Rock Bands You Should Know: #1: Alborn

 Hello everyone,

I'm kicking off a new series of blog posts today about different bands that most rock and metal fans should know about. The first article is on my friends in the Quad-Cities based group Alborn. Originally known as Alborn Theory, this quartet is a very talented group that has slowly started to make a name for themselves in the upper Midwest and beyond.

The group consists of Nate Guske (guitar/vocals), Alex Raser (drums/vocals), Justin Taylor (guitar/lead singer), and Zame Lewis (bass guitarist). They've released 2 EPs as Alborn (Impairative in 2020 and Push earlier this year). I've heard people describe the group as a younger, hungry version of Alice in Chains. I can see the similarities, but from what I've seen, this group has the potential to be even bigger and better if just given a chance.

I've gotten to know the guys in the band at different shows and songwriting events. The first time I saw them play live was opening for Sevendust at a show in Lacrosse, WI a few years ago. Sevendust's drummer Morgan Rose signed them to Imagen Records not long after that. A friend and I were fortunate enough to hear Rose and Three Years Hollow singer Jose Urquiza talk about recording songs with them at another concert. Alborn is now on the Pavement Record label.

So far, Alborn has opened for many popular rock bands, such as Sevendust, Shinedown, Gemini Syndrome and Buckcherry, to name just a few. They're usually writing new songs during their downtime, so I wouldn't be surprised to see another EP or even a full-length studio album released sometime in the next year or so. If you see them at a show, pay attention to their performance, and talk to the guys after the show. My friends in Alborn are hard-working musicians who love what they do and are very appreciative of their fan base. They tour the Quad Cities area quite regularly and are tapped to go on tour with Powerman 5000 next March.

Well, that's all for now. Haven't decided on the next groups to spotlight yet, but I'll write about other bands when I feel like it. Until then, have a great week, everyone!