There’s not really that many bands around that you could call original. Sure, once in a while you encounter something that sounds incredibly fresh but for most of the times, it’s just the same ideas played over and over again. But then you stumble upon a band like Tapping The Vein. At first you think to yourself: “I’ve heard it all before” but after a while you realize that you’re listening to something completely new. While Tapping The Vein indeed have some very clear inspirations, the music found on their debut album “The Damage” has a truly significant character. And this is something that not many bands can brag about… This exclusive reissue of their stellar debut “The Damage” brings back one of the most intriguing rock albums of the new millennium.
The history of the group began in 1995, when drummer Eric Fisher, disappointed by the failure of his previous bands, decided to write his own material and assemble a line-up of his choice. He soon found guitarist Steve Stegg and bassist Lou Louvenir who shared his fascination with mixing conventional rock and electronics. After countless auditions they met Heather Thompson whose impressive vocal range instantly got her the job. In May 1996 the group released their first, self-titled EP, which instantly became an underground success, luring hundreds of fans from all over the world. In late 1997 Steve and Lou left the band and were soon replaced by guitarist Mark Burkert and bassist Joe Rolland. With this line-up Tapping The Vein recorded their second EP – “Undone”. The success that followed the release (plus some impressive live performances before such prominent acts as Depeche Mode, Alanis Morisette, Type O Negative, Gravity Kills and The Sisters of Mercy) captured the attention of Nuclear Blast who decided to sign the band to their sub-label Revolution Entertainment. Tapping The Vein’s debut LP entitled “The Damage” was officially released in February 2002. The album contained five tracks from their previous EPs – “Butterfly”, “Beautiful”, “Everything”, “Broken” and “Falling In” – plus six premiere tracks. The material on “The Damage” was an intriguing blend of gothic and alternative rock, industrial and even elements of pop music. The album received very positive reviews, with critics especially praising Heather’s amazing vocals, ranging from soft notes to wailing screams. Tapping The Vein was soon being compared to such acts as Kidneythieves, Theatre Of Tragedy and even The Cure. The group began promoting the LP with numerous live shows, which were always their top priority. Tapping The Vein returned in 2009 with their second album – “Another Day Down” – this time released by Dancing Ferret.
The new digipak edition of “The Damage” is limited to 2000 copies. Remastered using tube technology, digitally edited on a golden disc. Metal Mind Productions set the release date for October, 11th in Europe and December, 7th in USA (via MVD).
Tapping The Vein
“The Damage” (remastered)
Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MASS CD 1391 DG
Barcode: 5907785036284
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 2000 numbered copies)
Genre: Alternative Rock / Industrial
Release date: 11.10.2010 Europe / 07.12.2010 USA
Tracklist:
1. The Ledge
2. Butterfly
3. Sugar Falls
4. Beautiful
5. Again
6. The Damage
7. Fingertips
8. Broken
9. Hurricane
10. Everything
11. Falling In
Metal Mind Productions
POLAND