handtheband.com  

Email:  band@handtheband.com  

Tel:  07833  251539  (Kat)  

 

 

Facebook  -­‐  facebook.com/handtheband  

YouTube  -­‐  youtube.com/wearehand  

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Biography  hAND are a 4 piece progressive/post-metal band from Sussex, England. They produce "Musical fusion that is quite breathtaking" (Second City UK) combining elements of progressive rock and metal with gothic undertones. The band’s third album Kintsugi was released on Nov 3rd 2014 through Brutal Elite Records. It is a concept album exploring the dynamics of unconventional relationships. The name ‘Kintsugi’ comes from an ancient Japanese artform, where broken ceramics are repaired with gold to make them more valuable than their original incarnation. Founded by Kat Ward and Kieren Johnstone in 2004, hAND originated as a rock/metal/electronica duo. After releasing their first E.P "Chapters" as this line-up, the band then auditioned local drummer Cris Nelson in 2006 and the focus shifted to a heavier, more progressive sound. On the back of their second E.P "Shadow: Word Pain”, the band landed a record deal with Copro Records and in 2008 recorded their debut album "Deadroom Journal". Working with producer Nick Hemingway (Isor, Cancer, Desecration) @ Philia Studios, "Deadroom Journal" was dubbed "Totally groundbreaking in such a genre" (Dead Earnest) and received high praise from the music press. Shortly after its release hAND signed to Femme Metal Records, playing shows all over the UK supporting bands such as 3rd Room (Italy), Ayin Aleph (France) Octavia Sperati (Norway) and Delain (Netherlands) as well as earning them future festival appearances at Damsels of Destruction (Headlining), Femme Metal Festival and Fest-fatale. In 2010 they headed back to the studio to record "Breathing" once again overseen by Nick Hemingway. Released in June 2011 via Femme Metal Records and Brutal Elite Records, the sophomore album received more high praise for the band, with Sea Of Tranquillity calling it "Nothing short of stunning". In the summer of 2011 long time drummer Cris Nelson left the band. He was replaced by Dan Thomas, at the same time synth player Tom Johnstone joined as a full time member. Taking a hiatus from playing live in 2013, hAND focused on writing their new album and perfecting their now multi-genre, eclectic sound. In 2015 hAND will be heavily promoting Kintsugi; they are back on the live circuit and ready to prog! With music "Bursting with passion and drive" (Progarchives) this band are one to watch out for.

Press  “Jarring instrumental jams that would leave Coheed and Cambria blushing.”

– Kerrang! Magazine “The compact line-up captures an ethereal beauty”

– Classic Rock Presents Prog “Dazzling and even ripping you a new one by tearing open a can of metallic fury”

– RockMidgets.com “hAND truly have found themselves in a niche with their institutionalised take on goth scented progressive metal”

– Metal Observer “Progressive metal at its best – both exhilarating to perform and truly exciting to listen to”

– John Tucker Online “Nothing short of stunning”

– Sea Of Tranquility “This female-fronted three-piece create musical fusion that is quite breathtaking”

– Second City UK “Totally groundbreaking in such a genre”

– Dead Earnest “Superstar act…..bloody brilliant, horns up.”

– Imhotep Webzine “hAND are an absolutely amazing band”

– Legacy Magazine “Catch, clever, if a little bit strange”

– PlanetLoud.com “Take place in your favourite chair, put on your headphones, turn up the volume and enjoy!”

– Scream Magazine “Bursting with passion and drive”

– Prog Archives

Tech  Spec  hAND consists of – Drums, 1x Guitar, 1x Bass, 1x Vocal, 1x Synth, 1x Keys.

• Drums (Dan) – 5 piece Yamaha stage custom kit, cymbals and percussion on a rack

• Guitar (Kieren) – 4x12 16Ω cab and a 2x12 16Ω cab for stage monitoring, Laney IRT-STUDIO Rackmount head

• Bass (Kat) – 1x15 8Ω cab, 2x10 cab, Laney Nexus head • Keys (Kat) – digital stage piano (suitable for DI)** • Vocal (Kat) – typically use SM58A Beta or other dynamic mic • Synth (Tom) – MacBook w/Focusrite Scarlett (suitable for DI)

** - typically not used for sets under 1 hour

Gig  Terms  We are happy to use backline provided by the venue or another band (we would use our own drum breakables and amp heads). We are also happy to provide cabs and skeleton kit to share with other bands if we are headlining the event. As a minimum we would ask for diesel/travel expenses to be covered and, as space allows, an area provided where we could set up a small merch display. Travel expenses and any further fees to be arranged in advance (we are reasonable!). We will promote any events through our social media channels (Facebook, Twitter), mailing list and fan network.