Ninetail

Ninetail is an American metal band from central Pennsylvania. The group forms in the fall of 1999 as a four-piece and later continues in a six-member lineup. Its music is associated with groove metal, metalcore, nu metal and hardcore.

Formation and early years

The original lineup consists of Don Belch on lead guitar, Chris Evan on rhythm guitar, Mark Koncki and Jose Cabrera, who play in the early version before the band changes lineups. Between 1999 and 2002, Ninetail builds a following in the Central Pennsylvania scene and plays shows with bands including Candiria and 40 Below Summer. Belch and Evan then leave to join the local band Spinebelt, bringing the first version of Ninetail to an end.

Reformation and later lineup

After Spinebelt ends in 2004, Belch and Evan regroup and recruit J. William Heitmann on lead vocals, Max Melton on drums, Gregg Weber on keys and samples, and Griff on bass to form the later version of Ninetail. The band restarts activity in spring 2005. Its later lineup is listed as J. William Heitmann, Don Belch, Chris Evan, Griff, Max Melton and Greg Weber.

Recordings and live activity

Ninetail plays more than 130 shows across Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Wisconsin, Connecticut and West Virginia. During this period, it shares stages with God Forbid, Bleed the Sky, Silent Civilian, Static-X, Mushroomhead, Soulfly, Otep, Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, In This Moment, High on Fire, Goatwhore, Watch Them Die, Suicide City, 3 Inches of Blood, Dog Fashion Disco, Scars of Tomorrow, Full Blown Chaos, Soil, Brand New Sin and The Autumn Offering.

The band records its debut full-length album, The Process of Conversion, which is released by Level Nine Entertainment. In October 2007, Chris Appenzeller replaces Max Melton on drums and percussion.

Recognition

Ninetail wins the Project Independent featured artist contest and receives a Project Independent-sponsored national tour in the fall of 2008.

Member backgrounds

J. William Heitmann is identified with Contention League, while Max Melton is identified with Shattered Beneath The Shade. Gregg Weber and Griff are both identified with Survival Theory before joining Ninetail.