Callous

You can track back the roots of Callous to the year 2000, by long-time friends Michael and Spyke. Michael Wood Jr (Vocals) was born on October 20 in Saudi Arabia. His musical influences include Elton John, Maynard James Keenan, James Taylor, Sevendust, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tupac Shakur, Deftones, and Chevelle. As a freshman in high school, Michael met Spyke and the two started jamming together. Spyke (Percussion, back up vocals) was born on May 26 in Jacksonville, Fl. Spyke was influenced and inspired, first, by his father, Mike Maple, and later by drummers such as Morgan Rose of Sevendust and Joey from Slipknot. His best friend Jason was also a big influence on Spyke’s musical direction. Michael and Spyke were the foundation for this first incarnation. Musical differences caused a parting of ways for Michael and Spyke and they went on to other projects. In 2003, Michael met a guitar player known as "Izzy"; which was the beginning of a project they called Downcast. Izzy (Guitar, back up vocals) was born on July 11 in Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. He credits such bands as Pink Floyd, Tool, Sevendust, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, and legendary guitarist Zach Wylde for his love of music. The day after meeting Izzy, Spyke was asked back to share his talent in this new venture. Downcast played around Jacksonville, Florida throughout 2004 until once again they went through member changes. After losing their bass player, they took a few months off before bringing in bassist Rob Sweat. Rob was born on March 28 in Jacksonville, Fl. and was influenced by music greats like Kings X, Stone Temple Pilots, Chevelle, Flea, Blindside, Filter, Josh Freese, and Dave Grohl. The new line-up wrote some heavy, yet soulful, new songs and decided on a name change. After running into a few bumps in the road and several weeks of thought they decided on Callous. The aggressiveness of their music, would fit comfortably with a name such as Callous. Callous has been busy writing their debut cd titled "The Assay." The cd will have an April of 2005 release. Following their release they plan on bringing their art to a stage near you. Touring through the South East US, and shows bringing the band all over the nation, Callous will be one of the premier unsigned artists in 2005.