Focused (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in Long Beach, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Fate | Disbanded; briefly reunited in 2009 |
| Headquarters | Long Beach , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Tim Mann, Mike Merryman, Jason Parker, Dirk Lemmenes |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
| Website | https://myspace.com/focused |
Focused was a hardcore punk ensemble originating from Long Beach, California, established in 1991 with a distinctive Christian hardcore influence. The group ceased activity in 1996 but briefly reconvened in 2009.
History
The band Focused was initiated in 1991 by Tim Mann (vocals), John Schoettler (rhythm guitar), Matt Archuletta (bass), and Jeff Boetto (lead guitar). Their debut show included David Shoemaker as a temporary drummer until Al Christensen became their permanent percussionist. Early gigs saw them sharing stages with Mean Season, Unbroken, and Strife. They produced two demo recordings: Situation Within in 1991 and At Eternity's Gate in 1993.
By the middle of 1992, both Boetto and Archuleta had left the band, with Mike Merryman taking over lead guitar duties and Dirk Lemmenes stepping in on bass. Following the release of At Eternity’s Gate, Schoettler exited in 1993 and was replaced by Jason Parker. This lineup secured a contract with Tooth & Nail Records, releasing their debut album Bow, which was the label’s second offering. Parker departed shortly after, and Andrew Reizuch filled his role during tours. Christensen left in 1994, succeeded by Chris Bowden on drums. Both Bowden and Reizuch contributed to the band's sophomore album.
In 1994, Focused participated in the "40 Days and 40 Nights" tour alongside Chatterbox and Unashamed, during which they connected with bands such as Blenderhead and MxPx. The following year, they toured with Bloodshed and released their second album, The Hope That Lies Within, again under Tooth & Nail Records, receiving favorable critical reviews. The band ultimately disbanded in 1996.
Tim Mann revived Focused in 2000 to release a three-track 2000 EP featuring new members Brett Barber, Gary Wilson, Jim Rupe, and Adam Valles.
In 2009, Focused took part in Demon Hunter's "Huntour" tour alongside groups like Living Sacrifice, Throwdown, and Advent. The reunion featured the classic lineup of Mann, Merryman, Parker, and Lemmenes, with former Project 86 drummer Alex Albert joining for the tour.
Steadfast Records announced reissues of the At Eternity's Gate demo on vinyl and CD formats in 2019.
Members
2009 reunion lineup
| Name | Instrument | Years active | Other groups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timothy "Tim" Mann | vocals | 1991-1996, 2000-2001, 2009 | Resolve, Flowers for June |
| Mike Merryman | guitar | 1992-1994, 2009 | |
| Jason Parker | guitar | 1993-1994, 2009 | |
| Dirk Lemmenes | bass | 1992-1996, 2009 | Stavesacre, Enemy Ships, the Lost Chorus |
| Alex Albert | drums | 2009 | Project 86, Crash Rickshaw, the Lost Chorus |
Other former members
| Name | Instrument | Years active | Other groups | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Boetto | guitar | 1991-1992 | No For An Answer, Straight Arm, Half-Off | |
| John Schoettler | guitar | 1991-1993 | ||
| Andrew Reizuch | guitar | 1994-1996 | Le Shok, Treadwell | |
| Gary Wilson | guitar | 2000-2001 | ||
| Brett Barber | guitar | 2000-2001 | ||
| Jim Rupe | bass | 2000-2001 | Every Day Life, Resolve | |
| Matt Archuleta | bass | 1991-1992 | ||
| Al Christensen | drums | 1991-1994 | ||
| Chris Bowden | drums | 1994-1996 | Left Neglect, Other Desert Cities, Chris's Farm, the Merbabies | |
| Adam Valles | drums | 2000-2001 |
Live musicians
- David Shoemaker – drums (1991)
Timeline
Discography
Studio Albums
- Bow (1993, released by Tooth & Nail Records)
- The Hope That Lies Within (1995, under Tooth & Nail Records)
EPs
- At Eternity's Gate (2019, issued through Steadfast Records)
Compilation Albums
- The Wheels of Progress (1992–1996) (1999, distributed by Gunshow Records)
Demos
- Situation Within (1991)
- Eternity's Gate (1993)
Awards
- 1996 - Nominated for Hard Music Album: The Hope That Lies Within