Taproot

From the beginning, TAPROOT has created a smarter, deeper style of post-hardcore and heavy melodic rock. This overture can be credited to the unique combination of personalities in the band; Vocalist - Stephen Richards, Guitarist - Michael DeWolf, Bassist - Phil Lipscomb and newest member, Drummer - Nick Fredell. All four of these men were raised on the preaching of PANTERA, WHITE ZOMBIE and ALICE IN CHAINS, idolizing each band and hoping that one day the rock ‘n roll success train would stop at their station.

As the new millennium approached, the interest in heavier rock and metal grew and their peers began to rely on gimmicks to gain attention and land deals. TAPROOT relied solely on the riff, the groove and the growl that emulated from their skill and performance at colleges, basement shows and even opening slots for touring acts. Inspired by the likes of DEFTONES, HELMET, and TOOL, TAPROOT demonstrated how heavy music can still be emotionally intense, genuine and accessible to the masses. They eventually caught the eye of Atlantic Records and began that road to rock ‘n roll stardom.

Their debut in 2000 was welcomed with open arms and allowed them to become one of the Top Heavy Rock artists of the last decade. All the while, remembering not to compromise their music and style, TAPROOT has sold over 900,000 albums, toured countless times with DISTURBED, CHEVELLE and INCUBUS, and has proved that they are true ambassadors in this ever growing modern metal pantheon. They created heavy rock that fans wanted, and touched a lot of people in times of need.

After tasting the success that the last decade of rock and metal had provided, TAPROOT managed to keep grounded and outlive many of their peers, maintaining their original passion of simply playing heavy and real rock. Call it that Midwestern humility, or the blue collar work ethic that they were conditioned with by native Detroit, TAPROOT has been here, standing proud and are ready to continue this next chapter of their career.

The band is very proud to announce the release of their fifth and most powerful album, Plead The Fifth. Partnered with independent label leaders, Victory Records, TAPROOT is fired up to take over the rock spectrum. Plead The Fifth combines the elements that their fans have come to expect from the band with an updated take on their style of heavy rock. This partnership with Victory Records is a very liberating, and the band looks at it as a reinvigorating shock to the system, vital to the beginning of their next chapter. TAPROOT has never been a band with gimmicks and bullshit; they create real, grassroots American hard rock with soul, energy and power.

Plead The Fifth showcases their roots-driven metal and rock while also reminding their listeners of the great depth in their songwriting. The songs are meaner, leaner and loaded with more punch and melody than any of the records that preceded it. Lead single, “Fractured (Everything I Said Was True)” is easily one of the catchiest and most riff-driven songs that they have ever written. Plead The Fifth hits stores on Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

Long live TAPROOT. See you in the pit.