REVIEWS & Bio
 
MTV

SUISONIC BREAKS THE BARRIER

Keep an Ear Out for SUISONIC
Fletcher's hosted a six-band show on September 25,
with acts including 60 CYCLE, DOWNTIME,  SWIRL, MARGARET HEATER and SUISONIC. These bands all put on killer performances on the second floor in front of their friends and fans, but the standout was SUISONIC. (The sound is excellent in Fletcher's, by the way. I strongly suggest you go check it out, if you haven't already.)

SUISONIC sent me a press kit about a month ago, and I was genuinely impressed and intrigued by this group of young men from the Baltimore area. I read the reviews of their past performances, and of their self-produced CD Uncensored (mixed by Drew Mazurek), and felt the need to see them live.

I was not prepared for what I saw. With strobe lights flashing, front man Rob Brubaker lashed out at the invisible target that caused his pain, his frustration. Rob has the characteristics of all the great front men; like Jim Morrison, he too is a "shaman" of sorts. I felt as if I was in a trance, following a leader. The band held tight, supporting him in tune, and not missing a beat. Standing in front of the stage, I could not stand still. I moved with them.

SUISONIC created an amazing live show, which is complemented by an incredible CD. They are part of the Baltimore scene to stay, and have much to say about life, past loves, and the world crumbling around us. Do not be mistaken -- they are not just angry young men spouting off and venting. In a way, it seems as if they possess a wisdom that only old souls are known to have. They gave a five-star performance, and will continue to do so.

Rachel G. Dahms
MTV 

SUISONIC BIO

SUISONIC has been refining their sound since the early months of 1996. In a town-house basement on the outskirts of Baltimore, the band was formed and the name SUISONIC was soon added to the vocabulary of the New Music Industry.

Armed with an intense, theatrical, live show; 3 full length CD's; 4 music videos and a Techno-Heavy yet unique sound, SUISONIC has attracted the attention of major industry players. Their music has been featured on the Howard Stern radio show. Their 3rd CD (Bound) was among the top 10 most added albums on FMQB as well as CMJ National radio charts.

SUISONIC was signed on as an official Jagermeister sponsored band. Once discovered by Jager representative, Rick Zeiler, SUISONIC was given the opening slots on two (2) Jager music tours with national acts such as "The Bloodhound Gang", "Drowning Pool" and "Coal Chamber" to name a few.

To delve further into the domain of SUISONIC or to hear the sound that has earned them a "5 Star rating" by MTV's Rachel Dahms. Check out their web-site at www.suisonic.com and support them as they attempt to dominate the new music genre.

Baltimore CITY PAPER
By, Larry Nichols

Suisonic roars back as a leaner, meaner, mechanized rock factory with
Carnival Amongst the Machines on the band’s own Starship label. While the
electronics laced hard-rock sound is established on last year’s Uncensored
hasn't changed much, the band’s songwriting skills have definitely evolved.
Suisonic has always churned out sonic whirls of crunchy guitars and
robotic beats with the efficiency of a Japanese car company. But with
Carnival, Suisonic appears to be growing more comfortable leading the charge
of it’s own biomechanical aural assault. Mike Connor’s razor –sharp guitar
riffs used to serve as the band’s driving force, but on Carnival Jon Dell’s
locomotive bass lines propel tracks such as “Skin.” Suisonic also steps up
it’s use of electronics and loops; on tracks such as “Cleansing,” the band’s
sound buzzes like a swarm of insects.
Rob Brubaker’s vocals and lyrics have progressed as well. His
more expressive style thrusts his deeper and darker lyrics further into your
face—–he’s got a little more foam around his mouth than he used to have, and
a lot of twisted issues swirling around in his head.
The biggest shock on Carnival is the untitled track, which finds
Suisonic trading in its signature rock sound for a gritty piano ballad. If
all this growth has you missing the group’s simpler crunch , don’t worry.
There’s plenty of that old—fashioned dirge to go around on tracks such as
“Wallowing” and “Nothing.” But Suisonic has built a better mousetrap with
Carnival Amongst The Machines. Prepare to get your neck snapped.

