Progressive Rock > Odin's Court
ODIN’S COURT is a Maryland, USA band that was formed by Matt Brookins in 2001. The band is best described as metal & rock, fusing classic and modern sounds that transcend several genres. They have released 4 CDs worldwide and done selective touring in the United States. The band is always looking to expand their reach, and is constantly evolving and growing their music.
For 12 years the band has been fronted by Brookins, who provides a unique voice that often sets the band apart from others in their genre. In 2013, the band picked up an additional lead vocalist, Dimetrius LaFavors; with a voice more reminiscent of classic vocalists in the rock, metal, and progressive genres, he and Brookins are already proving to have an exciting “call and response” approach to the music. Brookins also performs on various other instruments as needed, doubling as band producer. Rick Pierpont, an infectious presence on stage, offers an excellent contrast on guitar to Brookins’ often more melodic and phrase-oriented style.
For the first 7 years the band was independent, self-financing 3 albums (2002 demo Odin’s Court, 2003 album Driven by Fate, and 2005 album ReDriven by Fate). In 2006 the band headlined the infamous Jaxx Nightclub near Washington DC, drawing an audience comparable to that of larger National acts that played at the venue. A DVD was filmed that night and later released under the title …Court is Now in Session.
In 2008, ODIN’S COURT signed with ProgRock Records, and has since released 4 albums through PRR and their partner labels worldwide.
Deathanity (2008) is an ambitious concept album analyzing the macroscopic effects mankind’s actions have on the planet. In addition to a traditional rock configuration, this album utilizes saxophone, female backing vocals, interview clips, and sound effects to create a vast soundscape. Special guest vocalists include Tom Englund (Evergrey) and Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica).
Human Life in Motion (2011) is an album that is both introspective and personal, dealing with the human mind and experience. Although it is a concept album, the songs are more self-contained, shorter, and more “accessible” when compared to Deathanity. Press reaction to the album was positive, summarized as the band being “in top form and offering imaginative & entertaining melodic progressive rock often blended with crunchy metal.”
Appalachian Court (2012) is an organic album featuring previously released songs with completely new arrangements. The album features a wide range of traditional acoustic instruments including acoustic guitar, mandolin, piano, double bass, mountain dulcimer, banjo, harmonica, squaresaw dobro, and acoustic drums. The album creatively blends acoustic music with the band’s diverse sound in a way that seems both natural and exciting.
The Warmth of Mediocrity (2013) is the first album to feature LaFavors along with Brookins on lead vocals. The title track showcases a new and focused sound for the band, while the remaining tracks make the album an anthology, as these tracks are “reboots” of previously released songs that have been remixed, remastered, and in several cases, feature newly recorded vocals from LaFavors.
ODIN’S COURT has been known to perform energetic live shows in the United States, primarily gigging on the east coast doing festivals, short tours, and one-off performances. The band has shared the stage with many classic and modern greats, including (but not limited too) Symphony X, Spock’s Beard, King’s X, Kamelot, Steve Whiteman (Kix, Funny Money), Sonata Arctica, Helloween, Jon Oliva’s Pain, Zero Hour, Crimson Glory, Circle II Circle, Devin Townsend, Circa, Enchant, and more.
Matt Brookins – Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard
Rick Pierpont – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Dimetrius LaFavors – Vocals
Seth Jackson – Bass
Jeff Sauber – Drums, Percussion