The Venting Machine is true heavy metal with no compromises. With honest and driving lyrics, precise drumming & bass lines, and well educated and raw guitar riffs that draw the mind to pure insanity, The Venting Machine is a band that draws respect from not only their fans, but their fellow musicians as well. Based out of Northern California’s Central Valley, this band is well on their way to reaching success with their unique brand of melodic, well written heavy metal. Originally formed in 1998 under the name “BREACH”, members Brady Hoover (Vocals), Jeremy Epp (Guitar), Chad Murphy (Bass), and Joe Tobin (Drums) joined forces to create the best music that they could make by matching together their drive and ambitions, forming one of the most tight and brutal metal bands Northern California has ever seen. Since abandoning the name “Breach”, The Venting Machine has been playing as many shows as possible, gaining a wide fan base throughout Northern California and the Central Valley. This four piece metal machine is a band that entertains anyone that enjoys a heavier music. If you enjoy heavy music, then you will enjoy The Venting Machine. As their legacy grows, The Venting Machine will not stop until they reach the point of no return, and it doesn’t look like they will be stopped anytime soon.

www.twistedmusic.net/showprofile.php?ArticleID=64

www.garageband.com/artist/The_Venting_Machine

www.powerslave.com/showreviews/showreview.php?showreview_id=277&from=archive

Wailing Tunes at Waves
Melissa Evett - November 10, 2003

Waves Smokehouse and Saloon -- Monday night gave way to Waves Smokehouse and Saloon in San Jose the opportunity to put on a free show for local metal heads. Rock Stars and Bitches at Waves presented three great metal bands to a fairly large crowd considering it was a Monday night. The saloon gave listeners the pleasure of experiencing Mindeye, The Venting Machine and Borderwars.

Mindeye took the stage first and tore through a set of six amazingly powerful tunes, and also got the opportunity to introduce their new drummer, Jason Burtis. The band just recently returned after a two-month hiatus after parting ways with their previous drummer. Burtis definitely proves his worth with his powerhouse double bass and insane all-over-the-place tom work.

He immediately shows it off on their opening tune, “Sams,” which bursts forth with a clinging drum solo and crashes through with grinding riffs and Disturb-like vocals by singer Eddy Carnes. Guitarist Ryan Fuller writes melodic and forceful verses that instantly grab your attention and force you into the song. One definitive attribute of the song is Fuller and Carnes’ “Page and Plant” style of singing the same notes that the guitar plays which seem to slowly fall down the fret board, making for a great and teasing bridge to the song. Bass player Scott Bowers provides fast finger-work by playing in between dramatic pauses between riffs and adds the emphasis to the intensity of the song. Carnes finishes the song off with vein-popping screams after the band builds up to the final climax.

On “Control,” Mindeye changes it up a bit to play a creepy intro with taunting lyrics as Carnes explains that the song is about control freaks. The song has great head-bobbing riffs that get you moving as Carnes screams over and over “Control!” Mindeye shows their sensitive side with a song dedicated to Carnes’ mother who died last year on Valentine’s Day. It has a Pink Floyd-like intro with tweeky, slow guitar work and great effects by Fuller while Bowers adds the icing on the cake. Carnes asks “tell me why” and offers a soulful-eyed toast to the audience and glances up into the rafters of the club.

They end the set with “Treason,” which compelled the audience to bob their heads along. Carnes makes a circle through the audience, grabs a drink at the bar (all this while singing), and returns to the stage to finish it off with a scream. Mindeye is a stoner-metal type of sound that offers great musicianship and brutally honest vocals. Second to take the stage, was The Venting Machine out of Tracy. They introduce themselves with their signature song, “The Venting Machine” and force you to pay attention. The riffs tear at your rib cage and singer Josh Hoover digs along as his eyes roll back into his head. It only took a song and a half to get the first moshers going for the evening as they ripped through “Pica,” a metaphorical song about having an abnormal desire to eat inedible things, like rocks, nails, chalk, etc.

Next, Hoover introduced a still-wet-behind-the-ears new song called “Perineum,” which Hoover delicately explains is the piece of skin between ones anus and genitals. (Who says metal isn’t educational?) Guitarist Jeremy Epp gives an insanely fast, “holy crap” guitar solo half way through the song that is reminiscent of their older solo-filled tunes off of their debut album, “The Still Point.” Drummer Joe Tobin bangs away on his snare as you worry whether or not he’s going to break it. The Venting Machine got a great response from the crowd as Epp and Tobin gave a teaser by playing the beginning of Slayer’s “Raining Blood.” They cut the song short however, and crashed into “War Paint,” a devilish revenge song that has a very tribal-like intro between the drumbeats and guitar work. A silent pause lets Hoover whisper as The Venting Machine-faithfuls scream along: “left all alone/left by myself, which is nothing at all!”

