// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did "Training for Utopia" say to the gym? You're a perfect fit.
Training for Utopia | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1996–2000, 2023–present |
| Labels | Solid State, Tooth & Nail, Weapons MFG |
| Past members |
|
Training for Utopia, also stylized as TFU, is an American metalcore band, initially active from 1996 to 2000.[1][2]
History
[edit]The band first signed with Tooth & Nail Records and was later moved to Solid State Records, the Tooth & Nail imprint that promotes heavy Christian music. Training for Utopia subsequently became popular in the Christian metal[3] scene during its active years, although the band actively tried to remove themselves from that label during their later years.[4]
Their brief existence included a tour with Zao and at the time the upcoming band Spitfire, as well as Warlord.[5] After a temporary hiatus the band returned with their second full length Throwing a Wrench into the American Music Machine, which has been noted as a shift away from the band's early metalcore sound,[4] utilizing heavier use of electronics and sampling.[6] After a small tour of the material the band disbanded.
At the demise of Training for Utopia, members Ryan (formerly of Focal Point) and Don Clark announced that they were starting a new project called The American Spectator in October 2000.[2] Don and Ryan Clark started "Asterik Studio" in Seattle, a graphic design shop where they completed many projects, including album artwork for former label-mates. In 2000, they founded the Christian metal band Demon Hunter.
On February 3, 2023, Training for Utopia was announced as one of several bands reuniting to play the 2023 Furnace Fest.[7] On September 1st, before their appearance at Furnace Fest, the band released their first single in 24 years, "Out on Parole".[8]
Members
[edit]- Ryan Clark – vocals, guitar (currently with Demon Hunter)
- Don Clark – guitar (played with Demon Hunter)
- Steve Saxby – bass guitar, vocals (currently with Out of Place)
- Morley Boyer – drums (played on An Angle)
Additional members
- Rob Dennler – vocals (1996) (played with The Roots of Orchis)
- Carlos Colon – synthesizers (1998) (later joined The Deadlines)
Discography
[edit]| Title | Release date | Notes | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Falling Cycle EP | 1997-07-29 | Tooth & Nail | |
| Plastic Soul Impalement | 1998-03-03 | ||
| The Split EP | 1998-08-18 | Split with Zao | Solid State |
| Throwing a Wrench into the American Music Machine | 1999-11-02 | ||
| Technical Difficulties | 2004-04-20 | Best of |
References
[edit]- ↑ "TFU IS DEAD 1996–2000". Training for Utopia. January 20, 2001. Archived from the original on January 10, 2001.
- 1 2 Li, Xiaolei (October 27, 2000). "Training for Utopia Calls Quits". InStrife. Archived from the original on December 6, 2000. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ↑ DaRonco, Mike. "Training for Utopia". AllMusic. Retrieved October 31, 2015.
- 1 2 "His Name Is Alive". OCWeekly. November 11, 1999. Retrieved April 20, 2025.
- ↑ Patterson, Eric (October 6, 2007). "Brian Fletchner (Quiver Society, Pilgrims, ex-Warlord)". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved October 28, 2015.
- ↑ D, Sergent (April 27, 2011). "What is the Best Christian Metal/Hardcore Band?". metalsucks.net. Metal Sucks. Retrieved February 23, 2018.
- ↑ Greg Kennelty (February 3, 2023). "HASTE THE DAY Reunites For Furnace Fest 2023". Metal Injection. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ↑ "Training for Utopia Debut First New Single in 24 Years "Out on Parole"". September 2, 2023.
External links
[edit]- Training for Utopia at AllMusic
- Interview with Don Clark, circa 2000
- Post-TFU interview with Don Clark, circa 2001
- SHZine interview with Ryan Clark (February 2000)
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