Bangladesh

Bangladesh, by way of enlightenment
What's in a name? This Austin band found out before choosing it
By Nariman Ahmed
AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Monday, August 06, 2007
In Austin, there aren't a lot of reminders of my native country of Bangladesh. I never guessed that one of them would be a metal band.

Bangladesh the band is a local group that plays politically charged music and is a finalist in Famecast, the Austin-based online talent competition. They'll find out today if they won in the metal category.

Bangladesh the country is where I was born and where I spent my summer vacations after my family moved away.

The band has no Bangladeshi members, and they've never visited the country. How they chose the name Bangladesh surprised and impressed me.

At first, I suspected that the members picked Bangladesh just because it's a cool-sounding word. And that was the initial pull. Then the name began to take on a greater meaning.

Lead guitarist John Deleon (whose day job is being a counselor at Johnston High School) first suggested the Bangladesh moniker. The idea came from the "Made in Bangladesh" tag on his baseball cap.

"It sounded unique and had a certain mystique to it that went beyond the trends metal bands were falling into at that time," said guitarist Shaun Tenberg, an Army veteran of the Gulf War.

The band started coming together in October 2005, but members were still undecided about a name until lead singer Jay Childress (a gymnastics coach at Flipnastics) joined about a year and a half later.

"I wanted to look this up because if we were going to use this name, I really want to know what it's about and what is going on with this country," he said. "There needed to be a bond, a true understanding before we even played our first show."

As he researched Bangladesh, Childress saw parallels between the country's history and the band members' life experiences.

"When Bangladesh separated from Pakistan, they were trying to separate from what was oppressing them," Childress said. (A quick history lesson: Over political, economic and linguistic differences, Bangladesh, formerly East Pakistan, became a separate nation from West Pakistan after a bloody civil war in 1971).

"This was kind of what we wanted with the band — we wanted to separate ourselves from everything and try this (music) a different way."

Separation for the band members meant leaving former bands and taking their music to the next level.

"We knew we wanted to separate ourselves from other bands and other forms of this particular art," Childress said. "We wanted a voice that had economical, social and political implications."

That's clear in songs such as "Tainted Democracy."

" 'Tainted Democracy' is about the cycle of corruption in our leaders," Childress said. "It is the most right-there-in-your-face because it speaks of the poverty and the children as well."

Tenberg adds: "We are not bashing any particular government, but the truth is that when individuals get up to positions of power, no matter whether it is a government or business, they are greedy and lose all sense of humanity."

That song is from Bangladesh's album "Running with Bulls," which was inspired by the San Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain.

The band sees the bulls as any trouble a person faces during the day.

"It can be your job, traffic on an Austin highway or that old girlfriend who won't leave you alone," Tenberg said. "It's coming at you from the sides, head on and from behind you."

Because some members of the group grew up in rough neighborhoods, they're passionate about using their music to raise money for disadvantaged children.

Earlier this year, the band played a tribute show to honor slain guitar legend Darrell Abbott that raised about $1,500 for Communities in Schools of Central Texas.

Bangladesh also aims to empower its audience.

"We are just trying to let them see that there is educational music out there," Childress said. "It's our way of saying we get up every day, we run with the bulls. This is what we have done with it; you can do it, too."

The band members are in their early to mid-30s. Besides Childress, Tenberg and Deleon, Bangladesh includes drummer Mike Amaya, a former field engineer for the Department of Defense, and bassist Jay Puente, a supervisor/technician at Furniture Marketing Group.

Except for Tenberg, the "obligatory tattooed guy in the band," none of them looks the part of metal rockers.

"We have matured as individuals, and we like metal, but it's not a look to us," Tenberg said. "I don't feel we have to walk into a club and look metal because other bands do. I'd rather much get up on the stage and show what a metal band does."

In case you're wondering, while most Bengali music is traditional and mellow, there are metal bands in Bangladesh.

Tenberg heard some Bangladeshi metal on the Internet.

"Holy cow! They have metal music in Bangladesh?" he recalls thinking. "Thei - Austin American Statesman

ROCKET REVIEW: BANGLADESH @ The Ridglea In TX 8/10
By Rocket
Published: August 10, 2007






The Ridglea Theater rock venue in Fort Worth, Texas played host on this 'Metal Underground' evening to headlining Bangladesh from Austin and a slew of other hot regional Texas talents, including: Skard Soul, Lug, Debri & Suicide Opera.

