Rite of Passage is a new band in Johnson City sure to bring joy to rock music lovers around the region.
As a fairly young group, the guys of Rite of Passage are driving toward the ultimate goal of every band: to be the best.
Band members are Adam Leonard (vocals), Danny Roberts (drums), Nathan Jones (bass) and Troy Whitson (guitar).
“We offer progressive, marketable metal,” said Jones.
The band began in the fall of 2002. They have all had previous experience as musicians in different bands.
Ranging from the ages of 20 to 24, they have melded each of their styles into one unified project.
Earlier bands have taught the members that music is a full-time job. “We like to promote a drama-free work zone,” said Leonard.
Rite of Passage is music that will keep you guessing. It is very hard to predict the next note or phrase.
They have been compared to bands like Incubus and Disturbed but the essence of the music is purely original.
“It is delightfully different,” Jones said. “We must add elements that people will enjoy.”
The process of writing the music not only comes from the vocalist but all of the members. It is a collaboration of the minds and talent of each individual in the group.
It comes together nicely in tunes like “Best of Me.”
“Some (inspiration) is anger fueled and some of it is a vent but it is really all about our lives,” Leonard said.
Another interesting tidbit about the band is three of the members are happily married.
“It’s really hard to find a supportive wife,” Roberts said. “We are all lucky our wives like our music.”
“They want us to succeed,” Whitson said.
Rite of Passage is currently in the studio waiting to finish and release their first album as a band. Copies are due out soon.
You can catch the first live performance by Rite of Passage with Blind Sight and OZ Willis at the Casbah Feb. 22.
It is sure to be a heavy and exciting show.

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