Artist Information Biography In the fall of 2003, Maria Ward began forming an original hard rock band which would give her the ability to sing, perform, and be who she truly is. The name of that band is Wounded Soul. Inspired by her life, she saw herself as a soul with battle scars. Like so many of us, though wounded, we are only that much more determined, stronger, and willing to fight for our place. Over a few months she also found the musicians to complete not just her music but her life. * David Shek joined the band in Dec of '03 bringing with him his outstanding diversity, rhythmic and tribal beats, inspiring energy, and limitless creativity. * Jason Johns, a dynamite rhythm guitarist, with great chops for leads as well. Truly creative and a huge asset to this band, he has tremendous energy on stage and provides awesome background vocals. * Doug Hamel, returning as our bass player after a few years' absence, brings great musical and lyrical ideas, and his presence adds a solid and crucial addition to our music. * Carlos Ameri, the ultimate collaborator, brings his years of experience and focus on melody, dynamics, and the overall mood of our music. Wounded Soul desires to create a new sound, a blend of hard edgy rock with progressive attributes. They include worldly textures such as tribal beats, Arabic tones, spiritual lyrics, and pound for pound explosive, pumping, head-banging music. Wounded Soul launched onto the NC music scene - doing open mics, benefits, and opening gigs to get their music out. Wounded Soul has since become one of the hottest new bands in North Carolina. Their heavy progressive sound can be linked to influences of Evanescence, Tool, P.O.D, Korn, and ethnic meditational textures. Maria's powerful voice carries a spirit that cannot be ignored. Their adrenaline-pumping shows, stage and audience interaction, high energy sound, and all around presence provide awesome experiences for those who share their love for the music.  Wounded Soul recently has shared the stage with Stereoside, Hanzel und Gretyl, Shadows Fall, and Lacuna Coil!!  Working with Grammy-nominated Producer John Custer (Dag, Cry of Love, Corrosion of Conformity), Wounded Soul is now ready to be unleashed! Instrumentation Maria Ward - Vocals David Shek - Drums Doug Hamel - Bass Guitar Jason Johns - Rhythm Guitar Carlos Ameri - Lead Guitar Discography The Ascension EP "Payback" currently in regular rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio's 'Octane' channel. "Payback" currently in regular rotation on Alexa Digital Radio (Sonicbids gig). "Payback" and "Rx" featured on Dark Sky Records' Underground Rising Podcast (Sonicbids gig). "You" on MAPMusic's "Pop/Rock Against Parkinson's" compilation CD (Sonicbids gig). "Rx" on Versailles Records' "ANTHEM ROCK Vol. 1/2" compilation CD. "Rx" on Rock N' Roll Books sampler CD to be packaged with the Nikki Sixx biography, "Education in Rebellion". "Rx" on Skratch Magazine's "Skratch Mp3 sampler CD, Vol.46" Voodoo Fest compilation CD. "Rx" on Acoustic Fuel's "Girl Power Compilation 2" CD. "Payback", "Rx", and "One" in regular rotation on Maximum Threshold Radio Show (Sonicbids gig). "Willow" featured on Women of Substance Radio podcast. New full-length album coming early 2009. Links http://www.myspace.com/woundedsoulband MySpace Our main Web page