Colepitz

In the closing years of the 1990s Colepitz established a distinct foothold within alternative metal, quickly ranking among the style’s most promising new acts. The group fused blistering guitar riffs and an unrestrained rhythm section with lyrics that carried weight and substance. Guitarist Ray Suhy and bassist Mike Lapointe formed the band in early 1998 in Old Orchard Beach, ME. Vocalist Rob Egbert soon completed the songwriting core, and drummer Brian Higgins rounded out the quartet. Their aggressive themes and brooding textures quickly circulated through the regional scene, prompting Wonderdrug Records of Boston to offer the band its first contract less than a year later. The self-titled debut Colepitz reached stores in 1999 and received strong critical notice. Throughout 2000 the group toured with Glassjaw, Staind, and Machine Head, further expanding an already growing audience. In May 2001, however, Colepitz formally declared its breakup.