A LOVE OF GOOD MUSIC - Just one of the things that make up the Maryland based heavy rock band UNDER COMMAND. Starting around November ‘98, drummer Steve Songy and guitarist Wayne Johnson jammed in a 5x5 storage shed. Enduring the change of seasons and temperatures they created the ten songs that would become their debut release, the 1999 hard rocking CD, SECRET PLACE OF THUNDER. Playing concerts over the mid-Atlantic area out to the mid-west as far as Texas, they come out hitting hard and heavy. An unmistakable sound and energetic live show make Under Command a crowd favorite. At this time, the group was featured on several compilation CDs, all of which became international sellouts. At the end of 2001, the band teamed up with the on-line record label, Fight Cloud. They released a project called DAMAGE CONTROL. It featured ten songs of over an hour of music, a thing that the group would become known for. By early the next year Fight Cloud closed it’s doors, ending DAMAGE CONTROL’s availability. In 2002, Under Command released its ‘second’ CD SEEING RED, a more aggressive project that featured thick guitars, chunky grooves and more harmony vocals. Lyrics described as real, positive and spiritual speak to the listener in an honest way. With the Seeing Red sessions 90% done, they started a third project, A.E. THE ACOUSTIC EXPERIENCE. An idea that originally was to be an all-acoustic EP turned into a full-length 12-song release. Using a different writing formula, they created stripped down songs with few guitar solos and more sonic texture. Acoustic Experience became the calm to Seeing Red’s storm. This “sister” CD was released a year later. 2003 saw Under Command participate on another compilation CD, this one being for Compassion International, an outreach that helps sponsor needy children all over the world. The compilation CD, Together with Compassion, is a double CD with all sale proceeds going to the outreach program, and can be purchased at all Under Command concerts. Not wanting to sacrifice musical excellence to fads or trends, they perform with a progressive guitar style played to the extreme. Being equally at home on electric or acoustic instruments, they round out their musical sound with both male and female lead vocals. Always staying positive and moving forward, they continue to show their love for GOD and a dedication to great songs as they set out to conquer the world.
