New beginnings, they can be both exciting and terrifying. Take for instance the last two years in the life of the Indianapolis based band Haste the Day. Since forming in early 2001, the band has maintained the same 5 members, both brothers and friends, and have toured all over North America and Europe as both headliners and direct support for bands like Bleeding Through and From First To Last among others. In late 2005 long time vocalist Jimmy Ryan announced he was leaving the band to focus on his new marriage. History tells us that regardless of who writes the band's material, the vocalist is always the face and the first impression to the outside world. It isn't often a band can successfully triumph over a vocalist exit but Haste the Day never considered giving up. "I had no doubt we'd continue," states guitarist Jason Barnes now a year past Ryan's exit. "When he told us, we wondered who we would replace him with but there was never any consideration to stop." The band's third full-length album (and first without Jimmy Ryan, now fronting TRENCHES) has gone on to out-sell both previous records . The band, featuring vocalist Stephen Keech, bassist Mike Murphy, rhythm guitarist Brennan Chaulk and his brother, drummer Devin Chaulk have given us the absolute strongest Haste the Day album yet. They have set themselves up for a triumphant arrival in Dreamer. - EMI
