AFTERSHOK is a four-piece classic metal band that showcases aggressive guitars and powerful, melodic vocals. Their sound is firmly grounded in the best traditions of classic metal and hard rock, but through their commitment to strong songwriting and musicianship they have forged a style that is all their own.
AFTERSHOK began in the summer of 1996 as a collaboration between vocalist Vic Hix and guitarist George Mihalovich. Vic and George M quickly realized that they shared the same vision for a classic metal/melodic hard rock band, and made the decision to concentrate on developing the project until they found the right individuals to solidify the line-up. Fast-forward a few years; veteran drummer George Borden came aboard in late 1999, and bassist Nick Gryzka joined in early 2000. The band was complete, and after months of intense rehearsal, AFTERSHOK began to perform in late 2000.
Throughout 2001 and early 2002, the band began recording as they continued to hone their material through live performances. In April 2002, AFTERSHOK celebrated the international release of their independent debut CD, Unfinished Business (Aftershok Muzik), and in January 2005 the band followed it with their second full-length CD, Burning Chrome (Auburn Records). As a result, AFTERSHOK has been reviewed/featured in esteemed international metal publications and websites such as Heavy, Oder Was!?, Metal Hammer and Rock Hard (Germany); Burrn! (Japan); Heavy Metal Pages (Poland); MetalZone, Forgotten Scroll and Metal Hammer (Greece); Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles and MetalRules (Canada); and Hard Radio, Metal Maniacs, MetalReviews, The Harder Beat and Pittriff (U.S.).
Since their first live appearance at Cleveland, Ohio's famed Odeon Concert Club on November 25, 2000, AFTERSHOK has performed with many noted international recording artists, including: Judas Priest, Ratt, Yngwie Malmsteen, Savatage, Nevermore, Y&T, Kip Winger, Firehouse, Warrant, Lizzy Borden, Seven Witches, Britny Fox and Doro Pesch. AFTERSHOK also supported Skid Row/Vince Neil/Poison and Motorhead/Dio/Iron Maiden on the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania dates of their respective 2003 summer tours.
AFTERSHOK returned with their third CD, Detonate, on May 20, 2016, featuring new vocalist Gord Sheffroth. Read the official press release below.
Detonate Press Release
AFTERSHOK returns in 2016 with Detonate, their third full-length album. For this release, guitarist George Mihalovich and drummer George Borden joined forces with new vocalist Gord Sheffroth to create 13 tracks of modern classic metal.
"Although it has been a while since our last disc, we have been far from idle," said George Mihalovich. "I write quite a bit, and George Borden and I rehearse and arrange new material whenever we can. Simply put, it just took time to put the puzzle together and find the right vocalist for Detonate. I never expected the search would take us quite so far into the Great White North, but I believe it was worth the effort. Gord's performance speaks for itself."
Canadian vocalist Gord Sheffroth may be a newcomer to many, but he is actually a seasoned professional. "I was excited to do the disc, but there was certain level of anxiety to come in and try to pick up after the likes of vocal powerhouse Vic Hix (SHOK PARIS) and deliver at that level of talent and authenticity," said Gord. "In the final analysis, I am happy with what I brought to the band. I hope the metal community embraces the change – and maybe even request s a follow-up to Detonate with me on it!"
"In my opinion, this is our most powerful and engaging music to date," said George Borden. "I love our other two releases, but this one is a bit special. It's the by-product of years of hard work and perseverance. Detonate packs a punch while still maintaining true to our sound."
"Detonate picks up where Burning Chrome left off and is a logical musical progression that retains strong ties to our past work," said George Mihalovich. "This disc is probably a bit heavier, but regardless of any minor differences in style, the goal – as always – was to write the best songs possible."
Detonate is AUBURN RECORDS first release of 2016. "I have been working with AFTERSHOK since the beginning of the band, and this is our second release together," said Auburn President Bill Peters. "I am really excited about this album! The songs are catchy and powerful. New vocalist Gord Sheffroth has won me over. He's an amazing talent, and metal fans are going to love this one!"