Black Sites

Originating in Chicago, the alternative metal group Black Sites produces tracks defined by their melodic emphasis, forceful guitar work, and rhythmic drive. Mark Sugar, previously a member of the metalcore band Trials, launched the project in the summer of 2015 after choosing to experiment with unfamiliar songwriting methods in an effort to reconnect with the sounds of his youth, among them Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead. A performance by his friend Chris Avgerin, drummer for Nequient and Autonomy, encouraged Sugar to follow his instincts, leaving behind the melodic death metal direction of his prior band in favor of progressive traits. Avgerin’s incorporation of approaches long associated with classic players such as John Bonham and Bill Ward proved decisive in prompting this shift. The two began writing, tracking, and sketching material, later bringing in recording engineer Quentin Poynter to shape the pieces into a coherent whole. Guitarist Ryan Bruchert, Sugar’s former Trials bandmate, and bassist John Picillo of Without Waves and Immortal Bird soon joined the effort, forming Black Sites. The resulting foursome assembled a ten-track album that includes acoustic, progressive, and piano-led interludes alongside huge, downtuned, palm-muted riffs, explosive drumming, and powerful, soaring vocal melodies. Released in early 2017, the album bears the title In Monochrome.