ArT of RuiN

Members:
Randy - Drums
Marc - Vocals / Guitar
Jeff - Guitar
Rob - Bass

With punishing guitar riffs and driving drums, Art of Ruin knocks you in the face to get your attention, than delivers their simple yet powerful lyrics. Formed in 2004 by core members Randy Minniear and Marc Spero, Art of Ruin developed a following in the underground New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia hard core scene, performing at historic venues like the Stone Pony in Asbury Park New Jersey and the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville. Getting some air time on local radio , 89.5 WSOU , helped the band gain notice by stalwarts on the scene leading to opening act opportunities for bands like Mushroomhead and Shai Halud. 

The band's sound is best described as a blend of metal and hardcore inspired by rock, metal, and hardcore influences. Straight forward low end guitar and bass riffs accented with metal influenced fills are built on driving Slayer influenced drum rhythms coupled with pounding Pantera like beats. Combined with gut wrenching breakdowns that shape and tie their compositions, the band produces a metal vibe with a hardcore backbone. 

The bands lyrics draw upon personal experiences and the influences of world events. Reflected is the belief in overcoming the forces of opposition that we face in life through one’s own inner strength, perseverance, and the knowledge that this can be accomplished even when it takes one to the very edge of sanity. Band members all have serious day jobs that are high stress and high profile in today’s world. Politics, finance, investments, and restaurant management are examples of the fields that the members play roles in. Their ties to hardcore metal enable the band to cope with some of the extreme challenges that life's successes can create. Within this framework, the band's lyrics and music offers positive strength and insight into overcoming what life confronts you with. The power to overcome and succeed can be found in one-self. With strength, faith, respect, and the support of friends and family, meaning can be found in what may appear to be an empty typical life. 

The band ultimately released a six song EP featuring music that best represents their sound and its influences. Straight out of the gates with “Blister” to “Honor the Fallen” and “Tragic” the primary components are all showcased. Only scratching the surface of what’s to come, the band has slowly built a support base by taking their high energy shows to as many venues as possible. 

After taking a hiatus to start families and pursue their full-time careers, Art of Ruin is back with new members Jeff Welker (guitar), Nickel Bag Phil (Bass) and Ansgar The Destroyer (vocals), and is ready to pick up where it left off. 

The new line up then spent 2019 re-establishing a presence in the local scene and was beginning work on their next recording release.  However, due to some band member internal differences, Phil and Ansgar departed ways with the band by the end of the year.   After a short reassessment, Marc picked up the vocal responsibilities and Rob Moore was added to bass and the band quickly got back on track, playing their first show with the new lineup at Dingbatz in Clifton NJ on Halloween.