Things I Miss: V Shape Mind

A band that I was very briefly introduced to in the early 03/04 was American rockers V Shape Mind.  Even though they went out as quickly as they came in, the Illinois four piece group produced one hell of a record that seems to encompass hard rock, nu-metal, groove, aggression and melody.  They also managed all this into one record without falling into the [then] over saturated genre of nu-metal.

V Shape Mind consisted of:

Brad Hursh – vocals, guitar | Jeff McElyea – guitar, piano 

Vic Zientara – bass guitar, backing vocals | Scott Parjani – drums

V Shape Mind was formed in 1999 and toured the local Illinois metal scene, during which they self-released an EP titled Metric in 2000. The band was discovered by renowned producer David Bottrill, who got them signed to Universal Records.

The band released their debut album, Cul-De-Sac, on September 9, 2003. The single "Monsters" features vocals from Mudvayne's Chad Gray and received considerable radio play. Despite touring with such acts as Mudvayne and Powerman 5000, V Shape Mind struggled to gather any mainstream attention. Consequently, they have since broken up, pointing to difficulties with Universal Records as the key factor. They played their final show together on Thursday, May 6, 2004 at Lincoln Square Theater in their hometown of Decatur, Illinois. (band bio)

1. Antithesis of Origami
2. Glitches
3. Monsters
4. Dangle
5. The Taste of Vinegar
6. Totally Different Head
7. Peel the Rind
8. Gravity
9. Brakecheck
10. Chameleon Wars
11. That Cool Refreshing Drink
12. Every Little Thing (E.L.T.) [Hidden Track]

Not much to be said about the guys since they already announced their breakup as I was just getting into them.  Lead singer Hursh has led a minor solo career since the breakup of the band, but little to no information is available about this band or the solo career.  Vic and Brad have also formed a new project called LOVE & VENGEANCE which is in the process recording their first EP.  I was a big fan of "Monsters" since Gray is one of my top admired vocalists, my band members (at the time) were also big into Mudvayne and any affiliations.



To be honest, I feel that Gray's contribution to the album was one of the main reasons why this band saw any radio play at all.  The label didn't push them enough, they didn't tour as much as they should for a debut record, and the band should have continued to pursue an independent release with the ongoing evolution of the internet.  The combination of those faults could easily explain why some of you are sitting there wondering "wait, who are these guys again?"  At first listen, I was in the same boat.  After second listen, I was hooked!


The latest opus will do nothing but place them on a very exclusive pedistol. The album titled "Cul-De-Sac" exposes the bands self proclaimed "heavy-mellow" sound. The twelve gripping tracks comsume you from the get-go. It's a definite epic, prog-metal style. You can feel Bottrill's touch all over this baby. The first single "Monster" features KUD of Mydvayne fame assisting on vocal duties. To be quite honest, it sounds like KUD sings every track on the album...but I really can't complain, since I love his knack for Tool-ish melodic harmonies and spine tingling wails. -Decoy Music

So many so good bands simply disappear.  This is for the memory. -1RockOko (YouTube User)