January 2025 - Turn it Up: Alter Apex
Alter Apex is a band born out of extraordinary circumstances, proving that even in isolation, creativity can thrive. The group emerged during COVID-19 when the world seemed to stand still. "Alter Apex was born at a time when the world felt disconnected, and music became our anchor," explains Ken Hendricks, the band's lead singer. The band members had each been part of other projects, but the unique challenges of quarantine provided an unexpected opportunity to collaborate. They started by sharing ideas virtually and writing songs remotely, gradually transitioning to in-person sessions as restrictions eased. The result? A profound connection and a burst of creativity culminated in filming their first four music videos the first time they played together in the same room.
The band's lineup includes Ken Hendricks on guitar and vocals, Dexter Gonzales on guitar and vocals, Eric Garay on bass, and Ken Weinman on drums. Together, they bring a dynamic and versatile energy to their music.
When describing their music, Alter Apex draws a clear line to the past while embracing the present. "We're heavily inspired by the raw, emotive energy of 90s grunge—bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains shaped our musical DNA," says Hendricks. Yet, their sound isn't purely a homage to the past. Instead, Alter Apex has crafted a style that fuses the gritty authenticity of grunge with modern production techniques and contemporary influences. "It's about honoring the spirit of grunge while pushing it forward, creating something that feels nostalgic yet new," he adds. This balance between reverence for their roots and a desire to innovate defines their musical identity.
The band's journey to define their sound has been one of evolution. "Our sound has been consistently evolving since we started," Hendricks shares. Initially, their music leaned heavily into classic grunge influences, but over time, they've broadened their palette to include elements of metal, punk, stoner rock, nu-metal, and alt-metal. "Our recent writing has been pushing even further in new directions," he emphasizes, noting that while their grunge roots remain foundational, they're eager to explore new sonic territories. This evolution is a natural part of their growth - a core aspect of their identity as a band.
Looking ahead, Alter Apex has a busy schedule and ambitious plans. They're preparing for a celebration of their new single, "Burn," on January 11th at the Launchpad in Albuquerque. The event promises to be a memorable night, featuring performances from fellow bands Bound, Talking Hours, Crushed, and Death Destroyer, many of whom are also marking their new releases. Reflecting on the past year, the band highlights opportunities to share stages with well-known acts like Alien Ant Farm, Static-X, and Sevendust as milestones they hope to build upon in 2025. They're also exploring the idea of launching their own production company, Alter Apex Productions, which would give them greater control over their performances and offer new ways to connect with fans. "We have some cool ideas brewing," Hendricks says, excited about the possibilities.
For those eager to dive deeper into Alter Apex's music and story, you can check out their website, alterapex.com, which serves as a central hub for all things related to the band. They're also highly active on Instagram, where fans can stay up-to-date with their latest news and behind-the-scenes moments. On YouTube, the band's collection of music videos and episodes of their quarantine-era reaction show, Alter Apex Radio, provides a glimpse into their creative journey. With their latest track, "Burn," set to drop on January 11th, there's no better time to join the Alter Apex community and experience the sound of a band that continues to evolve and inspire.
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