JAM Florida's Music Magazine floridajam.com All Florida Edition January 1 - January 14, 1999 From Page 12 & 13 by Andy Burr
Lowbrow
When the band arrived at Expo Hall on the Florida State Fairgrounds for its gig, no one was quite sure who it was. And, not surprisingly, the folks prepared for the Slayer show that night weren't very accommodating-at least at first.
"There was a bit of tension," admits Rich Hornberger, vocalist of Brandon hardcore / death band Lowbrow. The quintet had won a contest on WXTB FM (98 Rock) for a coveted opportunity to open for Slayer. "We were getting very little respect," continues Hornberger. "Then the people finally figured out who is in our band."
Lowbrow has been together for less than a year, but the band members are all known - and respected for their previous work. Along with Hornberger, the band includes Obituary guitarist Allen West, former Acheron and Nasty Savage guitarist Ben Meyer, former Nasty Savage drummer Curtis Beeson, and former Death bassist Scott Carino.
Despite the respect the band was finally granted at the Expo Hall show, the redd carpet wasn't exactly rolled out. Though they had brought all their own equipment, Lowbrow members were forced to use the gear brought by one of Slayer's other opening acts. And they were only given 15 minutes of performance time.
"We stretched it a little," says Hornberger, "but our goal was just to get on and get off: just play the songs hard, back to back. And the crowd was very receptive."
The band has been concentrating on recent record label interest, but has been playing a few select shows, like the Dec. 19 Metal Fest at Brass Mug. Keep your ears open for other dates.
Contact: (813) 689-0449.