Of the sets from the opening lineup, I have chosen only to review the most impressive act of the four that I saw. I feel that Debri from Mineral Wells had their A-game in place from the very first explosive note. Thrashing with monster metallic riffs in pit swirling-inducers such as "U Turn" and "30 Stones", carried by the throat-growling vocal performance of Brian McCoy, it was easy to see that these young bruisers meant business. Debri is certainly another one of those extremely rare Pantera-influenced likes that somehow manages to write good enough songs that stand on their own and expand on the entiire mosh/groove approach that the good ole Cowboys From Hell were infamously known for throughout the world during their supreme reign in the 1990's. Debri performed other cuts from their 2007 self-released 'The Life Of Death' EP, namely 'Carter', which was my personal favorite from their setlist on this night.

However, the event was simply owned by headliner Bangladesh, who came on shortly after the midnight hour. Led by one of the more spirited and all-out engaging musical attacks I have witnessed in a long time, thanks to the literal jumping jack Jay Childress. If Debri seemed like an un-caged animal, Bangladesh was the rogue Lion that reered its giant head back, letting out a tremendous roar of gutteral ferocity, leaving noone in the crowd spared from their progressive hardcore metal onslaught that demanded your attention and were damn proud of it. This true rock n roll zeal is what I feel is so sorely missing from even well known national acts on the scene today. "Faked It" and "Tainted Democracy" from the group's 2006 "Running With Bulls" EP were stellar standouts during the roughly forty-five minute performance that had everyone observing Childress jumping onto the stage like a flying madman from fifteen foot high stage monitors like the music possessed him as if a high-voltage of electricity would if mainlined directly into his veins. Very reminiscent of Dry Kill Logic's capable mixture of strong guitar hooks, ultimate double-bass drumming, steady bass and killer melodic parts, Bangladesh, who has already begun to appear on national act bills with top underground names like In This Moment and Silent Civilian, displayed sheer love for what they are doing on the stage. Combine this with the flatout fact that these guys have an unflinching arsenal of simply dead tight, ass-kicking songs, this is one unsigned act that seems absolutely poised for much bigger things to come in the world of heavy music.

http://www.myspace.com/bangladesh5
- The Metal Den

FACECAGE - April 11th & 12th, 2007

Night 1: San Antonio, Texas

FACECAGE from Des Moines Iowa played in San Antonio, Texas for the second time on April 11th, 2007. The band played at Bonds 007 Rock Bar, which is located downtown near the San Antonio River Walk.

Before the club opened for the evening of hard-hitting, in-your-face METAL, we had a chance to catch up with Matt, the singer from FACECAGE, and FACECAGE manager, Denny!

Talking to Matt and Denny was very awesome! The very talented singer gave us an update on the two Texas shows prior to San Antonio; Corpus Christi and Houston. Matt reflected the most on the Houston show, saying that the event promotion was not very good. The crowd consisted of the bands that played with FACECAGE. Houston missed out on a great, great, great live performance!!

It really aggravates me that such a great band does not get the respect and concert promotion that they deserve!

On to the San Antonio show we go! The show opened with Broken Seal from San Antonio local music scene. Broken Seal opened for FACECAGE last time they were in San Antonio. The band is a pretty good; their music gets you rocking.

Next up, some new friends from Austin, Texas hit the stage! The five guys in Bangladesh are absolutely amazing!! Bangladesh is hard-hitting and brutal! Their set is very good; it is full of energy! No wonder FACECAGE invited them to play multiple shows with them! And if I might add, the guys in Bangladesh are also awesome to be around!

A while after Bangladesh threw-down their awesome set, it was time for the Des Moines boys to play!

FACECAGE was absolutely amazing, as always!! I was going absolutely insane as they played their amazing set! These guys give it their all! I can not justly describe the feeling that a FACECAGE set should leave on someone, if the set is appreciated to the fullest extent possible! A single word is not adequate! Fred, the Bass player, performed an amazing Bass guitar solo; he is overwhelmingly talented!

FACECAGE did not disappoint fans in San Antonio, Texas!

Night 2: Austin, Texas

The following night, April 12th, 2007, we were invited to the Austin show. The show was held at The Redrum, which is located on Sabine Street.

San Antonio, Texas' own, Brotherhood, opened the Austin show. Brotherhood is cool. I have always heard that they put on a good show, but never had a chance to see them. I would definitely check them out again.

Next up, the hometown boys, Bangladesh, ripped up the stage once again! They did not disappoint their hometown fans one bit! Of course, Bangladesh had more fans at their hometown show. I will make an inference that Bangladesh will have widened their fan base after the exposure that they gained from playing with FACECAGE!

Bangladesh is a band that I plan to follow from now on. The guys have potential to go far; their dedication is outstanding!

