Bonus MP3: Trebuchet -- "Black Beard"

By Darryl Smyers Wed., Mar. 4 2009 at 3:35 PM

Categories: MP3s

MarcusJuniusLaws.com

The Denton music scene certainly has its share of indie rock darlings, but not many would expect a prog metal band like Trebuchet to hail from the northern reaches of the Metroplex. Yet hail this quintet does--and best of all, they're actually pretty good.

And, this Friday at Hailey's, Trebuchet--named after an early version of the catapult used back in the Middle Ages to throw stones at castle walls--will hold a CD release party for its debut effort, The Bear and The Moon. Then the band heads down to Austin for a couple of shows before returning to the area for a gig at the Curtain Club on April 4.

Take a listen to "Black Beard," the opening salvo from the band's 21-track, two-disc debut.

Bonus MP3: Trebuchet -- "Black Beard"

The cut has a little bit of a strip club vibe to it. And, actually, that's high praise in the world of metal. Vocalist/guitarist Justin Hawkins certainly has the prerequisite frontman angst, too, and the production on the disc is first rate.

Perhaps Trebuchet can become part of a thriving area metal scene. Who knows? Any band that has the balls to put out a double CD debut in this economy is all right by me.

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bonus mp3, Trebuchet, upcoming albums, upcoming performances

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by far, the best show i have seen in denton, or dfw for that matter. awesome band. check em out dallas!! curtain club april 4...so there buddy
Trebuchet OWNS!!!
Oops. Guess I picked a bad day to quit crystal meth...
Nice write-up Darryl. The discussion over genre or label may be a bit extreme. The difficulty with placing a genre on any band is that, while it is useful for an audience and does call attention to a band's influences, it can't express the range all bands demonstrate. That's certainly the case with TrebucheT's first album. This is an album in the true sense of the word. What I mean by that is, rather than a collection of mp3's, it pays attention to order, transition, flow of rhythm and melody, and, dare I say it, even a sense of a story evolving as the tracks proceed. I certainly don't mean to say this is unheard of or even rare (Coheed and Cambria anyone?). It's an album like some of the band's influences produced, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and yes, Queensryche, Voivod, as well as The Who and Metallica. I don't mean to be outlandish in my comparisons, but rather to comment on another type of influence. The album's good, you should check it out. I like the blues tracks on it, but the Radiohead inspired stuff is good too. If you have a chance to see them live, you won't be disappointed.
Nice write-up Darryl. The discussion over genre or label may be a bit extreme. The difficulty with placing a genre on any band is that, while it is useful for an audience and does call attention to a band's influences, it can't express the range all bands demonstrate. That's certainly the case with TrebucheT's first album. This is an album in the true sense of the word. What I mean by that is, rather than a collection of mp3's, it pays attention to order, transition, flow of rhythm and melody, and, dare I say it, even a sense of a story evolving as the tracks proceed. I certainly don't mean to say this is unheard of or even rare (Coheed and Cambria anyone?). It's an album like some of the band's influences produced, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and yes, Queensryche, Voivod, as well as The Who and Metallica. I don't mean to be outlandish in my comparisons, but rather to comment on another type of influence. The album's good, you should check it out. I like the blues tracks on it, but the Radiohead inspired stuff is good too. If you have a chance to see them live, you won't be disappointed.
Hey guys, Congrats...I'm excited for yall! Can't wait till the show tomorrow....it's gunna be so awesome!!! You guys have come a long way...really fast! well ne way meeeeeeeeooooowwwww (john, you know what I'm talking about)!!!! lol
I am not the type to care about labels. All I can say is this band is so damn good you WILL enjoy the live show no matter what style of music you are into. A 20+ track cd! I can't wait to hear the new stuff. I bet it will have a little somethin for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations Trebuchet and I will see you on Friday! Hey Mike - I like Bobby too
I've had the privilege of listening to the album dozens of times (I know the dudes in the band and you can totally touch me if you want). While they have progressive metal/rock influences and chops on some of the tunes, it encompasses such a wide variety of genres that the only "label" I could come up with after taking a bunch of shrooms and listening to it a 55th time would be...*drum roll*... Schizophrenic Subterranean Post Modern Rock and Roll...There! Eat that all you label makers! Good piece, Darryl or Pete. This band will definitely turn some heads in the months to come. Derp out...Peace, yo
I like Bobby
OK, no name, from Wikipedia: Rooted in the early 1980s, the genre fused mellow progressive rock with a heavy metal aesthetic. It is known for its complex song structures, unusual time signatures, lengthy songs and for often using concept albums. For these very reasons, progressive metal bands rarely get heard on major radio stations and video music channels. Some bands incorporate jazz fusion to their works, and are often termed technical metal. The new double CD from Trebuchet is conceptual and they draw from a variety influences, including, but not limited to: Dream Theater, Queensr�che, Fates Warning, Pain of Salvation, Symphony X and more extreme acts such as Opeth, Atheist and Voivod. God, now I have a headache!
well then why don't you explain to us where exactly the prog metal influences are and which influences are represented?
Hey John, send your aunt a free CD since I can't make it from KS for the release party. Congratulations!
hey label makers, i take a band at its word and this band's press materials throw out several references to progressive metal. the particular song that was chosen for this free MP3 isn't the most representative song in the band's collection. just because this song doesn't have a dozen chord and tempo changes doesn't mean there aren't some prog elements/influences floating around in the mix.
Trebuchet is hands down, one of the best bands Ever..Can't wait to see these guys put on another awesome show!! You don't want to miss this Friday!
I can't wait until the CD release show this Friday. These guys are incredible! Definitely put on one of the best live shows in the DFW area.
trebuchet is def. not prog metal....good band though. Check out Peacemaker or Hawk v Dove as well. peace
Trebuchet is my favorite band! They put on a great live show and their sound is so unique. They are not like any other band out there. You gotta check them out! You won't be sorry.
Trebuchet is awesome. If you read this article, go to the show. You have to now.
I've been following these guys for some years now, and its great to see how they've grown and matured! They continue to impress me thoroughly, with every new song. Good job guys!
Uhh... not prog metal bro.
so excited about the concert on friday! can i get my cd autographed? thanks :)