When a band takes its name from one of the metaphysical British poet William Blake's most allegorical and impenetrable poems, they clearly aren't taking the easy route to fame and fortune. In keeping with their titular inspiration,
the Human Abstract favors a brainy, progressive take on contemporary metal and hardcore that looks beyond the usual cars and girls themes. Guitarist
Dean Herrera and guitarist and keyboardist
A.J. Minette formed
the Human Abstract in 2004, adding bassist
Kenny Arehart, drummer
Brett Powell, and, finally, singer
Nathan Ells. Inspired by progressive rockers like
Rush and
Dream Theater along with heavier contemporary acts like
Between the Buried and Me and
Minette's university music theory training,
the Human Abstract recorded a demo and played a number of regional gigs before signing with the local indie Hopeless Records in 2005. Working with producers
Eric Rachel and
Jamie King, longtime veterans of the Southern California post-hardcore scene,
the Human Abstract released their debut album,
Nocturne, in August 2006. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide