Moments before stepping out onto the stage at a sold-out show in Helsinki, Finland, Alesana, comprised of frontman/vocalist Dennis Lee, vocalist/guitarist Shawn Milke, guitarist Patrick Thompson, drummer Jeremy Bryan, bassist Shane Crump, and guitarist Jake Campbell, took a moment to reflect on the last five years. “Remember our first practice space?” asked a nostalgic Dennis. “Look how far we have come. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m about to rock the faces off a bunch of Finnish kids. Let’s do this!” Getting set to release third album The Emptiness, Alesana’s devoted international fanbase is living proof that the right combination of talent, creativity, hard work and dedication to fans can go a long, long way.

Forming in November of 2004, Alesana’s debut full-length record On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax was released on Fearless Records in 2006. The album, produced and recorded by Kit Walters, was built around a dynamic, emotionally charged, three guitar attack. It was a sound the band defined as their own, and one they expanded on with second album Where Myth Fades To Legend. This time working producer Steve Evetts (Senses Fail, Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan), the band entered the big time, achieving acclaim in the U.S. and across the globe, building a huge fanbase overseas.

Expect the unexpected in every way possible when experiencing the band’s new album The Emptiness. The band’s third and finest effort, produced by Kris Crummett (Emarosa, Dance Gavin Dance), finds the explosive sextet at their most creative. “Ever since day one Dennis and I have wanted to write our own story,” notes Shawn. “Having always incorporated story telling into our music, we felt that the third record was the perfect opportunity to do just that.” Packaged with a 13-page short story and intricate album art, The Emptiness offers the listener a theatrical-like experience that stretches beyond the expected nuances of a rock record. Polished with much of the same dynamic that made On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax a fresh and addictive success, The Emptiness combines killer hooks with an added depth, thanks to the incorporation of a live string quartet. The record perfectly blends together the distinctive Alesana sound with a new maturity and ferocity that will have peers, critics and fans alike turning their heads.

Alesana has always focused a great deal of their attention on having an energetic and memorable live show, and the 2010 sees the band expand on the raw, honest intensity of their on stage performances more than ever. Having completed tours with Chiodos, Silverstein, The Devil Wears Prada, A Day To Remember, Bayside, Mayday Parade, Drop Dead Gorgeous and Fear Before, the band is ready to continue hitting the road hard and strong. "Touring and playing shows for the fans is what its all about," says Dennis. "We've made some great friends and had the privilege of sharing the stage with not only awesome bands, but good guys as well. It is a really special thing when you can share your passion and art with people everyday for a living. There isn't a minute that goes by that we are not eternally grateful for the opportunities we've been given.”

With the creativity of their lyrics, the passion of their music, and the energy of their live show, Alesana’s next chapter is set to be the band’s biggest yet. “The Emptiness is much more than just a record for us, and hopefully the fans as well,” notes Shawn. “It is an adventure, much like seeing a Broadway play. Read the story, listen to the music, get lost in the artwork. Enjoy it on every level possible. We have never had this much fun doing a project, ever.”
The Emptiness hits store shelves January 26th, 2010 courtesy of Fearless Records. ...click for less ...click for more