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THE BAND: Brotherhood

THE MEMBERS: Rod Nichols (vocals); Alex Cantu (lead guitar); Mikey Bobadilla (rhythm guitar); Brent Field (bass); Dave McConnell (drums)

THE SOUND: Metal. Heavily influenced by bands such as Pantera and Chimaira, Brotherhood’s songs are raw, loud and full of anger.

Nichols, the lyricist, said songwriting is an emotional outlet for him, but his approach to it has changed over time. Coming from a Christian metal band years ago, Nichols used to feel pressure to lighten up his songs; while Brotherhood’s first album dealt with struggle, negativity and even suicide, the songs also focused on finding hope.

Then, he said, he acknowledged that “it’s OK to be angry,” and his lyrics are more honest. The new album, Despised, deals with band drama, and Nichols lets loose his rage, no-holds-barred.

“Who knows, the next one will probably be more driven by my faith,” he said.

THE HISTORY: Brotherhood formed in 2004, but only Nichols and Field remain from the original lineup after losing two guitarists to the metal band Bleed the Sky.

There’s an age discrepancy among the current members — Field, Nichols and McConnell are in their late 20s and early 30s, while Cantu and Bobadilla are both 21 — but Nichols said it works to their advantage.

“Me and Brent and Dave have been doing it for a long time. It’s a positive thing because they’re learning from us. We have wisdom from experience,” he said. “They bring in the freshness. They’ve got an ear for what’s relevant now, what’s happening now in metal.”

THE ALBUMS: Guilty of Hate EP (2005); Despised EP (2008)

THE WEB SITE: myspace.com/brotherhood

CHECK THEM OUT: At the release party for Despised on Saturday, May 31, at the White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary’s. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and Brotherhood goes on at 11:15 p.m. Cover is $5.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor