The Pigment of The Past...The Ink of The Future...

Name: James Alston
Role / Instrument: Lead Vocalist
City / Origin: Anaheim, CA
Years Active: 2023–Present
Primary Style: Alternative Metalcore / Atmospheric / Trap-Informed Vocals
Affiliations: Psalms of Ash

Short Bio
Lead vocalist from Anaheim, CA delivering a dynamic and emotionally direct performance style that blends intimate delivery with explosive intensity. Known for expressive control across clean, melodic, whispered, and harsh vocal modes, shaping the band’s identity through tone, phrasing, and emotional delivery. Acts as the primary narrative voice, guiding the listener through themes of tension, vulnerability, and release.

Musical Profile
Primary Strengths: Dynamic control, emotional delivery, vocal range versatility, sustain
Style Characteristics: Intimate, expressive, atmospheric, contrast-driven
Signature Traits: Smooth transitions between vocal modes, sustained notes, and upward scooping into upper/mixed register

Vocal Characteristics
Breathier, intimate pop/indie tone with light grit and occasional falsetto
Moderate vocal compression for sustain and presence
Subtle saturation/distortion on accents or choruses
Smooth de-essing with airy high-end retention

Range & Tessitura
Low Range: A2–B2
Mid Range: C3–G4 (primary tessitura)
Upper Range: A4–C5 (emotional apex / peak intensity zone)
Comfortable Keys: F Major / E Minor

Peak & Signature
Peak Note: C5
Notable sustained C5 (e.g., “Forever, In The Quiet”)
Signature technique: vocal scooping from lower mid into upper/mixed register across both clean and distorted delivery

Vocal Modes
Whispered / spoken (confessional, close-proximity delivery)
Soft melodic (fragile, restrained phrasing)
Full clean singing (open, resonant, emotionally exposed)
Fry screams / false cord harsh vocals (integrated, pitch-aware distortion)

Core Sound Approach
Close-mic’d, intimate delivery that feels immediate rather than performed
Breath, strain, and micro-tension used as textural elements
Contrast between fragility and force without heavy polish masking

Dynamics & Delivery
Wide dynamic range from near silence to explosive peaks
Gradual build-ups rather than abrupt shifts
Silence and restraint used as structural tension before release

Technical Setup

Microphone: Neumann TLM 102

Interface / Preamp: Universal Audio Apollo

Inline Boost: Cloudlifter

Monitoring: Closed-back headphones + reference monitors

Processing Chain (Studio / Live FOH Concepts)
Mic → Cloudlifter → Apollo Interface → Processing Chain → Output

Plugins / Processing Tools:
FabFilter Pro-Q
LA-2A / 1176 emulation
Soundtoys Decapitator
Valhalla Plate
Waves H-Delay

Compression Settings:
Ratio: 3:1
Attack: 10–30 ms
Release: 50–150 ms
Gain reduction target: ~3–6 dB

EQ Settings:
High-pass filter: ~100 Hz
-2 dB at 250–350 Hz (mud control)
+2 dB around 4 kHz (presence)
+1.5 dB around 12 kHz (air)

Reverb (Plate):
Pre-delay: 20–40 ms
Decay: 1.2–2.0 s
Wet mix: ~10–20%

Delay:
Tempo-synced (dotted eighth or quarter note)
Feedback: 15–25%
Wet mix: 10–20%

Effects & Processing
Plate or small hall reverb with low-to-moderate decay (1–2.5 s)
Delay used for spatial depth and rhythmic texture, especially in choruses
Saturation via Slate Virtual Tape Machines, Decapitator, or J37 for harmonic richness
Subtle pitch correction only when needed, kept transparent
Doubling via Waves Doubler for width and thickness

Studio Contribution
Songwriting Role: Primary lyrical and melodic architect
Arrangement Contribution: Vocal layering, phrasing structure, emotional pacing
Production Role: Vocal tracking direction, tone shaping, performance dynamics

Live Performance Role
Stage Position: Front center (vocal position)
Performance Style: Emotionally immersive, dynamic, contrast-driven
Crowd Interaction: Direct narrative connection through delivery
Notable Traits: Consistent tonal control across multiple vocal modes and dynamic shifts

Notable Skills / Highlights
Seamless transitions between clean, whisper, and harsh vocal styles
Strong sustain and control in upper mixed register
Expressive use of breath and texture as part of the vocal identity
Maintains clarity and emotional intent across production layers

Notes
Serves as the emotional and narrative core of the band, using vocal dynamics, texture, and phrasing to guide the listener through contrast-heavy compositions that balance intimacy with intensity.

