Forming in late 2001 Japunga emerged from the underground heavy rock\metal scene with a 5 track E.P entitled “Beginnings”. With support from Local and National radio the band toured throughout the year to form a small but dedicated fan base.
Following Beginnings was the full-length album “Light At Days End” which saw the band pick up a licensing deal through their Independent label Modern Music
Jef Carter - Vocals Luke Lawrence - Bass
Rudi Weber - Drums
(with Collision Records). The band went on to play and support some of the biggest shows and names in heavy music throughout 2003-2004. (See Achievements)
After 2 years performing live around the country the band is now about to release the forth coming album entitled “Souls Conflicting” through Modern Music and distributed through SonyBMG in November 2005.
“Ambitious, tormented, elaborate and perfectly executed. 9/10”
Karl Mayerhofer BLUNT MAGAZINE
Taken from Review of “SOULS CONFLICTING”
THE MUSIC
Japunga have used a wide variety of music styles to create their own style of music. Their sound is a mix of rock with contempary metal, melodic songs with convicting lyrics and strong melodies.
The songs are written from real life experiences by vocalist Jeff Carter and performed with high energy and emotion needed to bring the songs to life. These songs have been heard on major and local radio stations all over the country (See Achievements)
LIVE
With over 200 shows including over 15 national tours with bands such as Slipknot (USA), Machine Head (USA), Sepultura (Brazil), Hatebreed (USA), Shihad, The Butterfly Effect, 28 Days and Cog, as well as performances at some of Australia’s major festivals including BIG DAY OUT and CRUSTY DEMONS of DIRT, Japunga is considered as a live band that knows how to get the job done. Their high-energy live performances and hard work on the road continues to build a strong fan base throughout Australia.
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Performing at the CRUSTY DEMONS 10th Anniversary show at QLD Raceway May 14th 2005
Supported SLIP KNOT and HATEBREED at the Brisbane Convention Centre January 2005
Supported MACHINE HEAD (USA) at the ARENA OCT 2004
Performed at 2004 BIG DAY OUT Gold Coast on the JJJ Essential Stage
Supported SEPULTURA (BRAZIL) at the ARENA in Brisbane November 2003
Toured with THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT’s Beautiful Mine Tour in April 2004
PERFORMED at Both Canberra and Brisbane METAL FOR THE BRAIN 2005
JAPUNGA'S Label Modern Music has entered into a distribution/ publicity/promotion deal with SonyBMG. Distribution will commence within the month of September 2004.
Released the debut album “L.A.D.E” (Light at Days End) on July 7th through Label Modern Music with an exclusive license to Collision Records with M.R.A Distribution in Australia and New Zealand.
“Never Again” the first release from the debut album has been heard on National and Independent radio stations all around the Country including Major Stations Triple J and Triple M.
“L.A.D.E” reached No. 6 on the A.I.R Charts and stayed in the top 10 for over 10 weeks.
Successfully toured nationally to promote L.A.D.E to most Major cities in Australia.
Played gigs and festivals including –Big Day Out Essential Stage, Crusty Demons, Brisbane Convention Centre, The Arena Brisbane, Gaelic Club Sydney, Hi Fi Bar Melbourne, Overcranked (Main Stage), Market Day (Main-Stage), Rocket Festival (Main-Stage), OZ Fest (Main-Stage), The Annandale, Bar Broadway and the Gershwin Room St Kilda.
Toured and played over 80 shows with bands such as – Slip Knot, Machine Head, Sepultura, Hatebreed, The Butterfly Effect, Cog, Frankenbok, Jerk,
and Full Scale.
Interviewed live on Triple J, Triple M, Bay FM, Triple Z, Triple R and reviewed in nearly every Major and local street press in Australia.
Released the debut E.P. entitled “Beginnings” Nationally in March 2002.
“Beginnings” reached the top 20 in the National AIR charts.