Bangladesh was followed by FACECAGE!

The FACECAGE set, again, was amazing! I was in front of the stage, as I was in San Antonio, Texas! I was stoked to endure the second night of chaos! In my opinion, one can not get enough FACECAGE! The energy that they put forth is very addicting; leaving the true fan craving more! The boys from Iowa put on another great show n Austin Texas!

FACECAGE did not disappoint the fans Austin, Texas!!

I want to send my deepest appreciation to everyone involved with FACECAGE! Thanks for letting us hang out for two nights of amazing fun!! We are forever grateful!
- Disability Entertainment News.org

ROCKET's Interview With Mike Amaya Of BANGLADESH
By Rocket
Published: December 19, 2007


Rocket: What first drew you to playing music?

Mike: Man, I'd have to say it was music itself! I've been infected by it ever since I was a wee lad. My mom used to tell me that when I was a kid, I'd always cup my hands over my ears. When she would ask me what the hell I was doing, I'd tell her, "Mom, you don't hear that? You don't hear that music??". Yeah, I was a pretty weird kid! Plus, my dad was a bass player, so by the time I was 10, we'd jam out to Hendrix and shit together and then we'd switch instruments. We always had a house full of equipment, so it was easy to cut my teeth on just about anything.

Rocket: Where were you born and raised, brother?

Mike: That's a tricky one. I was an Army brat, so we lived all over, but I was born in Hawaii. I spent the bulk of my time in Germany, Massachusetts, and Texas.

Rocket: So when did you really first start playing the drums?

Mike: I didn't get my real trap set until I was around 9.

Rocket: Did you ever take any formal drum lessons?

Mike: Nope. I should have, but I just wanted to play! My dad enrolled me in guitar lessons for awhile, but that was it. My music teachers at school were always hounding me to join the band and shit, but it just wasn't my thing. I was too busy sitting at home trying to learn Anthrax and Metallica and Slayer! I have checked out a few instructional videos and many magazines and whatnot, just for exercises and things, which have helped out. I don't know, I just learn so much easier and faster when I can hear it, or see it. Once you start dissecting it down to notes and formulated techniques, it just becomes boring to me.

Rocket: Who are some of your biggest playing influences?

Mike: Wow, um...Danny from Tool, Dave Grohl, Charlie from Anthrax, Joey from Slipknot, Stuart from The Police, Igor from Sepultura, John from Helmet, Dave from Slayer, Sheila E, and the dude that played with James Brown....those are the ones that stand out. I always suck at this question because I always wind up leaving out someone important and later saying, "Crap, how could I forget them!".

Rocket: Briefly, how did you initially join up with Bangladesh?



Mike: A phone call. I was in Philly on a business trip about a year ago, and I got a call from Shaun asking if I'd fill in for a show they had already booked. Their drummer had just recently quit, and they needed someone fast! Shaun and I had known each other from back in the day while I was in another band with one of his best friends. He sent me the mp3's and two weeks later I was playing live with them. Eventually, about two months later, the temp job became permanent.

Rocket: Tell me, who are some of the other upcoming Texas metal acts that have impressed you?

Mike: Angerkill! Those guys kill! I'm always happy to share the stage with those guys, and girl, because I get to watch them play!!! Their drummer is by far THE best drummer in Texas. Also, Zero From Falling. They rock and I really dig their energy. And speaking of upcoming, 1nch Punch! Their drummer is bad ass and they have Mikey from Ministry playing guitar!! So all you Ministry fans that are sad that this is their last hoorah, don't cry your last tear yet, the torch is being passed!!

Rocket: With all the killer shows you guys have played this year, which one would you say stands out the most in your mind? And why?



Mike: Loco Fest in Massachusetts. By far the coolest show. Getting to share the stage with Shadows Fall, in front of thousands of screaming fans, I mean, that's what it's all about! That energy was incredible! I learned a lot from that experience.

Rocket: If your band had the opportunity to be signed by any label of your choice right now who would it be?

Mike: Hmmm, who would I like my soul to be sucked out of by first. Ha! You know, I don't really know. I guess it would depend on who had the better deal for us. Whom ever had the most lube!!

Rocket: Haha. I like to have fun with this next one. What's the funniest thing that's ever happened to you while performing on stage?

Mike: Nothing fun ever happens to the drummer. He's just the guy that sits in the back. I guess I'd have to say the night that a certain female fan got on stage and stage dived onto my kit during our last song. That was pretty funny. All I saw was my cymbal and stand come flying at my face followed by a fury of long crazy hair and boobs!! We actually became good friends after that night. Hi Lovejoy!!

