Hemi

Formed in Chicago during 2003, the metal unit Hemi revolves around a hardworking core trio committed to direct, uncompromising hard rock, thrash, and classic heavy metal in the style of Metallica, Dio, Motörhead, Judas Priest, Manowar, Black Sabbath, and Megadeth. Trent Zuberi supplies lead vocals and bass, Tim Wilkens handles guitar along with backing vocals, and Mike Cieplik covers drums and percussion. After sharpening their “true metal” approach through regional shows and locking in a stable roster, the band delivered its debut album, Fire in the Sky, in 2007, earning favorable notice from the hard rock audience. Capitalizing on that reception, Hemi issued its first live album and DVD, The Chosen Ones: Live in the Fire, in 2012, documenting a performance from the prior year at the Abbey Pub. The group’s second studio album, Undivided Intentions, appeared in 2014.