Another relatively new one, “My Friend Apathy” has jumpy riffs and droning vocals. Tobin’s crash cymbal work makes you move and bassist Chad Murphy provides the spinal chord with his great bass work. The band has great crowd interaction with Epp’s aggressive, seemingly pissed-off facial expressions and Hoover’s penetrating glares. Murphy and Tobin swing their blonde locks around, and you can’t help but feed off of the band’s energy.

Hoover introduces their spinal chord friendly song “Potty Mouth” as “the crowd pleaser.” Proving it true, the audience closest to the stage was banging their heads along with Hoover as the music becomes a poltergeist on your spine and forces you to move. Just when they thought they were done, Security’s Dave Gary told them they could play one more and the audience erupted. The Venting Machine played what was going to be their title track off their sophomore album, “The Neverending,” but has now been changed to “The Diablo Demo.” “The Neverending” just may be their fastest song yet and it’s impressive how they end their energy-intensive set with their fastest. In the midpoint of the song, Hoover screams out a grueling 12-count yell that makes your belly ache and your face turn red just from watching him. Always intense, and seemingly better each time, The Venting Machine took Waves by storm.

Last but certainly not least was Borderwars, a new band to the scene – about a year old. This trash-metal-inspired trio opened their set by covering a few Sepultura songs, including “Refuse/Resist” (featuring Arsinic vocalist Jeff Danner), “War for Territory” and “Propaganda.” Guitarist and vocalist Vinz Graham was incredibly accurate and precise along with his partner-in-crime, bassist Frank Grengo.

Borderwars is a great metal jam band that got the late Monday night audience moving. Drummer Andrew Merrik is a phenomenal drummer and plays a mean metal sound. The three men tore through great jam songs and played out “The Four Horsemen” by Metallica. Even brief technical difficulties with Graham’s microphone didn’t stop them from continuing on with the song as Grengo gave the back up. Graham strums and harmonizes his guitar faster than you can watch his hand move. Quite the energetic and exciting show to watch, this was my first time seeing Borderwars, but I would definitely go to another gig. Despite being a fairly new band, you can tell individually they’ve been at it for a while.

The Venting Machine’s Jeremy Epp joined the band onstage for a few grunts of his own as he held a fresh beer. He was invited back up to sing the lyrics as Borderwars offered their own teaser by playing the beginning to Pantera’s “Walk.” They didn’t finish though, but instead offered a simple explanation. “The difference between The Venting Machine and us,” laughs Graham, “is that they practice and we don’t.”

The Rock Stars and Bitches show at Waves was a great success that offered a lot of fun. I was impressed so many people showed up on a Monday night and that there were so many familiar faces to the local music scene. It’s good to know that there is still faithful support coming from around the bay.

http://www.powerslave.com/articles/article.php?article_id=160

The Venting Machine are a band of brothers, being friends since as early as 1991; taking notes from bands like Pantera, Sepultura, Tool, Prong, Megadeth, Faith No More...to name a few.

"When we write songs, we visualize our favorite band playing the song and how we as fans would react to it. If it is sick, we know right away, its a keeper!"(Jeremy Epp- The Venting Machine)

This quartet from northern California has remained a consistent force in that regions, "underground metal" scene. Always improving, this band strives to provide fans, with a perfect mix of aggressive yet melodical metal music.
A regular player at the legendary, but now defunct, Cactus Club in San Jose, where they performed with raving reviews. The Venting Machine now play a majority of there shows at, The Pound in San Francisco. A venue that has become "the place to play" in the Bay Area. Due it's superior sound system and excellent atmosphere. The Blank Club- San Jose and Pine Street Bar N' Grill- Livermore, are also among the venues that this band can be seen performing at.

So if your ever in northern California; love to see a good metal show. It is highly encouraged that you check this band out !!

Besides 15-years experience with his instrument. Murphy has over 20-years experience in the northern California metal scene. Having done duties as a band roadie; street teamer and etc. Over the past 6-years, Murphy has been instrumental, in the business aspect of things, for this band.
As a musician, Murphy has worked hard to "lay the foundation", as the other half of the rhythm section for, The Venting Machine. That other "half" being in the form of drummer Joe Tobin.

