Using their faith as a driving force, CLOSE YOUR EYES has silenced all stereotypes and emerged as a leader in delivering their powerful and inspiring message through music. The band’s infectious, explosive energy and uncompromising musical capabilities transcends the aggressive posturing that so often limits the genre. Luckily, a scene so overpopulated with lackluster talent has struck gold with this special melodic-hardcore outfit. 

 

Abilene, Texas-based CLOSE YOUR EYES recently opened the ears and hearts of fans across the world with 2010’s promising Victory debut, We Will Overcome. With their hardcore, heavy rock sound and inspirational lyrics, it was no surprise that the band received such an intense initial response. The album has since sold over 15,000 copies in the U.S. to date, and the music video for the hit track, “Song For The Broken,” has been viewed by over 1.2 million devoted listeners. It’s hard to imagine that a band who has garnered such notoriety began with two of the original members simply commenting on each other’s t-shirts. 

 

 

Vocalist Shane Raymond and guitarist Brett Callaway met at Hardin-Simmons University, unaware that their casual encounter would morph into the emergence of one of the most powerful, uplifting groups around. Sonny Vega (bass) and newest addition Tim Friesen (drums) complete this talented line-up. 

 

Delving into the subject of Christianity as a major influence for their existence, CLOSE YOUR EYES makes it a point not to preach, like many others so often do. “We don’t hide who we are, but a big reason we don’t emphasize the fact that we’re a Christian band is because we don’t want our faith to be our primary marketing point,” states Raymond. 

 

This fall, a brand new album, Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts, channels the impressive momentum that CLOSE YOUR EYES has become notable for. The album couples powerful melodies with inventive hardcore, furthering CLOSE YOUR EYES’ signature dynamic with their catchiest anthems, strongest vocals, and most monstrous guitar riffs to date. 

 

“Musically and lyrically, we poured our hearts into this one. The short time span that we had to record really brought the band closer together and allowed everyone to openly express themselves more than ever before,” states Raymond. 

 

Bringing their vibrant, energizing performances across the country in 2011, CLOSE YOUR EYES has certainly marched their way to the forefront of the hardcore elite. Attracting audiences to major festivals such as Cornerstone and Sonshine, touring with A DAY TO REMEMBER and UNDEROATH and performing on the SCREAM THE PRAYER TOUR, the band will continue to pave their memorable road with a headlining tour this fall to support the new album with labelmates COUNTERPARTS.

 

Make no mistake; CLOSE YOUR EYES’ massive sound encompasses their signature one-two punch of aggressive, melodic-infused elements. Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts will certainly be the catalyst to drive this passionate brand of hardcore into the hearts and minds of audiences everywhere.