The Tale Of Algorithm


Algorithm, was formed in Aberdeen, WA in 1996 by local guitarist Mike Carr who had been jamming in low-key local bands, and singer Erik Heimann who had relocated from Eugene, Oregon, where he played bass for the Eugene band, Moth. With Carr being intent on becoming part of a serious project where he could begin writing his own material, and Heimann’s desire to break away from bass and into the role of lead singer, they were looking for the same thing at the same time in a town where such a prospect was tough to be found. The two musicians were introduced by who would be the band’s original drummer and an instant bond was formed.

They instantly began writing music, then known by the name "Jed". At the onset, they had no bass player, and Heimann was forced to assume the role while also taking on all the vocals. After a few months of no luck finding a bassist, Heimann quit, as he had no desire to sacrifice a quality vocal approach because of being hindered by the bass, which he would be the first to admit he wasn’t that great at. It was only due to Carr’s constant pestering that Heimann agreed to come back. Carr knew they had a good thing brewing, and he simply wouldn’t accept Heimann’s early retirement. His vehement insistence finally won Heimann over as he agreed to return to the band while at the same time, Carr had convinced his 15 year-old cousin to take up the role of the bass player. With only a mic in hand, Heimann was finally able to give his full attention to writing the lyrics and melodies, and Carr now had a line-up that meant he could finally hear one of his a songs played from beginning to end.

In these early days, the band weathered the sparse and isolated county of Grays Harbor that had little to offer in the way of a music scene. So, Algorithm had to strive to create one of their own. Starting off with local buddies to fill out the rhythm section, they soon created a loyal local following by rocking local pubs such as the Northwest Passage, and hosting a myriad of all-ages shows in Aberdeen. One example of what was to become a yearly tradition hosted the band, was the annual all-ages "Rocktoberfest", featuring the top unsigned bands of the Pacific Northwest and drew not only hoards of locals, but ticket buyers from as far away as Seattle and Portland, OR.

The Northwest Passage became a regular stomping ground for Algorithm, whose stage show could always be counted on for it’s colorful energy and intensity. The years 1996 and 1997 reflected a burgeoning, albeit small music scene that swept the small and gloomy town of Aberdeen, that Algorithm was stoked to be a large part of. The Passage hosted bands from all over the Northwest, and Algorithm opened for acts such as Gruntruck when the Passage was at its peak. Although not as often as in the past, Algorithm continues to play to the delight of the home crowd at the Northwest Passage, which will always represent a home base of sorts for the band.

Algorithm’s first, low-budget recording ("Curses", no longer in print) was a hodge-podge of different musical styles, with no two songs sounding like they should have been on the same album. This variance however, allowed the band to experiment and hone in on a chosen direction, one that became more decidedly along the lines of Tool and Rage Against The Machine. Stuck in the Harbor, and with no financial backing or outside support of any kind, the band endured on their enthusiasm alone.

Their sophomore recording ("Board & Mortal EP", no longer in print) veered more into that darker and heavier, yet melodic musical stratus that Algorithm continued to drive toward. This again low budget and self-produced recording served as a transition piece for the band in the year 1998 and Algorithm was growing. Algorithm introduced a new rhythm section, include existing bassist Mike Henninger, a young, local player who started out with another local Aberdeen band but was pulled in Algorithm’s direction, attracted to the sound and character that Algorithm was beginning to solidify. At the same time, former Glass Chunk drummer Mike Peterson was recruited, giving Algorithm the thundering punch on drums that it needed. The new rhythm section now allowed for a final latching on of the band’s new sound and musical direction.

Today, Algorithm has undoubtedly arrived, as a musically complex and intricate, yet catchy-as-hell mosh pit maker. In 1999, Algorithm released their first full length major CD-recording, "Patriotic Loaf" and the band members had found their place in the heavy genre. Still with no outside support or backing, the band sold the popular disc on their own with success.

Algorithm recorded it’s second, full length CD recording, "Sanctuary 200" in the year 2000, and the disc has been recognized world-wide. By this time the band had played enough shows to stash away enough money to afford a more quality recording. "Sanctuary 200" was recorded in Aberdeen at "Oceanside Studios" (then known as "Band Room Recording") by local rocker Brian Smith, who once toured with Aberdeen’s own Hall Aflame, using his earnings to open the Aberdeen studio, which is recognized as a top quality recording arena.

"Sanctuary" continued in the path of "Loaf" featuring multi-faceted compositions that challenged and broke away from the typical repetitive verse-chorus formula of mainstream rock music without losing "radio appeal". This time, the quality of the recording and the material were undeniable and people outside the unknown Grays Harbor began to take notice. With success on music downloading websites such as MP3, and gigging in Tacoma, Portland, and Seattle, Algorithm became more recognized, with "Sanctuary" getting rave reviews in regional news and entertainment publishings.

In the year of 2003, it was the Los Angeles recording company, Planet Earth Records that finally gave the band some high-profile attention. After hearing the Sanctuary disc, Planet Earth Records owner John Gocha’ contacted the band and invited them to come to L.A. to sing a contract. After seven years of hard work and endurance at the bottom of the musical totem pole, the band finally got its break. With the signing of the recording contract, the band changed their name from Jed to Algorithm and the future is looking promising for the band members who have indeed paid their dues.


Algorithm is currently writing and preparing for the follow up to "Sanctuary 200". Their new music continues to delve below surfaces and into colorfully enigmatic dimensions, but yet doesn’t stray into anything that feels overly experimental or avant-garde. Algorithm’s music and message is darkly grooving, heavy, melodic, and dynamically and stylistically contrasting enough to thwart any one musical niche, and is definitely not for the weak of heart.

Stay tuned. Algorithm is coming to a cd player near you.