CLOSE YOUR EYES
Bio:
Using their faith as a driving force, CLOSE YOUR EYES has silenced all stereotypes and emerged as a leader in delivering their powerful and inspiring message through music. The band’s infectious, explosive energy and uncompromising musical capabilities transcends the aggressive posturing that so often limits the genre. Luckily, a scene so overpopulated with lackluster talent has struck gold with this special melodic-hardcore outfit. Abilene, Texas-based CLOSE YOUR EYES recently opened the ears and hearts of fans across the world with 2010’s promising Victory debut, We Will Overcome. With their hardcore, heavy rock sound and inspirational lyrics, it was no surprise that the band received such an intense initial response. The album has since sold over 15,000 copies in the U.S. to date, and the music video for the hit track, “Song For The Broken” has been viewed by over 1.2 million devoted listeners. It’s hard to imagine that a band who has garnered such notoriety began with two of the original members simply commenting on each other’s t-shirts.
Vocalist Shane Raymond and guitarist Brett Callaway met at Hardin-Simmons University, unaware that their casual encounter would morph into the emergence of one of the most powerful, uplifting groups around. Sonny Vega (bass) and Tim Friesen (drums) complete this talented line-up. Delving into the subject of Christianity as a major influence for their existence, CLOSE YOUR EYES makes it a point not to preach, like many others so often do. In the fall of 2011, the band released Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts, which channeled the impressive momentum that CLOSE YOUR EYES has become notable for. The album couples powerful melodies with inventive hardcore, furthering CLOSE YOUR EYES’ signature dynamic with their catchiest anthems, strongest vocals, and most monstrous guitar riffs to date. “Musically and lyrically, we poured our hearts into this one. The short time span that we had to record really brought the band closer together and allowed everyone to openly express themselves more than ever before,” Raymond commented.
Bringing their vibrant, energizing performances across the country, CLOSE YOUR EYES has certainly marched their way to the forefront of the hardcore elite. Playing major festivals such as Cornerstone and Sonshine, touring with A DAY TO REMEMBER and UNDEROATH, and performing on the SCREAM THE PRAYER TOUR, CLOSE YOUR EYES garners a new group of fans wherever they go. Due to personal reasons, Shane Raymond left CLOSE YOUR EYES in March 2012, leaving the band to fill his spot. With multiple attempts at a new vocalist, the guys were dedicated to finding a singer with the chops both musically and spiritually, and would not stop until the slot had been filled. Back in action, the band performed at the 2013 South By So What festival and reminded crowds of their authentic commitment to music and bringing people together.
With more passion and strength than ever, CLOSE YOUR EYES will return later this year with a new album. Stay tuned.
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