The Red Chord

{{Short description|American deathcore band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Red Chord | image = Red Chord.jpg | caption = Vocalist Guy Kozowyk performing in 2009 | image_size = | origin = Revere, Massachusetts, U.S. | years_active = 1999–present (hiatus from 2015–2022) | genre = {{hlist|Deathcore|grindcore|technical death metal}} | label = {{hlist|Metal Blade|Robotic Empire}} | current_members = Guy Kozowyk Mike McKenzie Greg Weeks Jon Rice | past_members = Mike Justian Kevin Rampelberg Jonny Fay Mike Keller Adam Wentworth Brad Fickeisen Jon Dow John Longstreth Tim Brault | website = {{URL|theredchord.com}} }}

'''The Red Chord''' is an American extreme metal band from Revere, Massachusetts, formed in 1999. The group comprises vocalist Guy Kozowyk, guitarist/vocalist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie, bassist Greg Weeks and drummer Jon Rice. The band gained a fanbase with its 2002 debut album ''Fused Together in Revolving Doors''. The second album, ''Clients'', was released in 2005 and sold over 50,000 copies in the U.S. They released their third album, ''Prey for Eyes'' in 2007, which sold between 4,000 and 5,000 copies and debuted at No. 198 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. Their latest album, 2009's ''Fed Through the Teeth Machine'', debuted at No. 180 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.

The Red Chord has released four studio albums, having toured in North America, Europe, and Japan.<ref name="Excaim!PFE">[http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=26912&csid1=113 Prey For Eyes], Exclaim!</ref>

== History == === Formation, ''Fused Together in Revolving Doors'' and ''Clients'' (1999–2006) === The Red Chord was formed in Revere, Massachusetts in 1999 by vocalist Guy Kozowyk and guitarist Kevin Rampelberg. One year later, the band was joined by second guitarist Mike "Gunface" McKenzie, bassist Adam Wentworth and drummer Mike Justian.<ref name="MM bio">{{cite web|url = http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/massachusetts/revere/the+red+chord|publisher = MusicMight|title = The Red Chord Biography|access-date = April 26, 2009|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120316225413/http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/massachusetts/revere/the+red+chord|archive-date = March 16, 2012}}</ref> The band's name is derived from Alban Berg's opera ''Wozzeck'', in which a schizophrenic man slits his lover's throat, then reverts to his normal self and asks, "My love, what is that red cord across your neck?"<ref name="Stylus Clients">[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/the-red-chord/clients.htm Clients review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202042830/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/the-red-chord/clients.htm |date=December 2, 2010 }}, Stylus Magazine</ref> The debut album ''Fused Together in Revolving Doors'' was recorded with producer Andrew Schneider in December 2001 and released by the Robotic Empire record label.<ref name="MM bio" /> With the debut album, The Red Chord gained a substantial fanbase.<ref name="AMG bio" />

In early 2004, Wentworth and Justian announced their departure from The Red Chord and the band found replacements in bassist Gregory Weeks and drummer Jon Dow. In April that year, The Red Chord toured with Six Feet Under and others. The debut album was re-released with demo tracks, a full concert performance and the video clip for "Dreaming In Dog Years". In March, the band signed to Metal Blade. John Longstreth replaced Dow in May but exited in September. The Red Chord entered Planet Z Studios in Hadley, Massachusetts on November 1, with Brad Fickeisen as a new drummer, and recorded their second album ''Clients'',<ref name="MM bio" /><ref name="AMG bio">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p527743/biography|pure_url=yes}}|website= AllMusic|title = The Red Chord Biography|author = Mark Deming|access-date = April 26, 2009}}</ref> which subsequently sold over 50,000 copies in the US.<ref name="Stylus interview">[http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/interview/the-red-chord.htm The Red Chord interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624090153/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/interview/the-red-chord.htm |date=June 24, 2011 }}, Stylus Magazine</ref>

2005 started with American tours and resumed on European tours in December. The band filmed a promotional video for the track "Antman" with director Dave Brodsky. The tour continued in North America through February 2006 until Ozzfest in June.<ref name="MM bio" /><ref name="AMG bio" />

