Knoxville’s A Body Divided prepares for album release at Sweater Fest on Jan. 29.

by Steele Gamble on Jan 22^nd, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Knoxville deathcore band A Body Divided plans on dressing to impress at Sweater Fest on January 29^th at 9 p.m. at the Longbranch Saloon for the release of their new EP The Rescuer.

The faith-based band is excited to release their EP into a primarily secular music scene. Samuel Stephens, the band’s vocalist, says that the music is something fresh in the scene.

“The Rescuer is pretty much my story coming from a kid who didn’t believe in anything, to what I am now, which I guess is still a kid just trying to figure stuff out, but it’s a story of hope,” Stephens said. “What I think is worth really picking up is just brutal music, but it’s also got this really strong, encouraging message behind it that I think is unique to the death metal scene especially.”

Stephens says that they put a lot of effort into making the music unique for their first EP.

“Each song is very different,” Stephens said. “ We don’t have a formula for our songs, so I can legitimately say that while we may not be like something that nobody’s ever heard of, ever single one of our songs on the CD does sound significantly different.”

The show’s lineup consists of A Hero Remains, Arc, Ancients, A Body Divided, Age of War and Centuries. Patrick Campbell, the band’s guitarist, is looking forward to playing with Age of War.

“They were around in the Knoxville scene a few years ago, and then they split-up,” Campbell said.  “They got back together to play this show with us, so I’m really excited.”

Nashville death metal band Ancients will be playing their first show in Knoxville. Stephens says that the band will receive a warm welcome.

“We played with them a while back in Pulaski, and we love them, and we’re stoked for them to come out,” Stephens said. “Knoxville’s going to fall in love with them pretty quick.”

Stephens says he enjoys playing with secular bands like those on the Sweater Fest lineup.

“Some of the Christian bands we played with aren’t exactly our best friends,” Stephens said. “I mean I love those guys too, but it’s just we honestly seem to click better in the secular scene, which is cool because that’s definitely what we want to do. Not so much to force our beliefs so much but just to kind of show them that not every Christian band is stuck-up kids who think they know everything.”

Stephens says A Body Divided will bring more energy and intensity to Sweater Fest than shows they have played in the past.

“For people that have seen us, you can expect the best performance you’ve ever seen from A Body Divided,” Stephens said. “We’re going to be playing a new song, so kids can get stoked about that.”

Stephens guarantees a good time at the show because of the diverse lineup of bands.

“It’s not the same bands you see every weekend,” Stephens said. “It’s a pretty versatile lineup sound wise, so it’s going to be great bands.”