Smokin' Hot Vancouver-Based LIKE A STORM
Roll Like Thunder Onto Second U.S. Tour With The Veer Union

By: Audrey Kay

I had bought my ticket for the October 7th Creed show at the MidAmerica Center in Council Bluffs, with no idea the extra talent I would find opening for them. I have to admit, I mostly bought the ticket to see my beloved Aaron Lewis and one of my favorite bands Staind perform, but was pretty stoked to see what new things Creed would bring to the table as well. But I was so intrigued by the band who got the night started, and most certainly left with a bang; Like A Storm. I've heard a lot of bands, but honestly, their intricate sound and unique style was one-of-a-kind. I have never really heard a band go from edgy, head-banging tunes, like "Alone", to melodic, emotional ballads, like "Change Tomorrow" in a way that meshed so flawlessly.

Don't be fooled by their ages either. Though these guys are only in their mid-twenties, it is amazing to see the passion they have for music, how seriously they take their careers, and how humbled they are by their fame. Yes, I said fame. Their fan base is growing like crazy everyday (even Twilight star, Michael Welch is raving over these guys.)

So...I already knew these guys were awesome and gonna make it big...I have an ear for talent when I hear it. But...I really wanted to get an insider's peak and really get to know the band, and I was just so lucky to be able to chat with Matt Brooks, guitarist and co-lead singer for the band, and really, the boy couldn't be sweeter. It really is apparent how much music means to them, and they have not forgotten for a second who helped put them where they are today; their adoring fans.

What really drew me to this band is how in touch with their emotions they are and how candid they are with expressing them for the world to feel as well. "All of our songs are personal to us and kind of a snapshot of the past two years of our lives," Matt says, "This is what we love to do more than anything, and there is nothing more humbling than getting the chance to perform with bands like Creed. If [in 5 years from now] I just got to keep doing what I'm doing, touring around and playing music, it would be a dream come true. Getting to do this now is mind-blowing."

But it didn't just happen overnight, and it hasn't been all take and no give. These boys have given up a lot to be where they are. Moving away from their loved ones isn't easy. "It was hard moving away from our friends and family," Matt explained, "But we just knew that if we wanted this and wanted to make ourselves known, we had to pick up and leave to North America. It isn't easy, but it's just the sacrifices you have to make." It takes a lot of courage and a hell of a lot of ambition to leave everything you know, move thousands of miles from home, and hope for the best. In fact, they didn't even have a drummer! They were blessed with Thomas Karanasos when they reached Canada, when he was playing for Canadian band, TheBleedingAlarm. They hit it off well, and then there were four. Who would have thought that so soon after, they would be traveling with some of the biggest names in modern rock and making a name for themselves. Would you say it's luck? I wouldn't. These guys have the whole package...they deserve it.

If you missed these guys during the Creed Tour, do not make the same mistake again. The boys hit the road again in December with fantastic Vancouver-based band, The Veer Union.

They will be hitting different Midwest regions, along with some West Coast venues as well. I gave The Veer Union a listen, and ended up downloading their entire record...if you love Like A Storm, you will love these guys just the same...similar in sound, TVU will knock you on your ass with hard, aggressive beats like "Darker Side of Me" while mixing in deep, melodic tunes like "I'm Sorry". Talented bunch of guys...you'd be crazy to miss them!

Catch them live:
December 7th at Duggan's Pub in Lincoln at 7:30
December 12th at Venue 162 in Council Bluffs at 8

Listen online here:
Like A Storm
The Veer Union

Rock on,
Audrey xxxxxx