=== ''Prey for Eyes'' and ''Fed Through the Teeth Machine'' (2007–present) ===

In February 2007, guitarist Jonny Fay decided to quit the band<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67107 The Red Chord Parts Ways With Guitarist, Seeks Replacement – Feb. 15, 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302032141/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67107 |date=March 2, 2007 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> and was replaced by Mike Keller. In May 2007, the band went on another tour to Europe. The third album, ''Prey for Eyes'', was released on July 24.<ref name="MM bio" /><ref name="AMG bio" /> The group parted ways with Keller in early September and decided not to replace him.<ref name="MM bio" />

The band's fourth album, ''Fed Through the Teeth Machine'', was recorded in early to mid-2009 in Milford, New Hampshire, at Backyard Studios, which is owned by the band's former guitarist Jonny Fay.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120908081755/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=121876 The Red Chord: New Album Title Revealed – June 13, 2009], [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67107 The Red Chord Parts Ways With Guitarist, Seeks Replacement – Feb. 15, 2007] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070302032141/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=67107 |date=March 2, 2007 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> The album was released on October 27, 2009.<ref name="blab Sep. 9, 2009">[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=126672 The Red Chord: 'Fed Through The Teeth Machine' Artwork, Track Listing Revealed – Sep. 9, 2009] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913063246/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=126672 |date=September 13, 2009 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> Kozowyk said that the new songs are more intense and mature than those the previous album. "It's faster and heavier, but it's definitely groove-oriented and melodic where it needs to be," he commented.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=124644|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808010101/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=124644|url-status=dead|title=The Red Chord: Pro-Shot Footage Of Rock am Bach Performance Available – Aug. 3, 2009|archive-date=August 8, 2009}}</ref> ''Fed Through the Teeth Machine'' sold around 2,700 copies in the United States in its first week of release and debuted at No. 180 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130201150514/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=129836 The Red Chord: 'Fed Through The Teeth Machine' First-Week Sales Revealed – Nov. 4, 2009], Blabbermouth</ref><ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=the red chord|chart=all}} The Red Chord Chart History], Billboard</ref>

In 2010, the release was followed by a headlining tour in the U.S.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=133356 The Red Chord Announces Headlining Tour – Jan. 13, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606055038/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=133356 |date=June 6, 2011 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> Due to a volcano eruption on Iceland, The Red Chord was forced to miss a co-headlining European "Machines Of Grind" tour with Aborted and Rotten Sound,<ref>[https://archive.today/20120912190136/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134352 Aborted To Tour Europe WIth The Red Chord And Rotten Sound – Feb. 1, 2010], Blabbermouth.net [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=138986 The Red Chord Is A Last-Minute Addition To New England Metal And Hardcore Festival – Apr. 22, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607013857/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=138986 |date=June 7, 2011 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> who subsequently embarked on a "DIY Fuck The Volcano" tour without The Red Chord.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120909005229/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=138980 Aborted Checks In From 'Machines Of Grind' Tour – Apr. 22, 2010], Blabbermouth.net</ref> The band later performed in Japan with Between the Buried and Me.<ref>[http://www.alliance-trax.com/tour/btbam.html BTBAM & TRC 2010 tour] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121172419/http://www.alliance-trax.com/tour/btbam.html |date=January 21, 2010 }}, alliance-trax.com</ref> Drummer Michael Justian rejoined the band in February 2010, shortly after Fickeisen departed.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134732 The Red Chord Replaces Drummer – Feb. 8, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210041659/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134732 |date=February 10, 2010 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> Fickeisen commented his departure: "There is no easy way to go about leaving a busy band with plans in constant motion, but a little abruptly, I chose to depart from manning the kit for The Red Chord. I have had a great time for the past five years with these guys, and wouldn't exchange it for anything. Touring is tough; everyone who's done it knows that. (...) I want to thank Greg, Guy, and Mike, and wish them the best of luck in the future."<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134844 Former The Red Chord Drummer Comments On His Departure – Feb. 10, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606063229/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134844 |date=June 6, 2011 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref> A music video for "Demoralizer", that was filmed in late 2009, was released in mid-February.<ref>[http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135079 The Red Chord: 'Demoralizer' Video Released – Feb. 13, 2010] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219191131/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135079 |date=February 19, 2010 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref>

Justian departed from The Red Chord in March 2011 and the band hired Jon "The Charn" Rice of Job for a Cowboy for the forthcoming tour.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120910110421/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=155022 The Red Chord Parts Ways With Drummer, Taps Job for a Coboy's Rice For Upcoming Tour – Mar. 8, 2011], Blabbermout.net</ref>

On April 15, 2013, Guy Kozowyk became a sworn officer of the Manchester, New Hampshire Police Department. He was sworn in with six other new officers during a ceremony at police headquarters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130416/NEWS07/130419313/0/SEARCH|title=Manchester Police Department adds new officers | New Hampshire NEWS07|date=May 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501045138/http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130416/NEWS07/130419313/0/SEARCH|access-date=October 10, 2020|archive-date=May 1, 2013}}</ref>

On February 2, 2022, the band announced they would be performing at the Decibel Metal & Beer Fest in June, marking the end of a hiatus the band had since 2015 from performing. They performed their 2005 album ''Clients'' in its entirety.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/02/02/the-red-chord-will-reunite-alongside-cannibal-corpse-and-candlemass-at-decibels-metal-beer-fest-this-june/|title=The Red Chord Will Reunite at Decibel's Metal & Beer Fest This June|publisher=MetalSucks|access-date=February 2, 2022|date=February 2, 2022}}</ref>

== Musical style == The majority of The Red Chord's music is composed by McKenzie and to a lesser degree by Weeks and other band members. The lyrics are written by Kozowyk.<ref name="CraveOnline Kozowyk">[http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/music/article/guy-kozowyk-of-the-red-chord-89005 Iann Robinson, Guy Kozowyk of The Red Chord] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031133212/http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/music/article/guy-kozowyk-of-the-red-chord-89005 |date=October 31, 2009 }}, CraveOnline, October 27, 2009</ref> The band's grindcore<ref name="Stylus Clients" /><ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="CraveOnline Kozowyk" /><ref name="Blabbermouth Clients">Scott Alisoglu, [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=278 Clients] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050922171920/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=278 |date=September 22, 2005 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref><ref name="AMG Clients" /><ref name="AMG Fed Through the Teeth Machine" /><ref name="Exclaim! Fused Together In Revolving Doors">Chris Gramlich, [http://exclaim.ca/musicreviews/generalreview.aspx?csid2=846&fid1=11614&csid1=35 Fused Together In Revolving Doors], Exclaim!</ref> based sound also incorporates elements of death metal,<ref name="Stylus Clients" /><ref name="AMG bio" /><ref name="Blabbermouth Clients" /><ref name="AMG Clients">{{cite web|url = {{AllMusic|class=album|id=r740982|pure_url=yes}}|website=AllMusic|title = Clients review|author = Alex Henderson|access-date = April 26, 2009}}</ref> metalcore,<ref name="AMG Clients" /><ref name="AMG Fed Through the Teeth Machine" /><ref name="Metal Kingdom">[http://www.metalkingdom.net/band/2844_the_red_chord The Red Chord at Metal Kingdom]. Retrieved December 23, 2011.</ref><ref name="Exclaim! Fused Together In Revolving Doors" /> hardcore punk,<ref name="Stylus Clients" /><ref name="Blabbermouth Clients" /><ref name="Exclaim! Fused Together In Revolving Doors" /> and progressive death metal,<ref name="AMG Fed Through the Teeth Machine">{{cite web|last=Freeman |first=Phil |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/fed-through-the-teeth-machine-r1662986 |title=Fed Through the Teeth Machine – The Red Chord |website=AllMusic |access-date=December 24, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Metal Kingdom" /> and is considered experimental.<ref name="Exclaim! Fused Together In Revolving Doors" /><ref name="Excaim!PFE" /><ref name="PopMatters">Adrien Begrand [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/column/bruce-willis-genghis-khan-and-ravioli-inside-the-red-chords-prey-for-eyes/ Bruce Willis, Genghis Khan, and Ravioli: Inside the Red Chord's Prey for Eyes], PopMatters</ref> The Red Chord typically uses frequent tempo changes,<ref name="AMG Clients" /> technically proficient instrumental approach<ref name="Exclaim! Fused Together In Revolving Doors" /> and emphasizes the element of groove in their music.<ref>Scott Alisoglu, [http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=1209 Prey For Eyes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014042020/http://roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=1209 |date=October 14, 2007 }}, Blabbermouth.net</ref><ref name="Exclaim! Clients">{{Cite web |last=Deneau |first=Max |date=May 31, 2005 |title=Clients |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/red_chord-clients |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref>

