Though its members individually boast a wide range of tastes (from jazz to folk to hardcore), it was a common love of mid-'90s alternative rock acts like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden that brought together Flagstaff, AZ-based Mercy Fall in the early 2000s. Comprised of vocalist Nate Stone, guitarist Jeff Lusby, bassist Kieran Smiley, and drummer Ethan Rea, the quartet worked hard over two years to shape their vision of bringing heart, inspiration, and emotion to their variety of hard rock. Recorded demos eventually landed the guys a deal with Atlantic Records, and spring 2005 was spent crafting their mystic debut full-length with producer Howard Benson (P.O.D., My Chemical Romance). For the Taken was issued in May 2006; subsequent tour dates with bands like Shinedown, Trapt, and Seether followed. ~ Corey Apar