Janus (American band)

Janus is an American alternative metal band based in Chicago. They formed in 1992 in North East, Maryland. Performing their first gig in Gary and Brians Basement in Newark Delaware, and have released five studio albums, “Orifice” (1994),Influx (1998), Armor (2004), Red Right Return (2008), and Nox Aeris (2012). They mix alternative metal with non-traditional rock instruments, such as auxiliary percussion, and electronic sounds. The band gained popularity on rock radio stations across the US due to their single "Eyesore," and has toured with bands such as All That Remains, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Sevendust, and Sick Puppies. The band is known for wearing custom made red and black 1920s Russian-inspired militaristic uniforms both on stage, and in their music video for "Eyesore."

History

Janus formed in 1998 and that same year released Influx, a 12 track CD issued through Mirror Records with a sound similar to The Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, and Soundgarden. In 2004 Janus released their second album, titled Armor containing 9 tracks of a more modern alternative metal sound. In 2006 Janus released a 5 track demo that contained songs they would later re-record and feature on their 2008 release Red Right Return. 5 songs were recorded for this demo: "If I Were You", "Your Arms", "The Nerve", "Skin Deep", and "100 Years". In 2007, director Noah Shulman shot a music video for their demo version of "If I Were You" in an ink factory in Chicago, Illinois in support of their third upcoming album, Red Right Return, which was released in 2008 through Level It Records/Glass Bottom Boat Music.