Janus (American band)

Janus was an American alternative metal band based in Chicago. They formed in 1992 in North East, Maryland and have released five studio albums, “Orifice” (1994),Influx (1998), Armor (2004), Red Right Return (2008), and Nox Aeris (2012). They mix alternative metal with non-traditional rock instruments, such as auxiliary percussion, and electronic sounds.[4] The band gained popularity on rock radio stations across the US due to their single "Eyesore," and has toured with bands such as All That Remains, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Sevendust, and Sick Puppies.[5] The band is known for wearing custom made red and black 1920s Russian-inspired militaristic uniforms both on stage, and in their music video for "Eyesore."

For other musical groups of that name, see Janus (disambiguation).
Janus
OriginNorth East, Maryland, U.S.
Genres
Years active1992–2014[2]
2019–Present[3]
LabelsREALID Records, Music For Good [3]
MembersDavid Scotney
Anthony Lojeski
Mike Tyranski
Jake Portenkirchner
Past membersShawn Harrity
Dan Thomey
Richie "Dickie" Betts
Alan Quitman
Johnny Salazar
Jared Melrath
Websitewww.janusmusic.com

History

Janus formed in 1998 and that same year released Influx, a 12 track CD issued through Mirror Records with a sound similar to The Smashing Pumpkins, Tool, and Soundgarden. In 2004 Janus released their second album, titled Armor containing 9 tracks of a more modern alternative metal sound. In 2006 Janus released a 5 track demo that contained songs they would later re-record and feature on their 2008 release Red Right Return. 5 songs were recorded for this demo: "If I Were You", "Your Arms", "The Nerve", "Skin Deep", and "100 Years". In 2007, director Noah Shulman shot a music video for their demo version of "If I Were You" in an ink factory in Chicago, Illinois in support of their third upcoming album, Red Right Return, which was released in 2008 through Level It Records/Glass Bottom Boat Music.

Johnny Salazar, previously of the bands "Shades of Fiction" and "Relative Ash", joined as the new drummer in 2007. Replacing long time original drummer Richie Betts (Influx/Armor/Red Right Return). Signed to a new label (REALID/ILG Records), Janus re-released Red Right Return in 2009, and shot another music video with Noah Shulman for their single "Eyesore."

The band's fourth album, Nox Aeris, was released on March 27, 2012. The first single is "Stains."

According to a Tweet by band member Mike Tyranski in October 2016, the band is no longer together.[2] Frontman David Scotney has since moved out of the Chicago area to start a new pizza restaurant called Oakfire in Lake Geneva, WI[6] David Scotney, re-launched the band and announced via a youtube video on April 22, 2019.

On May 3, 2019, the band released their first single since 2012, a cover of the song Drive, by The Cars, and all of the proceeds go to charity for bipolar disorder research.[7]

Discography

Studio albums
Year Album details Peak chart positions Certification
(sales thresholds)
US Heat US Rock
1995 Orifice
  • Released: 1995
  • Label: Mirror Records
  • Format: CD
 — —
1998 Influx
  • Released: 1998
  • Label: Mirror Records
  • Format: CD
 — —
2004 Armor
  • Released: 2004
  • Label: Inasense Studios
  • Format: CD
 — —
2008 Red Right Return
  • Released: November 18, 2008
  • Re-release: September 22, 2009
  • Label: Level It Records, Glass Bottom Boat Music, REALID
  • Format: CD, DI
 — —
2012 Nox Aeris
  • Released: March 27, 2012
  • Label: REALID
  • Format: CD, DI
 24 33
"—" denotes a release that did not chart.

Singles
Year Song US
Main		 US
Rock		 Album
2009 "Eyesore" 17 31 Red Right Return
2010 "If I Were You" — —
2012 "Stains" 26 — Nox Aeris
"Promise to No One" — —
2019 "Drive"
2020 "Stolen Sisters on YouTube"

References
  1. "Janus Just Wanted to Put Their Heads Down and Make a Great Record".
  2. "Mike Tyranski on Twitter: "@bensonjl84 i would not expect any janus material. We are no longer together. Hope all is well with you."". twitter.com. Retrieved 2017-07-02.
  3. "Re-Launch video on Youtube: "We're Back! Please Share This! It's 2019 and we're back releasing new music all year long with new music videos and lots of new merch at janusmusic.com share this video and follow us as we work to make a difference."". twitter.com. Retrieved 2019-04-22.
  4. "Chi-Tunes: Local music by Janus". Chicagonow.com. Archived from the original on 2009-12-24. Retrieved 2010-01-24.
  5. "Listen: Janus". consequence.net.
  6. "Ten Minutes with David Scotney", "LakeShore Living", June 27, 2017
  7. Janus Band (2019-05-03), Janus "Drive" Single 2019, archived from the original on 2021-12-15, retrieved 2019-05-15
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