Name: Morgan Dunnaway
Role / Instrument: Guitarist / Producer
City / Origin: New Orleans, LA
Years Active: 2023–Present
Primary Style: Alternative Metalcore / Atmospheric Heavy / Sound Design
Affiliations: Psalms of Ash

Short Bio
Guitarist and producer from New Orleans, LA specializing in heavy riff construction and atmospheric layering. Plays a dual role in both performance and sonic design, shaping the band’s identity through guitar tone, production choices, and live sound execution. Brings a balance of aggression and texture that defines the band’s musical foundation.

Musical Profile
Primary Strengths: Riff writing, tone design, layering, production
Style Characteristics: Heavy, textured, atmospheric, precise
Signature Traits: Blending rhythmic guitar weight with ambient sonic space

Technical Setup

Instrument: Schecter C-Electro-Resin FR-S

Pickups:
EMG 81/85
Fishman Fluence

Effects Pedals:
Overdrive/Boost: Ibanez Tube Screamer (TS9/OD)
Reverb: Strymon BigSky
Delay: Strymon Timeline
Chorus: Boss CE-2W

Amp / Modeler
Amps: Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
Modeler: Fractal Axe-FX

Cabinet / IR
Cabinets: 4x12 cabinets with Celestion G12H-75 load
Impulse Responses: OwnHammer, Celestion IRs

Interface
RME Babyface

Signal Chain
Guitar → Effects → Amp/Modeler → Cab/IR → FOH/Interface

Live Performance Role
Stage Position: Stage left or right (guitar position)
Performance Style: Tight, consistent, groove-focused
Crowd Interaction: Secondary to performance execution
Notable Traits: Precision riffing, tone consistency, layering awareness

Studio Contribution
Songwriting Role: Primary riff writer and sonic architect
Arrangement Contribution: Guitar layering, transitions, ambient design
Production Role: Recording, editing, mixing, live sound engineering

Instrumental Characteristics
Tonal Profile: Heavy, saturated, atmospheric
Rhythmic Style: Tight, syncopated, groove-oriented
Technique Focus: Palm muting, alternate picking, dynamic layering
Harmonic Role: Bridges rhythm foundation with ambient texture

Notable Skills / Highlights
Combines guitarist + producer workflow
Shapes both studio recordings and live mix clarity
Designs cohesive sonic environments rather than isolated parts

Notes
Represents the band’s sonic backbone, responsible for translating creative ideas into fully realized production and live-ready sound.

Name: Logan Hall
Role / Instrument: Bassist
City / Origin: Shreveport, LA
Years Active: 2023–Present
Primary Style: Alternative Metalcore
Affiliations: Psalms of Ash

Short Bio
Bassist from Shreveport, LA delivering a grounded and aggressive low-end that anchors the band’s sound. Focused on tight rhythmic alignment with drums while adding depth, movement, and weight to the overall mix. Serves as the bridge between percussion and harmonic elements, reinforcing both groove and impact in live and studio settings.

Musical Profile
Primary Strengths: Rhythmic locking, low-end stability, groove consistency
Style Characteristics: Punchy, tight, supportive, weight-driven
Signature Traits: Consistent foundational presence that reinforces both rhythm and dynamics

Technical Setup

Instrument: Music Man StingRay 2EQ

Pickups:
Active: EMG 35
Passive: Nordstrand Big Single

Effects Pedals:
Overdrive/Boost: Darkglass Microtubes B3K
Compression: MXR Dyna Comp
Chorus/Modulation: Boss CE-2W
Reverb/Delay: TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2

Amp / Modeler
Bass Amps/Heads: Ampeg SVT Classic / SVT-CL
Digital Modelers: Kemper Profilers, Line 6 Helix

Cabinet / IR
Cabinets: 1x15 or 2x10 for punch and clarity; 8x10 for stage presence
Impulse Responses: OwnHammer Bass IRs, Celestion Bass IRs

Interface / FOH
RME Babyface / RME interfaces

Signal Chain
Bass → Effects → Amp/Modeler → Cab/IR → FOH/Interface

Live Performance Role
Stage Position: Stage left or right (bass position)
Performance Style: Groove-focused, tight, consistent
Crowd Interaction: Supportive presence, minimal distraction from performance execution
Notable Traits: Precision timing, solid low-end projection, strong drum alignment

