The Acacia Strain

“ We strive to write the heaviest music possible, bottom line,” says vocalist Vincent Bennett. “The three guitars, full stacks, and A# tuning help in doing this.” That's right, three guitars. Most bands need to record multiple guitar tracks in the studio to achieve the kind of heaviness The Acacia Strain deliver every time they step on stage. This bludgeonous Springfield, Massachusetts sextet may have set out to write the heaviest music possible, but the three-guitar lineup was unplanned. “The three guitars is not a gimmick,” says Bennett. “We try to integrate the three guitars in all of our songs while keeping it as heavy as we possibly can.” This unusual lineup came about after guitarist Daniel Laskeiwitz injured his shoulder and The Acacia Strain brought in a guitarist—Daniel Daponde—to fill in for him at an upcoming gig. Laskeiwitz's recovery took less time than they figured and he was able to play the gig after all. Instead of booting Daponde, they kept him in the band and discovered that his presence gave the band the massive sound they'd strived for since forming in 2002. The Acacia Strain have taken this added musical presence and used it to create... more...