A:pod

A:POD is a multifaceted musical endeavor orbiting the creative nucleus of U.K. -to- U.S.A. transplant Jealous Jester. Originally a two-piece studio act, the self-released demo revealed a raw, synth-driven fusion of hip hop, industrial, and metal. This blend of influences was expanded upon with the release of the eponymous full length: "A Product Of Discord", by which point A:POD had grown to become a three-piece live act. The band would eventually grow to a five piece with a more traditional rock band aesthetic, attracting a dark carnival of digital freaks and metal children to its fan base. The music also grew in scope to echo and blend into the contemporary Industrial Metal scene while still maintaining its original approach to hard, beat-fueled live and studio musical mayhem. While A:POD effectively ceased performing live circa 2005, the founding members have performed live several times in recent years. Principal songwriter and founder Jealous Jester has continued to record and release new music. Worthy of note: Co-founder member Aaron Zilch and bassist Bryan Ottoson were members of American Head Charge circa [m133970]. History and Live Incarnation: Founded: Minneapolis, MN (1997) 1997 - 1998: Three piece (as featured on the first full length CD) 1998 - 2000: Four piece (addition of live electric bass player) 2000 - 2001: Partial Hiatus 2001 - 2002: Two piece (Vocals/Guitar/Programming, Live Drummer) 2002 - 2005: Five piece (Vocals, Live Synth, Guitar, Drummer, Bassist) Lineup Changes: Begun as a two-piece studio project relying on MIDI-synched, Mac-tweaked everything, A:POD would subsequently evolve into a more traditional live act. And while Jealous Jester remained a constant presence, the band's live lineup would change several times. By 2002 the live band was very much in the vein of Industrial Metal bands of the time, with live drums, bass, and guitar augmenting the overdriven digital tweakery. Known Releases: 1997: A:POD (self titled demo cassette) 1998: Rat Trap (CD single on Atomic K Records) 1998: A: Product Of Discord (full length CD on Atomic K Records) 2003: Stung (CD / E.P. on Babyeater Recordings) Also appeared on several low production run CD compilations, including at least one Babyeater Recordings compilation.