Studio Contribution
Songwriting Role: Rhythmic foundation and groove reinforcement
Arrangement Contribution: Bass layering, low-end shaping, harmonic support
Production Role: Tone consistency, tracking support, low-frequency balance

Instrumental Characteristics
Tonal Profile: Punchy, deep, controlled, present
Rhythmic Style: Locked tightly with percussion, groove-oriented
Technique Focus: Fingerstyle consistency, muting control, note clarity
Harmonic Role: Supports guitar and drums while reinforcing tonal depth

Notable Skills / Highlights
Maintains tight synchronization with drums
Provides stable low-end foundation across dynamic shifts
Enhances overall mix clarity through disciplined playing and tone control

Notes
Functions as the structural backbone of the band’s rhythm section, ensuring cohesion between percussion, guitars, and overall sonic weight.

Name: Chris Matthews
Role / Instrument: Drums / Pads
City / Origin: Los Angeles, CA
Years Active: 2023–Present
Primary Style: Alternative Metalcore / Trap / Trap-Hop
Affiliations: Psalms of Ash

Short Bio
Drummer from Los Angeles, CA known for technical precision, endurance, and dynamic control behind the kit. Balances acoustic performance with electronic integration, driving the band’s intensity while shaping transitions, momentum, and rhythmic structure. Serves as a core rhythmic force, aligning closely with bass to establish the foundation of the band’s hybrid sound.

Musical Profile
Primary Strengths: Timing precision, dynamic control, hybrid acoustic/electronic integration, endurance
Style Characteristics: Tight, powerful, rhythmically complex, hybrid-driven
Signature Traits: Seamless integration of acoustic drums with 808s, triggers, and pad-based elements

Acoustic Drum Kit
DW Collector’s Maple 333 Brass Pinstripe; Maple 333 Shells (No Re-Rings)

Configuration
Kick: 18x22 x2
Mounted Toms: 8x10 x3
Rail Toms: 9x12 x3
Standing Toms: 12x14 x3
Floor Tom: 14x16 x1

Electronic / Hybrid Setup
808s: Roland V-Drums TD-50

808 / Sub Sources:
Roland TR-808 samples / plugins
Xfer Cthulhu

Triggering: K-Tek, RT-1

Sampler / Pads:
Elektron Octatrack
Roland SPD-SX

Drumheads & Hardware
Kick: Remo Powerstroke 3
Toms: Remo Emperor (two-ply)
Snare: Remo Controlled Sound
Pedal: DW 9002XF
Stands: Gibraltar

Cymbals
Hi-Hats: Zildjian 14" ZHT Mastersound Hi-Hat x1

Rides:
Zildjian 22" K Custom Hybrid Ride x1
Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid Ride x1
Zildjian 17" K Custom Hybrid Ride x1

Crashes:
Sabian 18" HHX Fierce Crash x1
Sabian 16" HHX Fierce Crash Reverb x1
Sabian 16" HHX Fierce Evolution Crash x1

Splashes:
Meinl Byzance 10" Dual Splash x2

Additional Crash:
Meinl Byzance 20" Extra Thin Hammered Crash x1

Sticks & Mallets
ProMark ActiveGrip Rebound 5B Wood/Nylon
ProMark Zenison 5B Wood/Nylon
H-Rods Dowel Drumsticks 5B

Miking & FOH
Kick: AKG D112
Snare: Shure SM57 / Beta 57
Overheads: AKG C414 / Rode NT5
Room: Royer R-121

Live Performance Role
Stage Position: Rear center (drum position)
Performance Style: Energetic, precise, dynamically controlled
Crowd Interaction: Indirect, performance-driven presence
Notable Traits: Strong timing leadership, dynamic shaping, hybrid rhythmic control

Studio Contribution
Songwriting Role: Rhythmic foundation and structural timing support
Arrangement Contribution: Beat construction, transitions, hybrid layering with electronic elements
Production Role: Tracking drums, programming integration, tempo and groove alignment

Instrumental Characteristics
Tonal Profile: Punchy, controlled, layered, rhythm-forward
Rhythmic Style: Tight, syncopated, groove-anchored
Technique Focus: Coordination, endurance, dynamic contrast, hybrid triggering
Harmonic Role: Primarily rhythmic, supporting overall structure and momentum

Notable Skills / Highlights
Integrates acoustic drums with electronic percussion seamlessly
Maintains tight synchronization with bass for rhythmic cohesion
Balances technical precision with expressive dynamics

Notes
Serves as a central rhythmic driver of the band, combining acoustic performance and electronic elements to shape both live energy and studio precision.