Baltimore CITY PAPER
By, Larry Nichols

MUSIC MONTHLY READERS POLL 1998
SUISONIC Placed In Top 10 Under Metal Acts
Rob Brubaker Placed In Top 10 Under Male Front Men

DC CITY PAGES
Suisonic, Uncensored
by Luke Wilbur

         Suisonic's new CD, Uncensored  is an assault of dark painted ballads accompanied by an intense mixture of emotionally driven sounds that will trap the listener to want even more.
         "Blemish," the first track on Uncensored, sets the tone for the rest of the album. The lyrics are painful but very moving. (Pain in this case is being fed up with another's addiction.) This track will strike a chord with Gothic/Industrial music lovers who have been following the tang of this veteran DC band.
         "Sometimes," "Cursed Life," and "Chastise" explore the hideous emotions of no self worth. Jon Dell and Mike Conner’s push open Rob Brubaker’s lyrics ("Sometimes I think I walk around so blind") with cut-
throat vigor.  At times the imagery got under my skin, but the spirit of truth prevailed. I must say, however, that I did think the energy and tempo of "Chastise" was somewhat lacking. But the emotional down pour with
compelling verses like I am not your savior, I am not your Jesus Christ, I am not your healer, I am the boy you left behind you beat" kept me listening.
         "Walk" and "Depression" were by far my favorites. Brubaker’s voice is very clear and melodic and works through anger to reach a better place: "I walk away/Sunshine shining down on me/I walk away/ Drowning in a bottle to escape the pain." With beautiful harmonies and chord progression (not to mention outstanding percussion), I found my body entranced in pure bliss. Rob's lament, "Why won't you take away the fucking pain?" with backup up tempo rants "suicide" expressed the scent of a normal moment of life.
          I also really enjoyed Mike Conner’s chord selection on "Hate Freak." His strings had me moving to Rob's chanting, "Kiss your life away. It draws me blind." I really recommend this one for the pit crews out there. "State Of The Union" is one track that I consider roughly average. The song opens up with a famous Ronald Reagan byte: "Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem." I found this song satisfying, but typically cliche' in its "Get off your knees and defy your master" message. I guess one cannot
expect complete perfection. The intro to "Nightmares" is similar to Rush's "Witch Hunt." Listening to disturbing sounds of a little boy asking for his mommy while background keyboard chimes rhythmically play "The Bogey man is going to get you" makes this piece poignantly powerful for some future poltergeist flick.
        After experiencing the powerful attitude in Uncensored, I can safely bet that this CD should be one of the biggest alternative breakouts of the year.
        Suisonic is led by Rob Brubaker intoning vocals, Mike Conner’s working the guitar, John Dell slapping the bass, and Greg Mugavaro (whom I would like to see perform in a drum circle) pounding percussion. 

DC CITY PAGES
by Luke Wilbur

MUSIC MONTHLY       

When Suisonic took the stage, I didn't have a clue as to what to expect. But once they found their groove, I was not the only one to get off on what this band is all about.
          They are Tremendous. Made up of former members of Mary's Suicide, Havoc, Nothingface, and Machine, the players are: Rob Brubaker on voice, Mike Conners on guitar, John Dell on bass and Greg Mugavaro on drums. WOW, they are something else. Dark--Even spokky at times--Brubaker is right where he belongs--on stage. He belongs in front of these exceptional players, in front of a microphone, and giving to an audience. He knew how to treat the music and the audience. And when the audience was'nt doing what he wanted us to do, he let it be known on more than one occasion. He had me feeling guilty, and that's crazy. I almost started to approach the stage, but I wanted to stay at the bar and watch.
            That's what I liked the most about Suisonic, they put on more than just a good show. Experiencing Suisonic is like going to the theater, albeit a dark and dreary musical trip. What a band! They could certainly go places.
          They opened their set with a song called "Cursed", and it was all over the place. Thay are so intense. That's the thing about this group, their music is so personal, and so affective. They have that special something that made your ears perk up, and pay attention to each song. There was just so much going on.
          The cuts they did were all original, and some of it just plain exciting. The music of Suisonic has a way of controlling you. All very good players, they all get off on each other, too. You could see it in their eyes, and you could feel the vibe. They certainly have an aura about them. I believe it was the sum of the parts. On their own, each player is good, but together, they work so well, it makes them great.
          Compared to Tool, Marilyn Manson and Fear Factory, the group known as Suisonic is going to leave their scent wherever they appear. They are just that good at what they do. And you know what? This wasn't headache music, not at all. It was pretty great stuff.

