Published: May 14, 2008 06:54 pm            

Tantric arrive in Steel Town on May 18

On May 18, reborn hard rockers Tantric will hit Pittsburgh, Pa., illuminating the Diesel Club Lounge (just down the road from Station Square) with their new band and classic alternative sound.

Supporting their latest effort, “The End Begins” (released last month by The Silent Majority Group), Tantric are set to “wow” you with a mix of hits from their previous albums and soon to be favorites from the new album. The support acts for the tour include the much-talked about Framing Hanley and Fosterchild.

Having seen his band through a lot of dark days (including the collapse of their major label, Maverick Recordings), vocalist Hugo Ferriera refused to give up and the result is an entirely new band, outlook, and to a lesser degree, sound.

“I was a part of this band from the very beginning and always wanted to keep it going,” he offers. “The other guys reached a point where they wanted to do other things, so I found some new people to keep moving forward.”

The combination of a violinist and Hugo’s unique (think Crash Test Dummies) vocal style certainly have kept Tantric moving forward, offering something edgier and more original than much of the band’s early work.

“Hopefully we’re adding another chapter to Tantric’s story,” he adds, “Plus, I already had the name tattooed on my arm!”

As with any band with a sole original member, both new and longtime fans may be apprehensive to give it a try. Hugo remains positive though, confidently conveying the fact that he knows he has created an album that has unquestionably met the “Tantric” standard.

“It’s not that I think anything was missing before, because I’m proud of the other records, but ‘The End Begins’ shows me evolving and moving forward as a musician and songwriter,” he matter-of-factly states.

“Obviously you associate any band with the members you’re familiar with, but at the same time I’m putting it out there to share with them, too. I just hope that longtime fans will give it a fair listen. That’s all I ask.”

While the album has already proven itself a wonderful listen, the live show is another thing altogether. Tantric in 2008 features a host of veterans whose former bands, which includes Dramagods and Fuel, are favorites among amateur and professional musicians everywhere.

“Individually, everyone here is a seasoned musician in (his) own right and live I think there’s a certain energy that comes from having to go out and prove yourself as unit. That definitely comes across in our live show,” says Ferriera.

When the tour rolls into Pittsburgh, Pa., eager fans will get a chance to decide for themselves.

“I have played Pittsburgh many times and the thing I always remember are their amazing crowds. I'm looking forward to adding some new memories to my hard drive this time through,” adds Ferriera.

Tantric, Framing Hanley and Fosterchild will hit Pittsburgh’s Diesel Club Lounge on Sunday, May 18. The show starts at 8 p.m.

        

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