New Hampshire-based hardcore metal collective the_Network utilize four vocalists to fuel their social and politically themed aural assault. Most of their five members had been playing previously in Fault or Ookla the Mok, and after both bands broke up in 1999, the friends began randomly jamming together. However, it wasn't until September 11, 2001, that they found a meaningful direction for their music, and following a subsequent reunion show of their old heroes Bloodlet, they found the sonic attack with which to deliver their message. Cut from the same cloth as contemporaries like Converge, Coalesce, and Deadguy, the_Network recorded five songs in the fall of 2002 that were released as a 7" through Out of Limits Records. They toured over the next few years when college and work commitments would allow, eventually adding bassist Nate Johnson (formerly of Premonitions of War and Deadwater Drowning) in 2005; he thus completed the lineup of main vocalist Scott, guitarists Pete and Kevin, and drummer Tim. (Kevin is the lone non-singer.) The_Network's chaotic full-length debut, This Is Your Pig's Portrait, appeared on Metal Blade in January 2007. ~ James Christopher Monger