Biography
Deriving their name from one of the British poet William Blake’s most abstract and enigmatic works, the Human Abstract deliberately charted a demanding path rather than courting mainstream success. Consistent with that choice, the band cultivated an intellectually rigorous, progressive strain of modern metal and hardcore that sidestepped conventional lyrical preoccupations. Guitarist Dean Herrera and guitarist-keyboardist A.J. Minette launched the group in 2004, later recruiting bassist Kenny Arehart, drummer Brett Powell, and vocalist Nathan Ells. Shaped by progressive rock acts such as Rush and Dream Theater, alongside heavier contemporaries like Between the Buried and Me, and further informed by Minette’s university studies in music theory, the Human Abstract prepared a demo and performed regional shows before securing a contract with Hopeless Records in 2005. Collaborating with producers Eric Rachel and Jamie King, established figures in the Southern California post-hardcore circuit, the band delivered its debut album, Nocturne, in August 2006. Creative differences led Minette to depart the following year. Their second album, Midheaven, arrived in 2008 with guitarist Andrew Tapley now in the lineup. Additional changes brought Travis Richter in as lead singer in 2009, replacing Nathan Ells. Minette rejoined in 2010, and the reconstituted band issued its third studio album, Digital Veil, in 2011.
Albums
Singles
