BIO
MANIC DIVIDE is a progressive metal band based in Las Vegas, NV.
MANIC DIVIDE is comprised of the five members of long-time alt/rock/metal cover powerhouse UPRISE. Hungry to expand their musical boundaries and break out of the tired cover band routine, the group decided to cast off UPRISE and focus on the future of MANIC DIVIDE in 2019. COVID-19 slowed things down, but they formally debuted on stage November 2022 at the Rockstar Bar on the famous Las Vegas strip, to great audience reviews.
Rooted in hard rock with elements of progressive rock and metal/nü metal, MANIC DIVIDE has a unique sound, a blend of the diverse musical tastes and backgrounds of the five members. They try hard to set themselves apart from other rock bands, avoiding generic hard rock tropes and focusing on solid musicianship.
Their songs are complex but accessible. The storytelling speaks to a broad audience but cuts to the bone. Their stage presence is as solid as it is fun…these guys LOVE performing. Their sound has been described as if an 80s metal band was staffed by modern metal players (imagine: Iron Maiden gets taken over by Dream Theater and Tool).
STAFF
David Rayome – Vocals
At the age of 14, David picked up a microphone when he realized he couldn’t play any instruments. David slung lyrics in Colorado for Countershaft, The Echo Chamber, and Silence Fades before moving to the infernal desert and landing a stint with Uprise. David can be easily scared by loud noises so it is best to approach him slowly, from the front, and with a juice-box for offering. Or snacks.
Forrest Howard – Guitars
Critically acclaimed on guitar and sporting boyish charm that Brad Pitt hasn’t swagged since Fight Club, Forrest has been playing since 2009-ish? His first band was Mauler. He began his epic Youtube career in 2017, joined uprise in 2017, auditioned for Warner Drive in 2011 (they said no), and opened for Chelsea Grin once.
Joe Conway – Drums
Joe picked up drumsticks at 14 after failed attempt at guitar and then keyboard. Studied Under Greg D’Angelo from 80’s hair band White Lion. He jammed with countless musicians from NY to Boston until joining Rock/Funk/Punk band “In Soul Out” . Moved to Vegas in 2006 and a few years later helped to form “Uprise ” which is now “Manic Divide “
Biggest pet peeves- Emails and phone calls from AARP and Dad Bods of America.
Jeremy Brooks – Bass
Jeremy’s been kicking around the Vegas music scene since 2005, including stints in Dying Cows, Consumed by Chemistry, a Ghost tribute, Uprise, and a handful of woodshed projects. He plays Schecter, Fender, Ampeg, and Darkglass, but for some reason the only company that wants to sponsor him is the Jameson Distillery.
MUSIC
Manic Divide released a self-titled 3 song demo in 2023, available on most streaming platforms:
Manic Divide are putting the finishing touches on their full-length debut release.
CONTACTS AND SOCIALS
Manic Divide are currently self-represented and self-managed.
Email for booking and media inquiries: manicdivide@manicdivide.com
LOGOS AND PICTURES
All images are owned by Manic Divide and are free for use and distribution under Creative Commons.
