Byzantine (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Charleston , United States |
| Products | Progressive metal music, albums |
| Website | www |
Byzantine is a progressive American metal band blending groove and thrash elements, originating from Charleston, West Virginia, and established in 2000. As of June 2025, the group consists of lead vocalist and founding member Chris "OJ" Ojeda, guitarists Brian Henderson and Tony Rohrbough, drummer Matt Bowles, and bassist Ryan Postlethwait. Their discography includes three albums released through Prosthetic Records, two independently produced records, and two albums under Metal Blade Records. Byzantine is distinguished by its innovative sound and contemporary, experimental approach to metal music.
The band ceased activity on January 26, 2008, immediately following the launch of their third album but reassembled in 2010. In March 2016, they secured a global contract with Metal Blade Records, subsequently releasing two albums through this label.
History
Byzantine was initiated in early 2000 by bassist Chris "Cid" Adams, lead guitarist Tony Rohrbough, drummer Jeremy Freeman, and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Chris "OJ" Ojeda after the dissolution of their former groups. They rapidly composed and independently distributed 2000–2001 Demos in 2001, solidifying their presence within West Virginia’s metal community.
Following the addition of drummer Matt Wolfe, they produced The Broadmoor Demo in 2003, which caught the attention of Lamb of God’s drummer Chris Adler. A tour along the East Coast with Lamb of God expanded their audience and led to a contract with Prosthetic Records.
Their first full-length release, The Fundamental Component, debuted in February 2004, highlighting their distinctive musical style. They embarked on tours with Lamb of God and Shadows Fall and appeared at the New England Metal and Hardcore Festival in both 2004 and 2006. After parting ways with Chris "Cid" Adams late in 2004, Tony Rohrbough took over bass responsibilities for their sophomore album ...And They Shall Take Up Serpents (2005), which garnered critical praise.
In 2007, Byzantine issued the fan-oriented DVD Salvation, featuring exclusive materials that enhanced their profile. Their third studio effort Oblivion Beckons was released on January 22, 2008; the band announced their dissolution the following day.
Byzantine regrouped in March 2010 to perform local shows with intentions to continue. Original guitarist Tony Rohrbough departed again in August 2010; Brian Henderson resumed lead guitar duties. By January 2012, Rohrbough rejoined as the band prepared to independently finance a new album. Their self-titled record was released on February 26, 2013. Shortly thereafter, bassist Michael "Skip" Cromer exited due to personal matters.
In May 2014, Byzantine commenced work on their fifth album with producer Jay Hannon alongside new members Brian Henderson (guitar) and Sean Sydnor (bass). The album To Release Is to Resolve was released independently on April 7, 2015.
A four-album agreement with Metal Blade Records was signed in March 2016. Recording resumed that summer at Byzantine Studios and 7 over 8 Studios with Jay Hannon producing. Their sixth album The Cicada Tree came out on July 28, 2017. To promote it, the band undertook their first extensive North American tour supporting thrash metal veterans Sacred Reich. They also introduced an innovative fan experience by offering a Pledge Music option enabling one supporter to choose most of a concert’s setlist.
On June 13, 2025, Byzantine unveiled their seventh studio album Harbingers through Metal Blade Records. Four months prior to this release, original guitarist Tony Rohrbough rejoined alongside Brian Henderson. Although Rohrbough did not participate in recording the album, he appears in the music video for its lead single "Floating Chrysanthema." Since then, frontman Chris "OJ" Ojeda has concentrated solely on vocal duties during live performances.
Musical style, influences and lyrical themes
Byzantine delivers a progressive thrash metal sound that Decibel Magazine has compared to the styles of Testament and Megadeth. Their music features power groove elements reminiscent of Meshuggah and Lamb of God, complemented by occasional clean vocal passages. Their previous label, Prosthetic Records, drew parallels between Byzantine and Pantera. The band’s sonic identity merges intricate technicality with classic Bay Area thrash, characterized by both melodic and aggressive tones. Their compositions often include instrumental breaks, spoken word segments, and guitar solos that range from shredding to progressive and even jazz influences. Modern metal tracks incorporate acoustic guitar layers and tribal drum rhythms, reflecting their exploration of varied musical forms and structures. Byzantine is acknowledged as an innovative force, with their West Virginia heritage contributing to a unique sound and an autonomous creative mindset.
The Fundamental Component highlights extended tracks, melodic thrash riffs, Tony Rohrbough’s precise guitar solos, and the powerful rhythmic foundation provided by bassist Chris Adams alongside drummer Matt Wolfe. Frontman Chris Ojeda emphasizes their ability to merge chaotic energy with melodic sensibility. Liz Ciavarella from Metal Maniacs remarks on the band's intricate time signature changes, compelling grooves, breakdowns, and experimental yet memorable metal refrains. Ojeda’s combined role as vocalist and guitarist places him among notable figures like James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Max Cavalera, Mikael Akerfeldt, and Chuck Schuldiner.
In terms of lyrics, Byzantine draws inspiration from groups such as Meshuggah, Carcass, and Opeth, often addressing topics tied to their American cultural background, including critiques of organized religion.
Current members
- Chris "OJ" Ojeda – lead vocals (2000–present), rhythm guitar (2000–2025)
- Brian Henderson – lead guitar (2010, 2013–present), backing vocals (2013–present)
- Matt Bowles – drums (2016–present)
- Ryan Postlethwait – bass, backing vocals (2018–present)
- Tony Rohrbough – lead guitar (2000–2013), rhythm guitar (2025–present)
Former members
- Jeremy Freeman – drums (2000–2002)
- Matt Wolfe – drums (2002–2015) (deceased 2021)
- Chris "Cid" Adams – bass (2000–2004)
- Michael "Skip" Cromer – bass (2004–2013)
- Sean Sydnor – bass (2013–2018)
Timeline
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Studio albums
- The Fundamental Component – (2004, released through Prosthetic Records)
- ...And They Shall Take Up Serpents – (2005, Prosthetic Records)
- Oblivion Beckons – (2008, Prosthetic Records)
- Byzantine – (2013, independently issued)
- To Release Is to Resolve – (2015, self-published)
- The Cicada Tree – (2017, Metal Blade Records)
- Harbingers – (2025, Metal Blade Records)
Extended plays
- Black Sea Codex – (2022, WV Snakepit)
Demos
- 2000–2001 Demos – (2001, Caustic Eye Productions)
- Broadmoor – (2003, full-length demo also known as European Sampler, distributed by DK Entertainment/KMS)
Additional contributions
The group recorded exclusive cover tracks featured on two tribute compilations:
- On Your Knees: The Tribute to Judas Priest – (2007, Crimson Mask Records)
- For the Sick, a Tribute to Eyehategod – (2007, Emetic Records)
- The Broadmoor Demo – (2009, originally a bootleg version of The Fundamental Component issued by Crash Music Inc., later officially released)
Videography
- Jeremiad: A Video by Donnie Searls – (2006, Mini-DVD, Atma)
- Salvation – (2007, DVD, Prosthetic Records)
- "Soul Eraser" – (2013)
- The Agonies – (2015, Screaming Butterfly Entertainment; directed by Holly Siders, MA, MFA)
- You Sleep, We Wake (Lyric Video) – (2015, Screaming Butterfly Entertainment; directed and animated by Holly Siders)
- Justinian Code – (2016, Screaming Butterfly Entertainment; directed by Holly Siders)
- New Ways to Bear Witness – (2017, Screaming Butterfly Entertainment)
- Floating Chrysanthema (Official Video) – (2025, Metal Blade Records)