Imagine high intensity, versatility, depth, fun, sexy, pretty and just the right amount of aggression to create the genre we like to call Rare Metal. Yeah why not, they have created their own genre. Atomic 45 is a three-piece band out of Portland, OR that transcends traditional genres and expresses intensity through their music. They take the listener through a spectrum of emotions ranging from anger, sadness, beauty, elation, humor, awe and contemplation which brings us back to Rare Metal. Rare Metal takes the listener beyond the primal emotions of anger and sadness normally expressed within metal while combining various aspects of heavy metal sub-genres. They take the horrors of life that we may be forced to face, as well as the beauty that makes our existence worth living, and turn it into something tangible that takes the listener through a journey that is a song. Not all is serious though. Their creativity shines when they give into the unknown creating stories within the songs formed from the figment of imagination. They pride themselves on dynamics; timing changes/signatures, and crescendos/decrescendos, which are all used to create varying levels of intensity. Their sound takes you across the emotional spectrum that is life and within their music is a diversity that is not only powerful, but seductive, melodic, and fun. As James Orme of Slug Magazine summed it up by expressing “I love a band that goes for it unapologetically in their approach, not that they should be apologizing for anything” (Web).
This musical journey began in July of 2013 in Salt Lake City. Ravings of a Madman needed a bass player and along came a girl. She played guitar and decided she wanted to play bass and thus, Atomic 45 was born. Lead vocalist and guitarist “Madman” Jeremiah Hammon is the veteran of the band. His impressive abilities never go unnoticed. Just look around at a show to see eyes fixed during his solos, as he weaves effortlessly through dynamic guitar rhythms, and belts out professionally impressive vocals. Brooke Braga, “BB”, “Bragdor”, “Lady Brags” aspiring "Goddess of Thunder" on bass and backup vocals. Her bass lines add a fun, playful and creepy aspect to their sound. Her backups blend perfectly with Jeremiah and add that feminine touch to the already pretty aspects of the music. The foundation is built upon drummer Russell T., Russett, Russeteer. He takes every element A-45 possesses and makes it concrete. He adds the depth, creativity, skill, and foundation that Atomic 45 requires.
The band released their first album Wake Up Dead in July of 2014. Listening to this album you can't but notice the many influences, and that this is a band trying to find their sound. Wake Up Dead was recorded and produced with Bruce Kirby at Boho Studios in Salt Lake City, UT. Atomics’ second album Cauterized was released in April of 2015. Cauterized is the first representation of Atomic 45 coming together and melding into this band. The entire album was recorded and mixed at their home studio. Cauterized was mastered at Boho Studios with Bruce. Much of the album is inspired by the state of the world and the need for change as is custom to the message within Atomic 45 music.
A-45 is currently in the final mixing stages of their third album G.O.D. and have spent the past year writing and recording. Once again, the entire album was recorded by the band in their home studio. This time Dr. John of Johnny Wylie Music out of Las Vegas has collaborated on, composed on, and produced the album. This album has been a journey for the band. It is a vision of the band coming together and finding one voice. This album is the realization of the band finding their sound which only has room to grow. It was stated that their intentions were to "record an album they want to listen to" and apparently, they have done just that. Four singles from G.O.D. have been dropped and the entire album will be out March of 2020. This release will come with printed C.D.’s, downloads, vinyl, and a plethora of Atomic Wear merch for your fashionable needs.
Throughout the bands career they have had some great times and opportunities. They caught the ear of local radio stations KBER and X96 in Salt Lake City. KBER made them the prize with their Bar-B-Crüe contest where the winner’s home was mobbed by KBER, Atomic 45, beers and food with a live broadcast during the festivities. They were guests for the KBER local music radio show Salt Lake Soundcheck. X96 invited the band to play the annual Sonic Battle of the Bands after hand picking the band from a statewide selection of entries. They have also participated in many different charities. The band loves to play, participate in events that give back to communities, our world and bring awareness. Their music is about bringing change to our world and this is reflected in their actions.
Atomic 45 is a band that enjoys being active. They do not like to limit themselves within certain genres, audiences, or events. They believe music is a universal language and they want to speak to people, share their passions, and experience the world through their music while having fun doing it. Their stage show is high energy and intense especially for a three piece. Atomic 45 is looking forward to sharing G.O.D and to continue to display their unique, versatile and inventive style while rocking the music scene, and building their merch/clothing line Atomic Wear. Look out for this band! They are a force that is ready to make their place in this world! Sign up for their mailing list at atomic45.com, contact for booking, follow on social media, and listen/download tunes on an array of sources.