Tobin is an immensely talented drummer. Having the uncanny ability, to keep all sorts of time...while still keeping it all, "within the pocket" !! He is a quick study, not to mention a stellar performer. Tobin has been playing drums since 1994. Right from the start, he was a "natural".

www.twistedmusic.net/showarticle.php?articleID=140

SHRED- Vol.1:

14.04.2004 - 22:55:23
Jeremy Epp (The Venting Machine) and Jason Jones (Better Left Unsaid):

Two flamboyant and driven guitarist’s. Onstage both musician’s make their respective presence known. Epp with his menacing/contorted facial expressions. While Jones appears locked in a trance, full of passion and vigor. Each delivering a walloping audio sensory attack !!
Their bands, The Venting Machine (T.V.M.) and Better Left Unsaid (B.L.U.), are easily among the top-5 in the northern Central Valley area. Epp’s T.V.M. have been together for 5-years now (formerly Breach). Jones and B.L.U. are close to a year old now, with it’s members all being veterans of the scene. Both bands are expected to have new cds, released by this summer.

Well enough of me talking ! Now I will give you the opportunity. To hear what these two “shredders” had to say. The following is there responses to 23-questions, that I asked them:

1a.) How long have you been a guitarist ?
Epp: I have been playing guitar for about seven years now, after
switching from drums.

Jones: 15 years.

1b.) Describe your playing style....in a complete sentence:
Epp: It’s hard to say. I would guess being very precise and aggressive with solos; along the realm of Dimebag and Zakk Wylde.

Jones: Three words sum it up… Aggressive, Technical, and with all my heart.

2.) What other instruments do you play ?
Epp: Drums, bass,....everything with strings (except a violin...I’m still practicing that).

Jones: Bongo’s…the really big ones.

3.) How did you decide to become a guitar player ?
Jones: When I was 10. I saw Keith Richards on MTV with 2-Super Models, and I figured if anyone that ugly can get chicks playing guitar… I had a chance !

4.) How many "serious" bands have you been in...?
Epp: This is it! This band has been together since were kids in school.
Just under different names. Some of the names were...Breach; Shadowland(pre-Josh & Chad); Edicius (pre-Josh) and some I will not say.

Jones: Cutthroat; Paralysis; Crawl and BLU (So four if you are counting…)

5.) What other style(s) of music; influence your playing style ?
Epp: I like old school hard rock and some of the 80’s type
shit.Stuff like old Van Halen; Black Sabbath...any Ozzy. Then I like shit like Tom Jones and ZZ Top.

Jones: I have been heavily influenced by Jazz,; Jazz Fusion; Blues; Baroque (Classical for you True Metal Heads ! m/); Punk Rock and a touch of Southern Rock !

6.) Did you learn to play musical instruments by:
A.) Instruction manuals.
B.) Lessons from an instructor.
C.) Figuring things out myself......please elaborate.

Epp: I learned to play music by ear. When I was 5-years old or so, my dad would give me these albums (“Van Halen-I”; Ozzy: “Diary of a Madman and “Led Zeppelin-II” and etc..) and I studied everything I heard in the mix...over and over. To the point that I knew how to play the drum parts without ever playing before. My dad got me a drum set at age 6....I could match anything I heard from
the stereo.
B. I took no drum lessons, but I did take a few months of guitar
lessons from a guy name James Robinson, who just recently signed a record deal with Favored Nations (Steve Vai) and will be on the G3 tour next year.
C. I spent hours with my guitar, sitting in front of my tape player
learning guitar parts. I enjoyed this alot because I could learn that part and play along with the song. Then hear the exact part from the amp match the music in the song. I must have learned around 50 songs note for note (even the solos) from bands like Pantera; Ozzy; Megadeth; Metallica; Anthrax and etc.

Jones: D.) All of the above ! I was a sponge. I learned from everyone and everything I could…I still do.

7.) Name (2) or more guitarist that you really like or look up to ?
Epp: Randy Rhoads; “Dimebag” Darrell; Zakk Wylde; Marty Friedman and Eddie Van Halen.

Jones: Jimi Hendrix; “Dime Bag” Darrell; Paul Gilbert; Dino Cazares; Zeke Rasnic, and Jeremy Penick.

8.) Would you consider yourself to be strong in "musical theory" knowledge ? If the answer is yes, how advantageous is that for you as a guitarist/musician?
Epp: I would say I am strong enough to play, exactly what I hear in my
head on a guitar, pretty much simultaneously. The theory stuff is great for building solos. Plus even more helpful when creating chords. It could be good and bad for a player. Someone who knows too much theory, might lack in heart!

