Gothic Theatre
Surmen
The seeds of Surmen were planted in the midsummer of 2001, when good friends Ormus and LunaLilo began to record their flows in Ormus basement with one mic, a tape recorder, and a $250 keyboard. That fall, after compiling a few tracks, they hooked up with a friend from high school, and fellow M.C., Surgeon, and thus Surmen was born. After many late night sessions, they upgraded, purchasing a computer and began recording their first album Engage the Manifesto. Knowing this was only the beginning, their time was dedicated to perfecting their rapid harmonic flows and abstract ideas that made them a unique species in the kingdom of Hip-Hop. After completion of the album, a hair-brained scheme was concocted to get the attention of their favorite lyricists, Bone Thugz N Harmony. So Ormus hurled a copy of Surmens album on to the stage hoping the fact that it was his birthday would boost their luck, and it did. Two weeks later Bizzy Bone called and demanded 16 bars and a chorus on a song with Surmen. The morning Bizzy arrived, Surmens computer crashed, but help wasnt far. Their good friend Auggie had equipment they could record on. So Bizzy followed as they drove across town to set up shop in his dinky apartment. Thats where Bizzy recorded his vocals in a closet, or as Surmen liked to call it the booth. With this, the foundation for the next album was built. They created an underground buzz with the song One Day featuring Bizzy Bone and added the fourth member, Auggie, who contributed production and instrumentation to their second album, Of the Deceased. While recording the second album, Surmen developed a mantra. One that said: Be original, passionate, pump wisdom and creativity into the song and never make music if it didnt come from your soul. For this reason alone, Of the Deceased, achieved praise from all who heard it. Finally, rappers who understand that rap is a rhythm instrument! Combining staccato lyrics with cool lush music RockonColorado.com. In summer of 2003, Surmen began to strive for new sounds and the only option was to form a band. Through various personal contacts Surmen was introduced to Jeff (Drums, Bass, Guitar, Keyboards), Dan (Drums, Bass, Guitar), and Johnny Recs (Turntables). This merge strengthened their mantra and pushed Surmen music to new levels. Surmen was ready to explore new grounds. Their time was devoted strictly to creating and recording songs for their first album as a collective Mutants on Display, and perfecting a set list. Within several months, Surmen had created a new blend of hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz, rock and experimental noise. In early 2004 Surmen hit the live scene playing mostly small bars but expanded to playing bigger shows with such acts as Optimal Frequency, Pomeroy, Judge Roughneck, A Void, P Nuckle and Kieskagato. Through playing these shows, Surmen realized the importance of reaching a wider audience in settings such as: benefit shows, coffee shops, parks and house parties. Mutants on Display is scheduled for release in January 2006. Produced, recorded and written by Surmen, this album is their most unique, and sets them apart from all other acts in Denver. Their originality and experimentation has earned them respect from music lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
