Nodes Of Ranvier

by Mark Deming Named for gaps that appear in the outer surface of human nerve fibers, Nodes of Ranvier meld the dexterity of progressive metal with the furious attack of death metal, but with lyrics that emphasize the intelligent and philosophical side of their collective mindset. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, Nodes of Ranvier were formed in 2000 by guitarist Jon Parker. In 2002, Nodes of Ranvier made their recorded debut with a split EP also featuring the Iowa-based band Innocence Broken; later that year, NoR signed with the independent metal label Facedown Records and released their first full-length album, Lost Senses, More Innocence, which featured Parker and Zachary Poppinga on guitar, Thomas Hentges on lead vocals, Jon Schuld on bass, and Ryan Knutson on drums. In 2003, the group's self-titled second album hit stores, with Nick Thomas replacing the departing Poppinga on guitar. The band stepped up its touring, spending up to six months of the year on the road, and in 2005 the group found time to changed cut a third album, Years to Come. Much of the band's lineup had during the two-year studio layoff, with Nick Murphy replacing Thomas Hentges on lead vocals, Jake Stefek taking over for Nick Thomas on guitar, and Terry Taylor subbing for Jon Schuld on bass. In early 2007, Nodes of Ranvier signed with veteran indie punk and metal label Victory Records. The spring of 2007 found the band in the studio working on its debut for Victory, with bassist Bradley Murphy the latest addition to the group following the resignation of Terry Taylor.