The Sacramento, CA-based metal band Soulmotor formed in 1996 from the ashes of hard rock favorites Tesla, reuniting the group's bassist Brian Wheat and guitarist Frank Hannon. With vocalist Darin and drummer Darren Minter, the group began gigging locally, but after a few months Hannon exited, to be replaced by ex-UFO guitarist Tommy McClendon. In 1997 Soulmotor issued their debut album In Super Hi-Fi Sound, which was sold over the internet as well as at live dates; the exposure brought the group to the attention of the CMC International label, and after replacing Minter with drummer Mike Vanderhule they issued their self-titled sophomore LP in the spring of 1999. ~ Jason Ankeny