Band Biography
Rod Albon, Jim McLean, David Russ, Wally Z, Dan Araquel
Conceived in 2005 upon the dissolution of his former band, Jim McLean set out to start a new project with a grittier edge than his previous group, yet maintain the melodic aspect in his creativity.
Wood shedding ideas with a drummer and bassist for the better part of 2005, the search was on for a singer that could deliver with power, melody and character. While auditioning singers, they were waiting for the one that would walk in and knock them on their asses.
That would eventually come in the form of David Russ...
Like Jim, Dave brings a strong ability to write and an insight into what makes a great band.
The two instantly formed a writing partnership that clicked. They began writing songs that would eventually find a home on the first Top Dead Centre album.
Throughout 2006-07 with numerous gigs under their belts playing setlists comprised of covers padded with originals, it was time to put more focus on original material. Mid 2007 saw the departure of their drummer and bassist, rendering TDC without a rhythm section. The search for musicians was on...
TDC placed an ad on a musicians online classified site. They had numerous auditions as a result, yet none could measure up until a drummer who went by the name of Wally Z replied. Turns out Jim recalled Wally from years gone by having witnessed his drumming prowess with previous bands in the past. After forwarding copies of their original material to him, a time and place was set up. Upon their initial meeting they discovered Mr. Z had more questions for them than they had for him. This guy meant business! Talk is cheap, they wanted to see if this guy could deliver the goods.
Deliver the goods he did!
Influenced by greats like John Bonham, Ian Paice and Donnie Brewer, Wally plays with great power and feel and possesses a strong talent for arranging and brings buckets of enthusiasm to the group.
Still needing someone to bring the thunder, Wally recalled a great bassist he had witnessed in a local club. Mentioning this to the guys, their response was,"get him now!" Introducing Rod Albon...
After approaching Rod and telling him about this rockin band he'd hooked up with, the two hit it off immediately. A reluctant Rod was persuaded by Wally and finally an audition was arranged; material was then sent to Rod.
Rod, not only liking the material, came to the audition with his own bass lines he'd modified to suit his unique style. Rod has a great ear for melody and possesses dangerous chops influenced by greats like Steve Harris, Geezer Butler and Justin Chancellor.
The thunder had arrived!
With the band now complete and stronger than ever, they began writing and rehearsing new music that would comprise the first Top Dead Centre CD.
The band's chemistry is undeniable and unified.
This well received CD "Far From Nowhere" had more and more fans wanting a live show...leaving one final hurdle...finding a rhythm guitarist to complete their live sound. Already familiar with the band, via his amazing TDC webpage, guitarist Dan Araquel was instantly considered an ideal fit. With Dan's rhythmic/ mystic zeal, the unique sound of Top Dead Centre was now complete.
The response to the album has been nothing short of incredible. It's been added to numerous internet radio playlists receiving heavy rotation and positive feedback garnering them a nomination for "Best Loud/Metal Recording of the Year" in the 2009 Hamilton Music Awards.
Having spent the better part of '09 playing behind their debut album from clubs to festivals, the band is now gearing up to record their follow up album to Far from Nowhere which the band describes as more hard driving and in your face kick ass Rock and Roll...
Stay tuned!
Wood shedding ideas with a drummer and bassist for the better part of 2005, the search was on for a singer that could deliver with power, melody and character. While auditioning singers, they were waiting for the one that would walk in and knock them on their asses.
That would eventually come in the form of David Russ...
Like Jim, Dave brings a strong ability to write and an insight into what makes a great band.
The two instantly formed a writing partnership that clicked. They began writing songs that would eventually find a home on the first Top Dead Centre album.
Throughout 2006-07 with numerous gigs under their belts playing setlists comprised of covers padded with originals, it was time to put more focus on original material. Mid 2007 saw the departure of their drummer and bassist, rendering TDC without a rhythm section. The search for musicians was on...
TDC placed an ad on a musicians online classified site. They had numerous auditions as a result, yet none could measure up until a drummer who went by the name of Wally Z replied. Turns out Jim recalled Wally from years gone by having witnessed his drumming prowess with previous bands in the past. After forwarding copies of their original material to him, a time and place was set up. Upon their initial meeting they discovered Mr. Z had more questions for them than they had for him. This guy meant business! Talk is cheap, they wanted to see if this guy could deliver the goods.
Deliver the goods he did!
Influenced by greats like John Bonham, Ian Paice and Donnie Brewer, Wally plays with great power and feel and possesses a strong talent for arranging and brings buckets of enthusiasm to the group.
Still needing someone to bring the thunder, Wally recalled a great bassist he had witnessed in a local club. Mentioning this to the guys, their response was,"get him now!" Introducing Rod Albon...
After approaching Rod and telling him about this rockin band he'd hooked up with, the two hit it off immediately. A reluctant Rod was persuaded by Wally and finally an audition was arranged; material was then sent to Rod.
Rod, not only liking the material, came to the audition with his own bass lines he'd modified to suit his unique style. Rod has a great ear for melody and possesses dangerous chops influenced by greats like Steve Harris, Geezer Butler and Justin Chancellor.
The thunder had arrived!
With the band now complete and stronger than ever, they began writing and rehearsing new music that would comprise the first Top Dead Centre CD.
The band's chemistry is undeniable and unified.
This well received CD "Far From Nowhere" had more and more fans wanting a live show...leaving one final hurdle...finding a rhythm guitarist to complete their live sound. Already familiar with the band, via his amazing TDC webpage, guitarist Dan Araquel was instantly considered an ideal fit. With Dan's rhythmic/ mystic zeal, the unique sound of Top Dead Centre was now complete.
The response to the album has been nothing short of incredible. It's been added to numerous internet radio playlists receiving heavy rotation and positive feedback garnering them a nomination for "Best Loud/Metal Recording of the Year" in the 2009 Hamilton Music Awards.
Having spent the better part of '09 playing behind their debut album from clubs to festivals, the band is now gearing up to record their follow up album to Far from Nowhere which the band describes as more hard driving and in your face kick ass Rock and Roll...
Stay tuned!
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