HERMANO Digs Into Deep Emotional Territory On '…Into The Exam Room'

"…Into the Exam Room", the third release from American heavy blues rockers HERMANO, will be released January 22 in North America via Regain Records.

HERMANO, which features musical heavyweights John Garcia (KYUSS, UNIDA),David Angstrom (BLACK CAT BONE, SUPAFUZZ),Steve "Dandy" Brown (DOCK ELLIS, ORQUESTA DEL DESIERTO),Chris Leathers (SUPAFUZZ),and Mike Callahan (DISENGAGE, EARSHOT),went for a classic old-school escape-ism approach with "…Into the Exam Room". No messages, no hidden meanings just pure heavy rock lined with beautiful harmonies and Garcia's distinct yowl.

"Everybody has problems," said Garcia. "But this record is to escape and forget about all the BS, if only for 45 minutes. Don't try to figure out the lyrics. It means whatever it means to the listener."

The record is not without meaning to the band members, though, who were all experiencing a dose of life's ups and downs during the writing of the album. These feelings are aptly reflected in the equally sad and optimistic emotion that's conveyed both musically and vocally.

"Making this album was so absolutely cathartic for me," said Angstrom. "As we were recording it, it became a soundscape to hectic year for me...and a broken heart, which was healed by two amazing kids, some amazingly kick-ass friends, and a trusty Les Paul. Life doesn't get much better than that! '…Into the Exam Room' will always have a special place in my heart, as will my Hermanos."

Said Brown: "I spent the last few years saturated in the love of my wife and children, adding a new face along the way…Kentucky. At the same time, I kept looking toward the horizon and beyond. With '…Into the Exam Room' and every HERMANO album, there's been a story to tell, and it's always amazing that we can take all of those various parts of our lives, both the sweet and the bitter, and breathe life into a batch of songs."

Formed in 1998 as a side project, HERMANO has flourished for nearly a decade, despite its members being scattered across America. The group's writing sessions happen in its members' respective cities, with ideas tossed into the song library by every member until the quintet sifts through and chooses the best.

HERMANO's unconventional approach pays off in the end. "…Into the Exam Room" is a diverse record with a character all its own. "This is the most emotional record in my entire life," said Garcia. "It's been a long time since I felt this strongly about a record. Honestly, I haven't felt this strongly since KYUSS."

"I could not be more pleased with the way this band continues to conquer through adversity," Leathers said. "Faced with thousands of miles between us, babies being born, wives having surgery, divorces, and a record on a deadline, this band still managed to release a kick-ass record. Being willing to be challenged and punch life right back in the mouth is a testament to everyone involved."