Jones: I gained formal “theory” and “ear” training in college. The best thing about the overall knowledge. Is the ability to properly express your ideas to your other band members.

9.) What are some of your "philosophies" on guitar playing ?
Epp: I try to think of licks and patterns that are more exotic and
Hybrid. Then mix it up with your standard ass kicking riff with a solo here and there.

Jones: Practice, practice, practice until you do not have to think of it anymore.
“Cause if you’re thinking, you are stinking…”- Jason Jones.

10.) Fear Factory or Pantera...why ?
Epp: Pantera ! More overall talent and diverse.

Jones: Pantera. Because without Pantera there would be no Fear Factory ! Lets face it, Dime Bag is just a bad Mother Fucker !

11.) Do you have any endorsements...If not, whom would you like to be sponsored by ?
Epp: I don't have endorsements, yet. However, I don't know if I would be happy with anything less the Gibson’s and Marshall’s ! But Jackson; Esp or BC Rich would be cool too !

Jones: Basson Sound – “Best Cab’ I have ever had”.

12.) What major signed band; would you best fit with music style wise....why ?
Epp: I would say we would fit good with Nothingface; Lamb of God;
Machine Head and Prong.

Jones: Motorhead !

13.) Slayer; Metallica; Megadeth or Anthrax.......which of these bands was most influential to you, as a young metal-head, why ?!!?
Epp: All !!! They made me want to practice !!!

Jones: All of them…
Slayer = Pure Speed and Aggression.
“OLD” Metallica = Great song writing and the “Almighty Riff”.
Megadeth = Chops up the Wazoo.
Anthrax = Scott Ian has a cool Goatee.

14.) Testament or Soundgarden...why ?
Epp: Testament! Alex Skolnick.

Jones: Testament. Alex Skolnick and James Murphy what more can you ask for ? SHRED!!!!!!!!!!!!

15.) Hardware: What guitar products do you use ?
Epp: GHS strings, EMG's, Marshall Cabinets, Van Halen Amp Peavey 5150), Gibson Guitars, Jackson Guitars and one home made (guitar) !

Jones: Ibanez RG565, Coffin Cases, Monster Cable, Basson Sound, Line 6 DL4, DiMarzio Tone Zone Pick Ups and Ernie Ball Power Slinky’s.

16.) What is your favorite thing(s) about playing the guitar ?
Epp: My favorite thing about guitar. Is it’s feel and it’s endless
possibility of note selection.

Jones: The ladies !

17.) Explain the emotions/feelings that transpire while playing a show ?
Epp: Whenever I am playing a show. I feel that I have to play good
enough to send everyone home; talking about our band...honestly.

Jones: Sometimes I am like, “Hey I wonder if I left the toaster on.” In all seriousness I become a different person on stage. Every musician knows that feeling or “Zone” that you go into. I think it is different for everyone.

18.) How much input. Do you have in your bands songwriting process ?
Epp: I write the lions share of the music...60/40. Josh (TVM vocalist) comes in second. While Joe (TVM drummer) will come in with arrangment ideas.

Jones: Everyone in the band has equal input concerning “All Parts”. I think that is what sets us apart from a number of bands. Not every song sounds the same. Nor does it come from the same influences. The writing process is pretty “open” when it comes to BLU. We all have different influences and styles, so the same song could have a wide range of influences.

19.) What is best single piece of advice that you could give to a young aspiring musician ?
Epp: The best advice I could give. Is to get in a band early. Some of the best guitar players I know; can't play with any other musicians ! That takes just as much practice !

Jones: Wear a rubber ! As I stated before, practice your craft until it becomes natural.

20.) What is the biggest show you have ever played ?
Epp: Sonora Fair Grounds ! Over 500 people all moshing it up !!

Jones: Well BLU has had the opportunity to play a few big shows. Saliva was sold out and a definite learning experience. But I would have to say that the Rock 96.7 “Ramp It Up” with Motograter and Man Made God was the biggest, I have played to date.

21.) Jimmy Page or Tony Iaomi...why ?
Epp: Tony Iomi.......the originator of the doom metal riff !!!!

Jones: Tony Iaomi. The God Father of all that is HEAVY m/.

22.) Feel free to add any other information.
Epp: Where's the beer !!

Jones: Want to know how I play ? Sound ? Or what my influences are ? Come see a show ! (Especially the ladies!).

Well there you have it folks ! If you would like to learn more about Jeremy Epp; Jason Jones; The Venting Machine or Better Left Unsaid. Check out these two websites:
www.theventingmachine.com
www.betterleftunsaidmusic.com/