Twisted Method
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 in Cape Coral, Florida, United States |
| Founder | Derrick "Tripp" Tribbett, Ben Goins, Andrew Howard, Derek DeSantis |
| Defunct | June 2005 (initial disbandment) |
| Headquarters | Fort Myers, Florida , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 4 (original band members) |
Twisted Method was a nu metal group from the United States, established in 1998 in Cape Coral, Florida by high school peers Derrick "Tripp" Tribbett, Ben Goins, Andrew Howard, and Derek DeSantis. Eventually relocating to Fort Myers, Florida, the ensemble secured a lucrative contract valued at one million dollars with MCA Records and launched their only album, Escape From Cape Coma, in 2003. Their promotion efforts included extensive touring, notably performing on the second stage of the 2003 Ozzfest lineup. The band disbanded in June 2005 following the exit of guitarist Andrew Howard and drummer Ben Goins. Tragically, Howard passed away later that same year. Twisted Method briefly reunited for reunion concerts in 2012 and 2014.
Formation and early development (1998–2001)
Twisted Method's beginnings trace back to 1998 when its members connected at Mariner High School. At 14 years old, Ben Goins started collaborating with guitarist Andrew Howard. Derek DeSantis joined as the bassist after selling his PlayStation to acquire a bass guitar. After auditioning several candidates for an additional guitarist role, Derrick "Tripp" Tribbett was recruited as the vocalist, completing the lineup. The band debuted live at a Halloween event and spent the subsequent four years performing across local venues.
MCA/Geffen era and Escape from Cape Coma release (2002–2004)
In early 2002, Twisted Method served as the opening act for local group Cinder during a label showcase, which attracted the attention of Cinder’s manager Charlie Pennachio. Pennachio signed them to 3Sixty Management and within five months negotiated a five-year deal worth $5.5 million with MCA Records, relying exclusively on their live show presence without any demo recordings.
The band recorded their first album, Escape from Cape Coma, in Los Angeles in August 2002. The album's title was a tongue-in-cheek nod to their hometown, described as a place "where old people retire." To support the album launch, MCA allocated $75,000 to secure Twisted Method a slot on the second stage of the 2003 Ozzfest tour. Initially scheduled for release in May 2003, the album’s debut was postponed until July 15 due to MCA’s merger with Geffen Records. Despite speculation within the industry, Twisted Method’s contract transitioned to Geffen.
Geffen intended to back a follow-up album and supported the band by arranging tours with Dope (band) in 2004. In June of that year, Twisted Method recorded demos alongside Edsel Dope and participated in the American Apathy tour with Dope and Motograter.
Hiatus and Andrew Howard’s passing (2005–2011)
In July 2005, Twisted Method announced an indefinite break after guitarist Andrew Howard and drummer Ben Goins left the group. Howard stepped away to prioritize family life following fatherhood, while Goins pursued his Christian faith.
Andrew Howard was discovered deceased on September 16, 2005, at age 23. The exact cause of death remains undetermined; initial reports identified methadone traces in his system, an enlarged heart associated with cocaine use, and a minor larynx injury of unclear origin.
Afterward, remaining members Derrick Tribbett and Derek DeSantis established Makeshift Romeo. Tribbett also took on bass duties for Dope and created solo work under the name Sinister, collaborating with John Rich. Meanwhile, DeSantis joined EkoTren, which toured alongside Ill Niño.
Resurgence after hiatus (2012–2014)
Twisted Method reunited on October 28, 2012, for a live performance at the Dixie Roadhouse located in Cape Coral, Florida. For this event, Tony Elchert from EkoTren and Virus of Dope stepped in to cover lead guitar duties in place of Andrew Howard. Subsequently, on December 19, 2014, the band held another reunion concert at The Buddha in Fort Myers, Florida.
Band members
- Derrick "Tripp" Tribbett – lead vocals (1998–2005, 2012, 2014)
- Derek DeSantis – bass guitar (1998–2005, 2012, 2014)
- Andrew Howard – guitar (1998–2005; deceased 2005)
- Ben Goins (13EN) – drums (1998–2005)
- Virus – guitar (2012, 2014)
- Tony Elchert – drums (2012, 2014)
Honors and recognitions
| Year | Nominee / Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Escape from Cape Coma | Album of the Year | Template:Nom |
| Twisted Method | Artist of the Year | Template:Nom | |
| Live Artist of the Year | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Newcomer | Template:Won | ||
| TwistedMethod.com | Best Website | Template:Nom |
Releases
- Full-length albums
- Escape from Cape Coma (2003)
Extended plays
- Twisted Method (1998, reissued 2024)
- Let Me Down
- Postal
- Get Up
- Bombs
- Pain
Video releases
- Look Inside My Twisted World (2005)
External links
- American nu metal musical groups
- American alternative metal musical groups
- Heavy metal musical groups from Florida
- MCA Records artists
- Geffen Records artists
- Musical groups established in 1998
- Musical groups disbanded in 2005
- Musical groups reformed in 2012
- Musical groups disbanded in 2012
- Musical groups reformed in 2014
- Musical groups disbanded in 2014
- Musical groups disestablished in 2005