Because the band has combined several different elements of heavy music into their style, they have been considered among the very first deathcore bands due to their hybridization of death metal with metalcore/hardcore influences;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metalblade.com/us/artists/the-red-chord/|title=The Red Chord |website=Metalblade.com|access-date=March 25, 2020}}</ref> however this statement is debatable because The Red Chord have always featured more eccentric influences in their music than just simply metalcore and death metal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://toiletovhell.com/the-porcelain-throne-the-red-chord/|title=The Porcelain Throne: The Red Chord|website=Toiletovhell.com|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=March 25, 2020}}</ref>

Kozowyk uses death growls and screams with occasional spoken word<ref name="Exclaim! Clients" /> and is rather decipherable.<ref name="Blabbermouth Clients" /> Kozowyk points out Frank Mullen from Suffocation as a vocal influence, Black Sabbath as a musical influence,<ref name="Stylus interview" /> and Faith No More as a lyrical inspiration.<ref name="PopMatters" />

== Members == ;Current *Guy Kozowyk – vocals (1999–present) *Michael "Gunface" McKenzie – guitar, backing vocals (2000–present) *Gregory Weeks – bass (2004–present) *Jon Rice – drums (2011, 2014–present)

;Former *Kevin Rampelberg – guitar (1999–2005) *Mike Justian – drums (2000–2004, 2010–2011) *Adam Wentworth – bass (2000–2004) *Jon Dow – drums (2004) *John Longstreth – drums (2004) *Jonny Fay – guitar (2005–2007) *Brad Fickeisen – drums (2004–2010) *Mike Keller – guitar (2007–2008) *Tim Brault – drums (2014)

'''Timeline''' {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18 PlotArea = left:100 bottom:80 top:0 right:15 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1999 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album id:other value:gray(0.6) legend:Demo id:bars value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1999 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2000

LineData = layer:back color:studio at:03/19/2002 at:05/17/2005 at:07/24/2007 at:10/27/2009

LineData = layer:back color:other at:06/01/2001

BarData = bar:Guy text:"Guy Kozowyk" bar:Gunface text:"Gunface" bar:Kevin text:"Kevin Rampelberg" bar:Jonny text:"Jonny Fay" bar:Mike text:"Mike Keller" bar:Adam text:"Adam Wentworth" bar:Gregory text:"Gregory Weeks" bar:Mike2 text:"Mike Justian" bar:Jon text:"Jon Dow" bar:John text:"John Longstreth" bar:Brad text:"Brad Fickeisen" bar:Jon2 text:"Jon Rice" bar:Tim text:"Tim Brault"

PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Guy from:01/01/1999 till:end color:vocals bar:Kevin from:01/01/1999 till:08/01/2005 color:guitar bar:Jonny from:08/01/2005 till:02/15/2007 color:guitar bar:Mike from:03/01/2007 till:09/01/2008 color:guitar bar:Gunface from:01/01/2000 till:end color:guitar bar:Gunface from:01/01/2000 till:end color:bvocals width:3 bar:Adam from:01/01/2000 till:02/01/2004 color:bass bar:Gregory from:02/01/2004 till:end color:bass bar:Mike2 from:01/01/2000 till:02/01/2004 color:drums bar:Jon from:02/01/2004 till:11/01/2004 color:drums bar:John from:11/01/2004 till:12/15/2004 color:drums bar:Brad from:12/15/2004 till:02/01/2010 color:drums bar:Mike2 from:02/08/2010 till:03/11/2011 color:drums bar:Jon2 from:03/11/2011 till:11/01/2011 color:drums bar:Tim from:09/09/2013 till:06/04/2014 color:drums bar:Jon2 from:06/14/2014 till:end color:drums }}

== Discography == ;Studio albums * ''Fused Together in Revolving Doors'' (2002) * ''Clients'' (2005) * ''Prey for Eyes'' (2007) * ''Fed Through the Teeth Machine'' (2009)

== Music videos == *"Dreaming in Dog Years" (2002) *"Antman" (2005) *"Blue Line Cretin" (2005) *"Black Santa" (2006) *"Fixation on Plastics" (2006) *"Dread Prevailed" (2007) *"Demoralizer" (2009)

== See also == * Beyond the Sixth Seal

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * {{Official website|1=http://www.theredchord.com}} *{{allMusic}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Red Chord, The}} Category:American deathgrind musical groups Category:American grindcore musical groups Category:American deathcore musical groups Category:Heavy metal musical groups from Massachusetts Category:People from Revere, Massachusetts Category:Metal Blade Records artists Category:Musical groups established in 1999 Category:American musical quartets Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines Category:1999 establishments in Massachusetts