Biography
From Raleigh, NC, Down Cycle took shape through the reunion of several experienced musicians. The group’s roster included Mike Bonavita on vocals, Robert Bruce and David Cebula on guitar, Todd P. on bass, and Barry Knain on drums; they assembled the band in 2000 and steadily expanded both their audience and their industry profile. Drawing from the most extreme reaches of metal, the five-piece outfit forged a personal strain of dense, weighty rock. After months of concentrated rehearsals, Down Cycle committed to documenting their work on a debut five-song EP titled Breathe This Life, which appeared in June 2000. They followed the release with an extensive run of live performances, and in February 2001 they claimed first place in the hard rock category at the HBO Battle of the Bands, thereby securing wider attention.