Eyes Of Fire

Following the final dissolution of their underappreciated mid-'90s industrial-doom-core ensemble Mindrot, Orange County, CA, residents Dan Kaufmann (vocals/guitars) and Matt Fisher (bass/vocals) began assembling their next musical venture, Eyes of Fire, in 2003. Still inspired by former contemporaries Neurosis and the surprisingly successful Tool — no to mention the more recent achievements of next-generation prog-alt-metal success stories like Isis and Mastodon — Eyes of Fire completed their lineup with guitarist Cary Petersen, keyboardist Ben Smith, and drummer John Haddad, signed with Century Media, then released 2003's Disintegrate EP and 2004's Ashes to Embers LP in quick succession. These were given a mixed reception by both critics and fans, prompting a major inter-band reshuffling that brought in new members Bobby Thomas (guitar — ex-Morgion), Pete Truax (keyboards), and Nicky Bernardi (drums). Eyes of Fire then got to work on their second full album, Prisons, in time for an early 2006 release.