""Where The Willow Grows" in stores 9/16/08 everywhere!"
Band Website: www.returnthehero.com
RETURN THE HERO are a five-piece rock-metal ensemble from High Point, NC. Raised in a scene which features some of the well known NC bands such as Between The Buried And Me, Hopesfall, Beloved, He Is Legend and Bloodjinn, RETURN THE HERO emerge with a sound that is a perfect mix of metal and indie. They were formed in the summer of 2006 by the guitarist and founding member Justin Reed. Other band members include Ben Albertson on vocals, John Ritner on drums, Will McAbee on bass guitar and Landon Ivey on guitar and backing vocals.
RETURN THE HERO write catchy, powerful songs that blends hook oriented choruses and aggressive fist pumping breakdowns. "Where The Willow Grows" has a sound that has been heavily influenced by bands such as Underoath and As I Lay Dying, yet unique enough to set themselves apart. Lyrically, they keep their focus on the joy and love of God.
The band worked with up and coming producer and engineer Kyle Rakes (Bloodjinn), and along side co-producer Bill Snow (Snapcase / Bleeding Through) at both Attack Time Studios and Sleepless Studios. "Where The Willow Grows" was mastered by Jamie King (BTBAM / The Human Abstract / He Is Legend).
From local shows to national and regional support, RETURN THE HERO have quickly turned heads and gained respect from many show goers and promoters. The band was recently hand selected to play the main stage of this years first annual "Taking Back The Streets" Festival held in Pilot Mountain, NC, featuring such bands as August Burns Red, The Chariot, Sleeping Giant, War Of Ages, Oh Sleeper, as well as, 40+ other christian based groups. RETURN THE HERO were also chosen to support Gwen Stacy and Oh Sleeper on select dates around the regional areas.
Aside from their growth as a band, the members of RETURN THE HERO are very active in church. Singer, Ben Albertson, is about to graduate from the well renowned John Wesley College, an independent Christian college, which endeavors to develop the whole person through Bible-based education for worldwide service in the church and society. Guitarist, Landon Ivey, and drummer, John Ritner, both play a integral roll in the planning of events for an organization called Courageous Youth, a group that encourages teens to unify through worship and prayer. The other members are also heavily active from setting up and playing benefit shows, helping to raise money for missions, and striving to inspire everyone from youth to adult. With a strong future ahead and obvious overtone of the bands name and lyrical content, RETURN THE HERO are on a mission, a mission to show you the love of God.
Influences
Various
