When we first started out, the band was called "Curse of a Nation". It was a little too political sounding for us, and our music isn't really all that influenced by politics (at least, not yet anyways) so we decided to change it. Lance came up with "Pariah" a few years back and we just made up a few of our own variations of the word and Pariaus was the one that stuck.

Of course we play live! We love playing out in front of people, and we are honored to share the stage with some of the best metal bands in the Southbay. We've stayed pretty much in the Torrance/Hermosa Beach area lately, but we have played shows in Hollywood and Orange County. Soon we will be out playing pretty much any place that will have us in support of our debut release "DAMNATA MEMORIA" which is tentatively scheduled towards the end of October. Our very first show together in 06' was pretty special, we made our first appearance together at the legendary Viper Room in Hollywood.

The internet has hands down become the best and easiest way to buy and listen to music. Instead of being stuck giong to the store and buying a CD having heard one song only to find out that the rest of it is crap, the internet allows you to play a sample of each song on the album and buy the songs that you like. Plus, it's so easy for an unknown band like us the get their music heard. Anybody can post their stuff online and people will eventually come across, even if by accident.

It would have to be the right situation and occur at the right time. We're all in pretty good jobs and situations where we can't just drop everything and go out and tour the world. But if the timing was right, and it happened under the right circumstances for us, then of course we would at least consider it. We're pretty comfortable where we are and with the label that we are on right now. Corporate Records has been really good to us so it would be hard for us to leave that kind of family atmosphere.

Pariaus was formed in 2000 by guitarist Lance Kates and drummer Shawn Jordan. Kates and Jordan crossed paths at a recording engineering school in North Hollywood, Ca., where Kates was an instructor. The two started jamming during class breaks and soon were looking to do something a little more. But things got put on hold as Jordan found himself having to return to his native New Mexico to deal with family issues. After losing touch for nearly three years, Jordan returned to California and finally tracked down Kates and the two began working on material that Kates had written when the two first met. Originally called "Curse of a Nation", they set out with a new frame of mind and in 2005, Jordan recruited bassist Bobby Black whom he had met thru his sister-in-law. Black stepped up to then recruit a second guitarist, Rob Turner and in 2006, the four decided to change the band name from "Curse of a Nation" to "Pariaus". With a definition of social outcast, the band took the word "Pariah" and made up their own variation of the word and thus, Pariaus was born. Pariaus unleashed their fury on the L.A. metal scene in June of 2006 with a debut performance at the legendary Viper Room. While influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath, Pantera, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Tool and Mudvayne, Pariaus combine their energetic playing style, personalities and individual influences into a sound that is uniquely all their own. Pariaus signed with indie label Corporate Records in early 2007. Playing a steady stream of SoCal venus, Pariaus has become a pivotal part of the South Bay metal scene, playing frequently with bands such as Archaic Plague, Eyes in the Fog and Bloodypalms. Hell hath no fury unless Pariaus is there to fuel it.

Black Sabbath and Kiss were probably the two bands that started it all for us. Then as we got a little older, we got into bands like Venom, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica, Motley Crue, Pantera, Overkill, Testament, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation and Sepultura. More recently, bands like Mudvayne, Lamb of God and Gojira have had a big influence on our music.

You can find us hanging out in just about any of the local watering holes in the Southbay, CA.

Gallien Krueger, Krank and Mesa Boogie amplification, Warwick basses, Jackson and ESP guitars, Sabian Cymbals, Tama Drums and hardware, Regal Tip sticks, Remo and aquarian drumheads.

Offical band webpage: www.myspace.com/pariaus
www.myspace.com/corporaterecordsmusic
www.myspace.com/southbaymetal
Email: pariausmusic@hotmail.com