Systematic

Systematic, a melodic metal quartet from California, became one of the earliest acts signed to the Music Company imprint established by Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, thereby entering the scene with an immediate high-profile endorsement. The group took shape in 1996 when singer/guitarist Tim Narducci and guitarist Adam Ruppel began composing material and assembling their first demo. The following year they recruited former Pro-Pain guitarist Nick St. Denis for bass duties and added drummer Shaun Bannon; the resulting recording reached Ulrich, who promptly extended the band a contract. Their debut album, Somewhere in Between, appeared in 2001 and led to appearances on the Ozzfest and Tattoo the Earth festival tours. Fatigue from constant road work prompted a change in the rhythm section, with Johnny Bechtel taking over on bass and former Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph joining on drums. In this configuration the band issued an Internet-exclusive cover of Blue Öyster Cult’s “Career of Evil” to preview their second album, Pleasure to Burn, which surfaced in 2003.