Black Market Hero

Alternative heavy metal outfit Black Market Hero emerged out of the 2005 breakup of Jersey nu-metal rockers 40 Below Summer, who played their last show together that September. Following 40 Below's dissolution, vocalist Max Illidge, guitarist Joey D'amico, and bassist Hector Graziani wanted to continue playing as unit, so they quickly teamed up with ex-Flaw guitarist Ryan Jurhs and drummer Ali Nasser, christening themselves Black Market Hero in the process. Looking to bands like Pantera and Soundgarden for influence, the sonically aggressive quintet soon included another Flaw alum, drummer Micah Havertape, who signed on in place of Nasser by the year's end. Based out of New York City, Black Market Hero's pedigree allowed them to basically emerge on the scene with a built-in fan base and the guys got straight to writing new songs. In January 2006, however, Graziani was forced to step down from his post due to the severe hearing loss he had suffered from years of performing that could no longer be ignored. Bassist Matt Fortin (formerly of South Carolina-based Confliction) joined up that August to once again complete the Black Market Hero lineup. That fall, 40 Below Summer reunited (albeit very briefly) to play a handful of shows to support the posthumous release of their album The Last Dance. Black Market Hero remained the guys' main priority, however, and their first single, "Freedom Dealer," was eventually added into rotation on Sirius satellite radio's metal channel in early summer 2007. Meanwhile, the quintet began playing out shows and continued looking for a record label and management deal. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide