There have been quite a few bands pop up in our region in the past few years. Most never really amount to much on the grander scale. However, the clubs here and in the Atlanta area have proven to be a pretty good outlet for these groups.

Well, time to add another to the list. Mental Restraint is a new progressive metal band hailing from the Summerville/Trion area and have a rather unique line up and sound. The five members, ranging in ages from 21 to 28 have been in the greater Rome area their entire lives. Choosing to go by stage names adds to their persona. Randall Flagg, Toad, Bokeiphus, Nathan Devers and Baileron are the members and all bring something different to the table.

Songs range from an old school swinging type metal, all the way to a new type of progressive music using a lot of digital sampling and keyboards.

This band is on its way as well. A distribution deal has been reached with Relapse records and the band's first album titled "Human Monster" should be for sale by late summer. Also, the entire album is currently for download at itunes and Napster as well as a lot of other sites. Also, a rather hush hush sponsorship is in the works with E.S.P. guitars.

Check these guys out at www.myspace.com/mentalrestraint and drop them a line. You never know, you may be chatting with a rock star.