Novus

Novus is Los Angeles-based hard rock/heavy metal band formed in 2007. Drawing on influences from American hard rock and prog bands (Tool, Metallica, Dream Theater) and combining them with influences from the rapidly growing European metal scene (Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation), Novus has forged a song-oriented style with enough musical chops to please any listener from non-musicians to virtuosos. After departing from a latin rock band, guitarist Oz Rios and singer Jasmine Damm decided to lay the foundation for a new musical project based on their love of hard rock. To compliment Oz's guitar style, the pair got in contact with Oz's longtime guitar accomplice Mike Govea. Mike was also studying sound recording and engineering at UCLA and welcomed the opportunity to use what he'd learned at school outside of the classroom. With two wild guitar players and a commanding frontwoman already in place, the trio was presented with the task of finding a rhythm section capable of keeping up with this demanding melodic attack. Jasmine recommended Oz get in contact with Russell Barr, a drummer the two had graduated from high school with. Russell immediately jumped at the opportunity to play with his old friends again and the quartet was left needing only a bass player. After a few less than promising auditions, Jasmine recommended that Oz get in touch with another high school acquaintance, Dan Hixson. Dan had played with Oz in the afore mentioned band prior to Jasmine's involvement and had unsuccessfully tried to start a few other musical projects with Oz and Jasmine. Not one to be dismayed, Dan immediately got on board, thrilled to be able to play with such a talented group of musicians.