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Digital Veil

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Digital Veil, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 28 November 202518 sources
The Human Abstract
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Headquarters
Los Angeles, California
,
United States
ProductsProgressive metal music

Digital Veil represents the third studio release by the American progressive metal ensemble The Human Abstract, which debuted on March 8, 2011, via E1 Music. This album features the comeback of original guitarist A.J. Minette, who had departed in 2007, and introduces new lead vocalist Travis Richter, succeeding Nathan Ells. The initial single, "Faust," was made available digitally on November 16, 2010.

Background

Prior to the creation of Digital Veil, The Human Abstract experienced several lineup changes. In November 2009, the band parted ways with vocalist Nathan Ells, who had contributed to their 2006 album Nocturne and 2008's Midheaven. Reports varied on whether Ells left voluntarily or was dismissed. The group then conducted open auditions to find a new frontman. By April 2010, they announced that Travis Richter, formerly associated with From First to Last and The Color of Violence, would replace Ells. Guitarist Andrew Tapley facilitated Richter’s audition by having him record vocals for "Vela Together We Await the Storm" alongside a demo from Digital Veil. Richter was already acquainted with the band through previous tours such as the Warped Tour and Take Action Tour.

Additionally, the band reunited with founding guitarist and chief songwriter A.J. Minette, who had left following the Nocturne tour cycle to focus on classical music studies and expand beyond metal guitar techniques. Bassist Henry Selva remarked that Minette brought back a level of discipline that had been lacking during the production of Midheaven.

Writing and recording

In June 2009, The Human Abstract halted touring activities to concentrate on composing their third album.[1] Drummer Brett Powell invited A.J. Minette to return as producer, who gradually became more involved in songwriting until it developed into a full-fledged album project.[2] Minette’s background in classical music heavily influenced Digital Veil, as he sought to merge metal with his formal training while avoiding a traditional power metal sound.[3]

After joining the band and relocating to Los Angeles, California in February 2010,[4] Travis Richter began contributing to the writing process for Digital Veil. While retaining the aggressive vocal style from his earlier work, Richter also introduced singing elements influenced by his southern Baptist choir upbringing.[4] Given The Human Abstract’s intricate musical compositions, Richter adapted his vocal approach accordingly.[5] The album’s lyrics delve into concepts such as self-identity, transformation, and existential purpose.[6]

Recording sessions commenced on July 1, 2010, at The Machine Shop studio under the guidance of producer William Putney.[7] During production, Putney sustained a severe head injury but returned after a brief two-day absence; Dean Herrera temporarily assumed production responsibilities during this period.[8] A.J. Minette commended Putney’s remarkable dedication and professionalism throughout his recovery.[8]

Release and promotion

Initially, promotion for Digital Veil was handled by Hopeless Records, The Human Abstract's label since their debut Nocturne in 2006. Through Hopeless Records, the band released the lead promotional single "Faust" on November 16, 2010, in anticipation of an early 2011 album launch. However, on January 10, The Human Abstract announced their signing with E1 Music, confirming the album's release date as March 8, 2011.[9] Bassist Henry Selva expressed optimism that partnering with E1 would propel the band toward a "productive and exciting future."[9]

Ahead of the album’s release, two additional tracks were made available online: "Patterns" premiered on January 18,[6] followed by "Complex Terms" on February 15.[10] Promotional videos directed by Scott Hansen were released for both the title track "Digital Veil" in February 2011,[11] and "Patterns" on April 13.[12]

Touring

Upon his return in 2009, guitarist A.J. Minette initially encountered conflicts with his schedule due to pursuing a master's degree at the University of Southern California School of Music.[4][13] He subsequently took a year-long hiatus from academic commitments to participate in touring activities supporting Digital Veil.[13] Just prior to embarking on this tour, the group parted ways with guitarist Andrew Tapley.[14]

The band's first tour to promote Digital Veil was the Atticus Metal Tour III, which ran from February to March 2011 and included acts such as Darkest Hour, Born of Osiris, and As Blood Runs Black.[9][15] Following this, their initial headlining tour, titled the "Pull Me from the Gallows Tour" (May–June 2011), featured opening performances by Scale the Summit, This or the Apocalypse, Letlive, No Bragging Rights, and Across the Sun.[16] The band was compelled to exit the tour midway due to a bereavement in the family.[17]

Ahead of the "Frak the Gods" tour in September 2011 alongside Periphery, Textures, and The Contortionist, vocalist Travis Richter unexpectedly departed from the band. To fill this vacancy temporarily, Ryan Devlin from the progressive metal group Corelia was enlisted.[18]

Charts and sales

During its initial week on sale, Digital Veil moved approximately 3,200 units within the United States, debuting at number 177 on the Billboard 200 and securing the fifth position on the US Top Heatseekers chart. These figures were modestly lower compared to The Human Abstract’s preceding album, Midheaven, which sold near 4,100 copies and peaked at number 163 on the Billboard 200.

Personnel

The Human Abstract
  • Travis Richter – lead vocals
  • A.J. Minette – guitar, keyboards
  • Dean Herrera – guitar
  • Andrew Tapley – guitar
  • Henry Selva – bass guitar
  • Brett Powell – drums
Production
  • Produced and mixed by Will Putney
  • Engineering by Dean Herrera, Jay Sakong, and Bill Purcell
  • Mastering handled by Jamie Fergus Jean
  • Management by Andrew Jarrin and Jason Mageau
  • Legal counsel: Ian J. Friedmann
  • Artwork and layout created by Aaron Marsh
  • Photography by Lauren Steil
  • Model: Mia Weier

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named blab2
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named metalinjection1
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named noisecreep2
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named absolutepunk2
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named altpress2
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gunshyassassin3
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named punksite1
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named noisecreep4
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named blab4
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named altpress3
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named killyourstereo
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named blab7
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gunshyassassin1
  14. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gunshyassassin4
  15. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gunshyassassin2
  16. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named altpress4
  17. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named altpress6
  18. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named blab8

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