The story of Alter Der Ruine is not the easiest to tell. Words have found themselves wrapped around far grander ideas, yet when it comes to Alter Der Ruine the quill never succumbs to fatigue, even in the laziest of hands. There are a plethora of histories and crossroads in the life of the group, but of the many versions of their tale the one constant that always remains the same states that the collective was the mind-birth of Mike Jenney in the year 2005.
Jenney, a drummer by trade, had de...
The story of Alter Der Ruine is not the easiest to tell. Words have found themselves wrapped around far grander ideas, yet when it comes to Alter Der Ruine the quill never succumbs to fatigue, even in the laziest of hands. There are a plethora of histories and crossroads in the life of the group, but of the many versions of their tale the one constant that always remains the same states that the collective was the mind-birth of Mike Jenney in the year 2005.
Jenney, a drummer by trade, had developed and honed his musical ability in the mean streets of Tucson, Arizona from a young age. After years of testing many different musical waters, he settled upon a style of sound that was to be classified as "Industrial". From there he worked tirelessly and completed an album entitled "The Ruine Process" in 2006.
Not one to let the winds of sloth fill his sails, he cast forth Alter Der Ruine into the fray of live music. Clubs and bars were subsequently introduced to his brand and developed keen ears that would prick up at the first hint of a distorted kick-drum, akin to a jackal at dusk upon hearing the bleating of a fallen lamb. Soon he acquired the help of another Tucson native who also went by the name of Mike (to avoid confusion many have chosen to differentiate between the two by addressing them as Mike J. and Mike T., the T standing for Treveloni, which can be rhymed with any Italian food).
Mike T. was initially tapped to present the listener with images to accompany the music. Later it was decided that he would participate in the writing for ADR and become a fixture on stage alongside Mike J.. Over the next year the two of them wrote the 2nd album "State of Ruin" which was released in 2007. Both of them vowed afterwards to never name an album with the word "Ruin" in it again.
At this point Alter Der Ruine had built a solid fan base and needed more support in the live aspect. To complete the lineup and to further enhance the group's sound, yet another Tucsonan by the name of Jacob Rouse was pulled on board. Jacob brought with him many talents as well as an exquisite knowledge of Metal music , which the latter isn't particularly relevant but serves more as trivia. He also provides a set of hoofs in the ADR writing stable, which is not to be confused with a stud ranch (see photos).
From there the trio continue to evolve and develop, opening new doors and kicking them down when needed, especially if a door is stubborn or weather warped. They are not of the shy persuasion, be it on stage or in their remixes, consciously choosing not to repeat themselves, but to expand like a swelled gut over a cinched waist-belt. Their eyes are always on the horizon, chasing a sun they will never let fall.
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