Louisville, Kentucky Music: Anvil Grey

Anvil Grey is a Louisville metal band that has made quite a bit of noise despite a few changes in their line up. "Anvil Grey" refers to t he neutral grey of walking the middle line between right and wrong. I had an awesome time interviewing their band.

Anvil Grey is comprised of vocalist Matt Menefee, drummer Chris Nye, guitarists Chris Mitchell and Brandon Green, in addition to bassist Nick Johnson. The band was formed in the summer of 2005 when Chris Nye and Nick Johnson met with former "Killing Hill" members Tyler Brandenburg and Matt Menefee. Chris Mitchell was added later and Tyler has since been replaced with Brandon Green, and the Louisville band pushes forward with creating new material and performing in the Louisville, Kentucky music scene.

One of the band's favorite performances was getting to perform on the same stage as Powerman 5000. The event was held at Headliners and garnered a packed house of 1000 fans who enjoyed the Louisville band so much, they chanted "Anvil Grey" as the band left the stage. The band said that the experience was extremely energizing and also gave them a good feeling of accomplishment and that they are on the right track despite any doubts they've had in the past. Matthew Menefee said that he also enjoys shows at smaller venues like Bulldawg Cafe because it gives them a more intimate encounter with the audience.

The band members come from different backgrounds and got started in music through methods like church choirs or teaching themselves. Nick said that he learned bass because he and his friends wanted to form a band and none of them knew how to play bass. Chris Nye was able to play music while in the military, stationed in Korea but said he wasn't able to play the type of music he wanted to until they formed the Louisville band Anvil Grey and became part of the Louisville, Kentucky music scene.

The band doesn't have huge dreams of fame or fortune. They enjoy being a Louisville band and playing the type of music they enjoy. In addition to Powerman 5000, they've also enjoyed the opportunity of opening for Soil, and have played with other popular bands such as Ligion, Bobaflex, Indorphine, Psychostick, Greyscale, Left 4 Dead and many others. They've also worked with Louisville band and event promoters Eddy Metal, Terry Harper, and Master of Fright Productions who are regular promoters and supporters of the Louisville, Kentucky music industry.

Being in a band isn't always fun and games and the Anvil Grey members have had their moments of frustration. They all agree that being in a band is like being in a family and has its up and downs. There are days when the members may feel like killing each other, while at other times they are the best of friends and things flow smoothly. Chris Nye says that's normal for any band, and has never seen or heard of a band that is smooth going all the time.

If you're a fan of metal and are in the Louisville area, you might want to check out this Louisville band that's gotten a lot of attention. You also might enjoy the annual music festival they host and promote, which is called "The Fall of Man". Visit their website at www.anvilgrey.com .