This US alternative metal band was formed in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1999 by Mike Underdown (vocals), Ryan ‘Tater’ Johnson (guitar), Matt Wantland (guitar), Lewis Cosby (bass), and Brian Vodinh (drums). Andy Parks replaced Cosby in 2001 shortly before the recording of the band’s debut, Into The Half Moon. New vocalist Jesse Hasek and the returning Cosby joined Johnson, Wantland and Vodinh in 2002, completing what was to be the band’s most stable line-up. The 2003 EP, Killing All That Holds You, showed a marked progression from their raw debut, with the influence of leading alt metal bands Tool and A Perfect Circle readily apparent. A full-length version adding four new studio tracks and four live acoustic recordings followed in 2004.
By now, 10 Years had built up a notable local following and were beginning to attract the attention of the major labels. After signing with Republic/Universal they completed The Autumn Effect, reworking three of the best tracks (‘Wasteland’, ‘Through The Iris’, and ‘Insects’) from its predecessor. ‘Wasteland’ was particularly successful on US radio and helped propel the band into the upper regions of the American rock charts. The 2008 follow-up, Division, underwent a lengthy gestation period, with the band’s relentless touring schedule and the pressures of success making the recording process a difficult one.
