Bruce Fitzhugh - Lead Vocals, Guitar*Rocky Gray - Lead Guitar*Arthur Green - Bass, Vocals*Lance Garvin - DrumsGuest Musicians*David Bunton - Vocals on Tracks 2 and 9...
" with adding in vocals for "They Were One" and "Rules of Engagement."
External links
- Myspace
- Purevolume
- Mono Vs Stereo Page
- The Showdown at Metal Archives
- MusicMight