BALTIMORE CITY PAPER
By, LARRY S NICHOLS SUISONIC
Tendencies

The Forecast Calls
for Thunderous Rock
If  you happen to be in Fletcher’s  some weekend and find yourself confronted by what looks like an indoor thunderstorm, don’t be alarmed. You’re probably at a Suisonic show. Thick clouds of smoke, lightning quick flashes of blinding light, thunderous guitars, and bionic drums form the core of one of the area’s most energetic and intense hard rock bands.
     Since the group’s formation in late 1996 by Rob Brubaker (vocals, samples) and Mike Conners (guitars, triggers), Suisonic has been building a reputation for powerful music and live shows that borderline on sensory overload. Now rounded out by bassist Jon Dell and drummer Greg Mugavaro, Suisonic has evolved into a well oiled machine. Not many local bands go so far to put on a good live show—-a fact Suisonic is more than happy to exploit.  “Most bands go out there, play, and go.” Thanks for coming out.” Brubaker says, We got lights, smoke, and play with a lot of aggression.”
       “Aggressive” is one of the few adjectives that readily apply to Suisonic’s music. In an era when fickle nature of music audiences has fractured hard rock into sub-genres, Suisonic has managed to spread it’s sound all over the map.
Because the band’s music incorporates a lot of samples, Suisonic would be easy  to tag as an industrial band. But while it’s sound is heavily influenced by industrial bands such as Ministry , Gravity Kills, and Filter, it also manages to incorporate a musical attack reminiscent of such  guitar heavy bands as Korn, Alice in Chains, and  Helmet. Although the link is less apparent, the band members say they’ve been influenced by artists ranging from the Beatles to Janes Addiction. Conners puts all the speculative to rest by describing the group’s sound as “technically advanced power groove.”
           Suisonic captures the essence of the power groove sound on Uncensored (Thick), the band’s full - length CD. Uncensored  was  produced by Suisonic and engineered by local super producer Drew Mazurek, who earned his reputation by producing blistering albums for a number of local and national heavies, including Jawbox, Souls at Zero, and the Melvins. The resulting collaboration produced an album that seethes with raw emotions brought to life with snarling guitar riffs, robotic beats, and haunting, hypnotic samples. The scathing  tracks “Sometimes,” “Depression,” and  “Hate Freak” are well balanced by the trance-inducing “Walk” and the smoothly powerful “Cursed Life.”
             All of the hard work put into the album and Suisonic’s efforts to put on a strong live show have paid off.
Suisonic has become one of the more dependable hard rock draws on the Baltimore club scene, and that’s no easy feat. Local clubs that feature heavy bands often end up folding or converting to dance music, leaving some hard rock bands wondering where there next gig is coming from. But Suisonic’s members aren't worried.
             “It’s all about numbers,” Brubaker says. “Clubs aren’t into how a band sounds. It’s a business. If a guy got up on stage tapping a spoon on his forehead and drew 500 people, I guarantee that he would be back every month tapping that spoon.”
             Like many working Baltimore bands, Suisonic takes it’s show on the road to maintain a steady stream of gigs. While some bands look north for out-of -state gigs, Suisonic for sakes the blasé crowds of Philadelphia and New York for the more appreciative Southern audiences of Virginia and North Carolina. Having recently come back from performing at the First Morning Music Festival in Fayetteville, N.C., the members recount a harrowing journey that included self-destructive van and a night at a Days Inn that the band lovingly refers to as “Cracktown, U.S.A.” But the payoff for that trek was an energetic audience that erupted into fists of crowd surfing and stage diving.
             As Brubaker displays the well-earned bruises he brought back from the show, Conners explains the difference in the audiences. “You go to New York and people are like, “Entertain us.’ You go down south and everyone's like. You’re in the band? Kick ass!”
           Up next for Suisonic, besides more shows, is a compilation Brubaker is putting together called Xtra Thick. The anthology will feature Suisonic and nine other local hard rock godzillas, including Swirl, Spine, Margret Heater, and Grim 430. The compilation release will coincide with two September shows planned for Fletcher’s that will feature all 10 bands (five each night). Until then, the people of Baltimore will just have to catch the musical storm that is Suisonic wherever it materializes.

Larry Nichols
Baltimore City Paper

THE TORTURE CHAMBER

VERDICT LOVE
best album: uncensored

     favorite songs: depression, blemish, cursed life

     I discovered Suisonic almost by accident when they
     played a mislabeled "goth night" show at my favorite
     local dive. I expected to see a bunch of
     spectral-looking guys with long black hair and white
     makeup who would serve as eye candy (it's my lot in
     life to be hopelessly attracted to guys of that ilk).
     Instead, i encountered one of the best
     industrial/hardcore bands I have ever seen.

