The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza

Singled out early on by Alternative Press Magazine as "one of the underground's fiercest live acts," The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza cut its teeth in the mid 00's, touring with the likes of The Red Chord, The Acacia Strain, A Life Once Lost, Cattle Decapitation, Misery Index, Despised Icon, and Beneath The Massacre. With a rep for dazzling chops and planet-smashing heaviness, balanced by a healthy sense of humor, the Tennessee band released two albums - 2005's self-titled debut and 2007's Danza II: Electric Boogaloo - honing a style that would help pave the way for the current explosion of forward-thinking aggressive bands.

Fast forward to 2010. Danza - now comprised of founder Jessie Freeland on vocals, longtime multi-instrumentalist Josh Travis on strings, and new recruit Mike Bradley on drums - returns with its long-awaited third album, Danza III: The Series of Unfortunate Events. Danza III might just be the comeback of the year. Amidst a scene of bands inspired by its older work, Danza has risen to a whole new tier and delivered one of the single most anthemic albums of its genre.

Frontman Jessie Freeland describes Danza III: "Lyrically, Danza III's themes are exactly what the title suggests: a chronicle of unfortunate events, personal, social, political, and global. Musically, we see it as an accumulation of Danza I and Danza II combined. We spent a lot of time structuring the album with three main musical elements: tech, groove, and ambience." Indeed, Danza has taken these three musical elements and finessed them to razor-sharp perfection. But most importantly, the band has succeeded in taking these elements and making an album that completely rocks.

Tech: On Danza III, the musicianship shines brighter than ever but what makes the shredding really bury the competition is that it is all done for the sake of the songs. This is not showboating, this is rocking.

Groove: Danza III churns along like a freight train, rolling forth with hypnotic mid-tempo momentum and punctuated by absolutely murderous rhythms. It is one sweet ride, from start to finish.

Ambience: Danza III is packed with atmospheric layers and haunting hooks that open up vast new dimensions. Melodies evoke everything from the twisted black metal of Krallice to the industrial stadium rock of Nine Inch Nails. Danza III is full of surprises - sounds one might never expect - but everything is done with a purpose and the end result is nothing short of stunning.

So powerful, so unforgettable, and still totally out-there, Danza III just reset the bar.

Danza III: The Series of Unfortunate Events was recorded at Anthem Productions in Nashville, Tennessee with Jeremiah Scott (The Showdown, Destroy Destroy Destroy) and Steve Blackmon. The Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza has just completed a North American tour with Impending Doom, Through the Eyes of the Dead, Arsonists Get All the Girls, and Chelsea Grin. Look for the band on tour throughout 2010 in support of Danza III...