Rocket: It's been another great year for metal. What one album is your personal fave at this point?

Mike: Shoot, I'd have to say the Droid album. We played with those guys in Odessa and they rocked it just as good, if not better than the cd!

Rocket: Right on. Thanks very much for doing this with me. Best of luck moving forward and into 2008. Give a shout out to your biggest supporters.


Mike: That's - The Metal Den.com

Bangladesh: A Texas Music Revolution
By: Jessica McGee
Posted: 5/3/07
Metal/Hardcore Revolutionist if you will, Bangladesh out of Austin, Texas is all about bringing it up in your face loud and hard. The five members consist of Jay Childress (Vocals), John Deleon (Lead Guitar), Jay Puente (Bass), Shaun Tenberg (Guitar), and Mike Amaya (Drums). In mid April, Bangladesh came down to Laredo and played a set at local venue Average Joe's along with Dead Earth Politics of Austin, TX and local act Scarecrow. Thriving in staying separated from other "typical" metal/hardcore acts, Bangladesh is a movement in of its own.

Rising out of a former act Darling Sinister, the original members, Deleon, Puente, and Tenberg, created Bangladesh in October of 2005. Knowing that they had to rise above the regular acts, everything had to be different for Bangladesh as front man Childress, gave the example "they went through about 15 singers, before agreeing on me". The sound of Bangladesh is if you were to put Texas Metal and Old School Hardcore in a blender only to frappe the hell out of it, as the two genres blend seamlessly together. As Childress added, "we have a diverse influence; from Texas Metal like Pantera, to East Coast Hardcore".

Along with stopping by Laredo, Bangladesh earlier was out on the road touring with FACECAGE from Des Moines, Iowa and as Slipknot fans know, Corey Taylor has served as producer for FACECAGE and together they created Great Big Mouth Records.

The only real way to have a Bangladesh experience is to see these guys live. Not only do you remember what great face melting riffs, adrenaline induced drums, and vein popping vocals metal/hardcore sounds like but you also get a chance to see the band's signature move of a three man pyramid. During the last song of there set at Average Joe's, front-man Childress stood atop of guitarist Deleon and Tenberg's upper thigh while bassist Puente arises out through the middle, to somewhat symbolize that Bangladesh has created a new meaning and reached a new height in the mundane and ordinary world of heavy music.

If you weren't able to make it to the show, the next best thing is to run over to the band's myspace profile at www.myspace.com/bangladesh5 to listen to the band's four of the five songs on their EP titled: "Running With Bulls" on Bang 114 Records. You'll find the songs 'Tainted Democracy', 'Standing By Regret', 'It Tempts Me' and 'Faked It'. And if you like what you hear, which you will, go on over and buy there EP and other kickin' merchandise at www.bangladesh5.com.

Bangladesh is the example and a part of the reason some of us still believe in metal and hardcore music; why we still strive to keep it going, for it to help others as its helped us and so much more. So get up, get out, and join your brothers of Bangladesh in the new metal/hardcore revolution for Texas and the world.
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© Copyright 2007 The Bridge - The Bridge Newpaper

If you decide to call your disc Running With Bulls and slap phrases like "Get Ready To Bleed" on the back of its CD booklet, you better have the sack to back it up. After witnessing Austin's Bangladesh play live in Dallas recently, it was obvious that they deliver the goods in that department, and fortunately, the group's five-track EP does the same. Capturing their on-stage energy in the studio was clearly not a problem and their "in-the-red" sense of urgency and immediacy rarely lets up during the disc's 23 minutes. There's no denying the appeal as the quintet dish out a potent mix of Hatebreed's muscle-bound hardcore and Shadows Fall's melodic, metallic thunder. More importantly, they have that certain "it factor" that most up-and-coming bands find so elusive. Bangladesh clearly has a determined sense of purpose not to mention a handful of standout tuneage. "It Tempts Me" is a roaring anthem brimming with pummeling riffage and commanding vocals. "Faked It" is the soundtrack to bruising, circle pit chaos. "Tainted Democracy" and "New Revolution" prove they can flex some deeper songwriting prowess without losing a ferocious edge. "Standing By Regret," however, shows that they're not afraid to pull back the reigns to great effect and pen something remarkably moving. Ultimately, this is one bunch that refuses to rely on the derivative and mediocre to get their point across. Bangladesh is well on the way when it comes to making an impact. Know them now. www.myspace.com/bangladesh5

-Jerry Rutherford, LIT Magazine, Dallas TX
- LIT Magazine