     Unlike many of their contemporaries, Suisonic puts
     on a full stage show complete with rock-star
     essentials like strobes and dry ice. And they are one
     of the few bands who are not content to provide mere
     soundtracks to seemingly endless crowd-surfing and
     moshing. It is impossible not to notice lead singer
     Rob Brubaker as he takes the stage. Rob is not just
     a singer but an entertainer, and entertain he does. He
     flails and screams at his demons as if his very life
     depends on it. The rest of Suisonic — guitarist Mike
     Conners, bassist Jon Dell, and drummer Greg
     Mugavaro — is equally amazing. They are able to
     maintain a synchronicity that has rarely been seen
     since the heyday of the great progressive-rock
     bands. Their talent shows not only through the way
     their distinct styles blend into an always-interesting
     whole, but also in their precision. Not a chord, beat,
     or trigger is out of place, and they sound just as tight
     in person as they do in the studio.

     If and when Suisonic come to your town, don't think
     about going to see them. Just go. You'll be glad you
     did.

By, Wendy

CITY PAPER
BALTIMORE WEEKLY
CRITIC’S CHOICE: MUSIC You've worked hard all week (humor us). Reward yourself by attending the Spring Party at Mickey's. This innocuous sounding event lets you fry your retinas, puncture your eardrums, and collapse your lungs with the sensory assault of Suisonic. With strobe lights primed to blind end smoke machines set to suffocate, Suisonic's intense Industrial-strength performance explodes into the minds of those who witness it. Trust us-this is a good thing. The psychedelic stomp of Swirl and Grim 430 open the show. Don't miss out-you want to be good to yourself. 9 P.M., Mickey's, (410) 682-5400, $5.

By, Larry Nichols
Baltimore City Paper

MELODIA MAGAZINE

SUISONIC, Hate Freak / Felt Sain This is a band built on veteran musicians from the Baltimore D.C. area and beyond. Just listen to some of these names, Mike Conners, Guitar (Havoc, Machine, Violent Night), Rob Brubaker, Vocals (Fester N.Y.C. SOS Records, Nothingface, Mary Suicide), Gene Barnett, Drums (Dirty Looks ATLANTIC Records, Lillian Axe - IRS Records, Dr. Butcher - ATLANTIC Records) and Jon Dell Bass ,(Mary Suicide). These guys mean business. Along with this line up they also have Brian Boy on Synth (must be a pet name). At times SUISONIC touches on industrial, Hard Core and even metal. Call it what you want. I LOVE IT!!! If I had to compare them with nationals (which is difficult as they have a sound all of their own), I hear influences of Mariyln Manson, Tool, Fear Factory and MachineHead. Make sure to check them out at a club near you. This is a band not soon to be forgotten.

By, Isaah
MELODIA MAGAZINE  

MUSIC MONTHLY
SUISONIC
The Sum Of Its Parts

Constructed from the elements of a number of D.C. and Baltimore bands (Nothingface, Mary Suicide, Havoc, Machine, etc.), Suisonic emerge with a fierce, cutting - edge sound that rivals the likes of Tool, Fear Factory and even Marilyn Manson. Vocalist Rob Brubaker is on a mission, backed by Mike Conner (guitar), Jon Dell (bass) Gene Barnett (drums) and Brian Boy (synths) on this extremely highly impressive, industrial - strength recording
"Hate Freak" and "Felt Sain" are both exercises in conveyor - belt - dance - floor mentality, with just enough  jagged edge to cut deeply where it counts. Comparisons to NIN or more accurately, Gravity Kills, are not without merit, so be sure to check them out the Mid - Atlantic's own Suisonic at your next rave.

by, Mark Bounds MUSIC MONTHLY MAGAZINE

MUSIC MONTHLY
We returned to Eight By Ten for the hard sounds of Pull, Suisonic, and Rezin. They were so great--all were so easy to deal with. Next issue, I'll tell you about Suisonic's plastic love doll. It displayed their t-shirts, and I thought that was a great idea, but it got pretty funny a little while later. I turned and saw Greg of Pull doing obscene things to the doll with a long neck bottle. All of us had to laugh out loud. I have to tell you, I am so glad I had the chance to experience these three groups-- although very different, they were such nice guys.... I'll give it all to you next issue....

MUSIC MONTHLY by, Susie Mudd